Govardhan Puja, A Celebration of Gratitude and Harvest : Today Govardhan Puja is being celebrated with devotion and devotion across the country. Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakoot or Govardhan Utsav, is a major festival celebrated in India, especially in Uttar Pradesh. This festival will be celebrated the next day of Diwali. Lord Shri Krishna is especially worshiped on this day, who lifted Govardhan Mountain on his little finger to save the people of Braj from the wrath of Lord Indra.
On this day devotees make the figure of Lord Krishna from cow dung and worship him ritually. It is believed that this worship brings happiness, prosperity and success in life. There is also a tradition of offering curried rice and Annakoot on the occasion of Govardhan Puja.
According to the legend, when Lord Indra got angry with the villagers of Gokul and decided to cause torrential rain, then Lord Krishna saved the villagers from the rain by lifting Govardhan Mountain on his little finger. After this, devotees celebrate Govardhan Puja in memory of this leela of Shri Krishna. Through this incident it was shown that God protects his devotees.
Govardhan Puja is also known as Annakoot, because on this day various types of grains and fruits are offered to the Lord. Annakoot means 'heap of grains', and it symbolizes that God has provided us with grains and food items with his blessings. On this day, at many places, curry rice is prepared and offered to God as bhog. Along with this, Prasad of various dishes is offered. This tradition has been going on for years and is considered important to bring happiness and prosperity to homes.
Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakoot or Govardhan Utsav, has a deep connection with agriculture. One of the main purposes of Govardhan Puja or Annakoot is to express gratitude towards agricultural production. Farmers thank Lord Krishna and Govardhan Mountain on this day for the good production of their crops. This is also the time to offer offerings of new grains, which is the time after the harvest.
Govardhan Puja symbolizes the conservation of natural resources especially land and water. Lord Krishna raised Govardhan Mountain to save it from the wrath of Indra, which shows that respecting and preserving the elements of nature is necessary. This message is important for agriculture even today, as sustainable agriculture and conservation of natural resources is an important aspect of current agricultural practices. During Govardhan Puja, people of the community come together to prepare bhog and enjoy a shared meal. This collectivity is also important in the field of agriculture, where farmers work with cooperation and solidarity. This also highlights the importance of community cooperation in agriculture.
Other agricultural deities are also worshiped in Govardhan Puja, such as Saraswati Devi and Annapurna Devi, who symbolize crop growth and prosperity. On this day, prayers are especially offered for the protection and growth of crops.
On the day of Govardhan Puja, devotees make the shape of Govardhan Mountain with cow dung. It is installed in the courtyard of the house or in the temple and then it is worshipped. This tradition shows respect and gratitude towards nature. 'Annakoot' or 'Govardhan Puja offering' is specially prepared on this day. It includes a variety of food items such as rice, pulses, vegetables and sweets. Devotees offer this food to God and then consume it themselves. At many places during Govardhan Puja, tableaux are taken out, in which the pastimes of Lord Krishna are displayed. Cultural programs are also organized at many places which include dance, songs and drama.
