Govardhan Puja is one of the major festivals in the Hinduism. This is the day when Lord Krishna and Lord Indra are worshipped. This is one of the Pujas that have been celebrated since the mythological times. It is said that during the time when Lord Krishna lived in Vrindavan, this puja started.
Mythological History
Lord Indra is the lord of rain in the Hinduism. It was said that once Lord Indra got furious and arrogant. He lashed the world with severe rain and lives of the people were threatened. However, Lord Krishna then saved the life of the people. He lifted the mighty Govardhan Mountain with his little finger and all the people came and took shelter under the mountain. Krishna was the incarnation of the Lord Vishnu and he saved the lives of the people with his mighty power and wisdom. This is the day, people majorly from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Bihar, worship Lord Krishna for his blessings and worship Lord Indra to please him.
How Govardhan Puja is celebrated
The Govardhan Puja is celebrated by preparing sweets and other food items made up of cereals. This is one of the major ingredients for the Puja to please the God. A huge hillock is made of cow dung and it is decorated flower. The hillock is worshipped to please Lord Krishna as the cow and bulls are dear to him. Another mountain of the food items is made. This mountain of food is also decorated and worshipped. After the end of the puja, the Prasadam or the Sanctified food of the mountain is distributed among the people. People also encircle the hillock of the cow dung and worship the hillock. Hundreds of temples do the Puja and distribute the food among all.
When is Govardhan Puja celebrated?
The Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the very first lunar day of the ShuklaPaksha. This is done in the month of Karthika of Hindu Calendar.
Other Versions
The Govardhan Puja is also celebrated in other names in the different parts of the country. In Maharashtra, people celebrate this day as the Bali Padva to celebrate the boon of King Bali by the Lord Vamana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. In some parts, this puja is celebrated as Annakut Puja where food items made up of cereals, gram flour, and leafy vegetables are offered.
Faith has always been one of the strongest parts of the Indian colourful heritage and hue of culture and the Govardhan Puja is one among them.