Govardhan Puja is one of the special festivals celebrated just after Diwali. It will take place on November 2, 2024. On this auspicious day, people celebrate the extraordinary act of Lord Krishna protecting people by lifting Govardhan Hill on his little finger and sheltering the people of Vrindavan from a powerful storm. This festival celebrates not only Lord Krishna but also the importance of the bond between humans and nature. As Govardhan Puja 2024 approaches, let’s dive into the significance of this magical day, date, when Govardhan puja muhurat, and rituals and understand the deeper meaning of this day.

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Govardhan Puja 2024: Date And Muhurat

• Puja 2024 Date​: 2nd November 2024 (Saturday)
• Puja Time (Pratahkal Muhurat): From 06:34 AM to 08:46 AM (IST) – 2 hours 12 minutes
• Govardhan Puja Time (Sayankala Muhurat): From 03:23 PM to 05:35 PM (IST) – 2 hours 12 minutes
• Pratipada Tithi (Starting Time): 06:16 PM, 1st November 2024 (Friday)
• Pratipada Tithi (Ending Time): 08:21 PM, 2nd November 2024 (Saturday)

What does Govardhan Mean?

Govardhan is a sacred hill which is located in Braj, Mathura District of Uttar Pradesh, about 150 kilometers from Delhi. Above all, this location holds significance. Because it connects to Lord Krishna, who spent his childhood in this region. This place is linked to several miracles from Krishna’s early life. Particularly his lifting of Govardhan Hill with his little finger to protect the people of Braj from heavy rains.

Story of Govardhan Puja

The story of Govardhan Puja centers around Lord Krishna’s one such act of bravery and his childhood in Braj, which leads to the celebration of this festival.

According to the Vishnu Puran, the people of Vrindavan, who lived near Mount Govardhan Hill, used to worship Lord Indra, the god of rain, to ensure good weather for their crops as well as cattle.

However, Lord Krishna felt dissatisfied with this. And believed they should worship Mount Govardhan Hill instead. He said that the mountain, with its trees as well as grass, provided everything they needed to survive i.e. oxygen as well as fresh grass-fed their cattle.

Meanwhile, Lord Krishan explained to his father and the villagers that forest dwellers should depend on nature, not on distant gods. Also, Krishna stopped the villagers from offering large amounts of food to Indra. And told them to use it to feed their own families as well as other needy.

Finally, following his advice, the people of Vrindavan began worshiping Govardhan Hill instead of Lord Indra.

This angered Lord Indra, known for his quick temper toward those who stopped worshiping him. Indra sent heavy rains to punish the villagers, causing fear and panic.

But Krishna, seeing the suffering of the villagers, immediately took them near Govardhan Hill and lifted the entire mountain on his little finger. To provide them with shelter and protection from the storm. However, for seven continuous days, Krishna held up the hill and protected the villagers as well as their animals from the bad storm.

Finally, when Indra realized that the young boy who lifted Govardhan Hill was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He admitted his mistake, apologized, and fell at Krishna’s feet. So, this day becomes highly significant and is celebrated every year as Govardhan puja wishes to remind us of Krishna’s love and his protection of nature.

Why is Govardhan Puja celebrated?

People celebrate Govardhan Puja to remember the incredible act of Lord Krishna. Who lifted Govardhan Hill with his little finger to save the people of Vrindavan from heavy rains. So, the main purpose of this puja is to honor Lord Krishan’s divine help as well as his selfless act of protecting the villagers and to remind us of the importance of faith in Krishna and his role as a protector of those in need.

Rituals of Govardhan Puja 2024

Several important rituals celebrate Govardhan Puja. Here are some main rituals to follow:

1. Pratahkal Govardhan Puja

This morning, rituals start after sunrise. Devotees clean and decorate the worship area with flowers and colorful rangoli for Govardhan puja. They make a small hill using cow dung or clay to represent Govardhan hill. After a morning prayer called Aarti, they offer different foods as well as sweets to the deity.

2. Sandhya Govardhan Puja

Now, in the evening, called Sandhya Puja, devotees create a larger hill of cow dung or clay to symbolize the Govardhan hill again. And they prepare a bug feast of food items, grains, and sweets known as Anankut. Also, devotional songs, as well as hymns, honor the deity.

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3. Govardhan Parikrama

After the evening, Pujam devotees take part in the Govardhan parikrama. Which means walking around the hill or the idol to seek blessings and show gratitude. You can celebrate this individually or as a community in groups.

4. Annakut Darshan

Devotees can see the Annakut overnight, and it is shared with them the next day.

5. Bhajan and Kirtan

Throughout the day, devotees sing bhajans and kirtans. Which praise lord Krishna as well as tell stories of his wonderful deeds.

6. Govardhan Puja Prasad Distribution

A highlight of the festival is giving out prasad, which blesses food to family and friends. People believe that eating prasad brings good luck as well as prosperity.

How Is Govardhan Puja Celebrated?

To celebrate the Govardhan Puja this year. Devotees create a small replica of Govardhan Hill. Use cow dung or clay and decorate it with flowers. Then, the people worship the hill with devotion, singing bhajans and reciting prayers to honor lord Krishna. Meanwhile, a wide variety of dishes and sweets are offered during Annakut puja that are prepared and offered to the deity as a symbol of gratitude. This celebration shows the spirit of devotion. And community while acknowledging Krishna’s divine protection.

Govardhan Puja 2024: Tips to Attract Prosperity

To make the most of Govardhan Puja, here are some useful tips to attract prosperity and blessings:

1. Perform Govardhan Parikrama: If you can visit Govardhan Hill in Mathura or walk around a replica of the hill you made at home, then this is a good way to gain spiritual merit.
2. Offer Annakut with Devotion: Prepare a big feast and offer it to the deities. So, this shows gratitude for the harvest as well as helps attract blessings of wealth and abundance.
3. Donate Food: Share your blessings by wishing happy Govardhan puja and giving food to those in need. So, this shows the act of kindness balances your energy as well as invites more prosperity into your life.
4. Chant Krishna Mantras: Reciting mantras like “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or “Govardhan Ashtakam” helps boost spiritual energy as well as bring positivity.

Conclusion

Govardhan Puja is not just a festival, it celebrates the connection between people and nature and the significance of Lord Krishna’s protective nature. This year, you can celebrate this special festival on November 2, 2024. We hope this article helps you know everything about Govardhan Puja, its rituals, dates, muhurat, as well as the significance of this festival.