Govardhan Puja 2024: Date, Rituals, Astrological Significance and Story Behind
About Govardhan Puja 2024
Govardhan Puja is celebrated two days after Diwali. It’s celebrated to mark the victory of Bhagawan Krishna over Devraj Indra. The day is especially celebrated with enthusiasm in the states of Haryana, Punjab, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. This holy day emphasises the value of humility. It is also celebrated as a mark of gratitude towards Bhagwan Krishna and an opportunity to renew the faith in him.
It occurs on the 1st lunar day (Ekam) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the month of Kartik, which is usually the day after Diwali. It is marked in the Bhagavata Purana that Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from torrential rains created by Indra. It is a reminder of how God protects his devotees when they need him most. Here, we will tell you everything about Govardhan Puja 2024, its Muhrat, significance, rituals, and puja vidhi.
Govardhan Puja 2024 Muhrat
Govardhan Puja is on Saturday, November 2, 2024
Govardhan Puja Pratahkala Muhurat: 06:32 AM to 08:47 AM
Duration: 02 Hours 15 Mins
Dyuta Krida on Saturday, November 2, 2024
Govardhan Puja Sayankala Muhurat: 03:33 PM to 05:48 PM
Duration: 02 Hours 15 Mins
Pratipada Tithi Begins: 06:16 PM on Nov 1, 2024
Pratipada Tithi Ends: 08:21 PM on Nov 2, 2024
Significance of Govardhan Puja
Govardhan is considered the embodiment of Shri Krishna. Traditionally, anyone who worships him on this day gains property of wealth and cows at their home.
In some places, people also worship Vishwakarma on this day. Therefore, machines and tools that are used in work are worshipped.
Astrological Significance of the Govardhan Puja
The festivals fall on the days after Diwali, and it coincides with Shukla Paksha Pratipada of Kartik. This period is extremely auspicious for new beginnings and seeking divine blessings. The energies of this time can enhance the spiritual practices and are considered the best time for puja and rituals.
What are the Rituals of Govardhan Puja 2024?
Devotees need to prepare a replica of Govardhan from cow dung. That is decorated with flowers.
For puja, they can offer items like incense, lamps, food, water, flowers, and fruits to Govardhan replica.
On this day, animals that play an important role in agriculture, like cows and bulls, are worshipped.
Govardhan Ji is sculpted from cow dung in the form of a man lying down. Instead of his navel, a clay lamp is positioned, filled with a mixture of milk, yoghurt, Ganga water, honey, sugar, and sweets. After the puja, this offering is distributed as prasad.
Parikrama is performed next. On this day, Bhagwan Krishna and Govardhan Maharaj are offered a grand feast of Annakut and Khichdi.
Why is Govardhan Puja Observed?
Once upon a time, Devraj Indra, driven by anger, unleashed torrential rains on the residents of Braj. During this crisis, Bhagwan Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan mountain with a single finger to shield the people and humiliate Indra Dev. Brajvasi gathered their provisions and remained beneath the mountains for 7 days. They combined their food supplies in order to make sure everyone had enough to eat. The combination of grains and vegetables eaten became “Annakut,” a dish cherished by Shri Krishna.
Since then, every year on the 1st day of the Kartik maas, Shukla Paksha tithi, the Govardhan mountain is worshipped. All the vegetables and food items are mixed to create Annakut. That is offered to Bhagwan Krishna and Govardhan Maharaj. A “Khichdi” is also prepared on this day from rice and yoghurt and is presented to the god.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the time of Govardhan Puja?
A: Govardhan Puja Pratahkala Muhurat is 06:32 AM to 08:47 AM
Q: What is done in Govardhan Puja?
A: Devotees need to prepare a replica of Govardhan from cow dung and worship it.
Q: Why is Govardhan Puja celebrated?
A: Govardhan Puja is celebrated as a mark of gratitude towards Bhagwan Krishna and an opportunity to renew the faith in him.