Govardhan Puja 2025 will be celebrated with great devotion and joy on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, across India. Also known as Annakut Puja, the festival comes right after Diwali and commemorates the day when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Gokul from torrential rains sent by Lord Indra. The festival beautifully blends spirituality, culture, and nature, reminding devotees of the importance of gratitude and faith.
Govardhan Puja 2025: Date, Time, and Tithi Details
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Govardhan Puja is observed on the Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, a day after Diwali.
The Divine Story Behind Govardhan Puja: When Lord Krishna Challenged Indra
The story of Govardhan Puja finds its roots in the Srimad Bhagavatam. Lord Krishna, as a young boy, advised the people of Gokul to worship Mount Govardhan instead of performing lavish offerings to Lord Indra, the god of rain. Krishna explained that Govardhan Hill provided them with fertile soil, grazing fields for cattle, and natural protection, making it more deserving of their gratitude.
Angered by the villagers’ decision, Lord Indra unleashed relentless rains upon Gokul. To protect the people and animals, Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger, forming a massive umbrella that shielded everyone for seven days. Realising his mistake, Indra bowed to Krishna and ended the storm.
This divine act came to symbolise the victory of faith over arrogance, and since then, devotees celebrate Govardhan Puja to honour Lord Krishna and express gratitude towards nature.
Why Govardhan Puja Is Celebrated: The Spiritual and Environmental Message
Govardhan Puja is not just a mythological tale, it carries a profound spiritual and ecological message. The festival teaches the importance of living in harmony with nature and being thankful for the elements that sustain life, the earth, water, vegetation, and animals.
Spiritually, the day reminds devotees that true faith lies in humility and gratitude, not in pride or fear. Lord Krishna’s act symbolises divine protection for those who live truthfully and respect the environment.
In several parts of India, especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra, Govardhan Puja also marks the beginning of the new financial year. Business communities perform special prayers for prosperity and success in the year ahead.
Govardhan Puja Rituals and Traditions: How the Day Is Celebrated
Govardhan Puja, though celebrated differently across regions, retains one core essence, honouring nature and Lord Krishna. The day is marked by colourful rituals, delicious offerings, and heartfelt devotion.
1. Annakut: The Mountain of Food
The word Annakut translates to “mountain of food.” Devotees prepare an elaborate spread of vegetarian dishes, sweets, pulses, curries, and snacks to offer to Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill. The offerings symbolise abundance and divine nourishment, expressing gratitude for the year’s harvest. Temples like Dwarkadhish Temple (Mathura) and ISKCON temples worldwide are beautifully decorated with food displays resembling small hills.
2. Creating the Govardhan Symbol
A miniature Govardhan Hill is made using cow dung or mud, symbolising the sacred mountain. It is decorated with flowers, pebbles, and small figurines representing cows, birds, and villagers. This symbolic Govardhan is then worshipped with incense, diyas, and food offerings.
3. Performing Aarti and Chanting Bhajans
Devotees perform aarti during the auspicious Pratahkala or Sayankala Muhurat. The atmosphere fills with chants of “Govardhan Giridhari Lal Ki Jai” and melodious Krishna bhajans. The lighting of diyas and blowing of conch shells mark the moment of spiritual bliss and gratitude.
4. Govardhan Parikrama: The Sacred Walk Around the Hill
One of the most significant rituals is the Govardhan Parikrama, where devotees walk around the sacred Govardhan Hill in Mathura, a 21 km circumambulation believed to wash away sins and bring divine blessings. For those unable to visit Mathura, circumambulating the symbolic mound at home holds equal spiritual value.
5. Distribution of Prasad
After the prayers, the Annakut offerings are distributed as prasad among devotees, family, and friends. Sharing this blessed food is considered highly auspicious and a symbol of community and togetherness.
Govardhan Puja Celebrations Across India
Govardhan Puja celebrations differ across regions:
As India celebrates Govardhan Puja 2025, the festival reminds everyone of the power of devotion, gratitude, and ecological balance. Lord Krishna’s act of lifting the hill is not just a miracle, it is a timeless lesson about respecting the natural world that sustains us.
From performing Annakut Puja to walking around the sacred Govardhan Hill, the rituals reflect a deep connection between spirituality and nature, a connection that remains just as meaningful today.
Govardhan Puja 2025: Date, Time, and Tithi Details
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Govardhan Puja is observed on the Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, a day after Diwali.
- Govardhan Puja Date: Wednesday, 22 October 2025
- Pratahkala Muhurat: 06:26 AM to 08:42 AM (Duration: 2 hours 16 minutes)
- Sayankala Muhurat: 03:29 PM to 05:44 PM (Duration: 2 hours 16 minutes)
- Pratipada Tithi Begins: 05:54 PM on 21 October 2025
- Pratipada Tithi Ends: 08:16 PM on 22 October 2025
The Divine Story Behind Govardhan Puja: When Lord Krishna Challenged Indra
The story of Govardhan Puja finds its roots in the Srimad Bhagavatam. Lord Krishna, as a young boy, advised the people of Gokul to worship Mount Govardhan instead of performing lavish offerings to Lord Indra, the god of rain. Krishna explained that Govardhan Hill provided them with fertile soil, grazing fields for cattle, and natural protection, making it more deserving of their gratitude.
Angered by the villagers’ decision, Lord Indra unleashed relentless rains upon Gokul. To protect the people and animals, Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger, forming a massive umbrella that shielded everyone for seven days. Realising his mistake, Indra bowed to Krishna and ended the storm.
This divine act came to symbolise the victory of faith over arrogance, and since then, devotees celebrate Govardhan Puja to honour Lord Krishna and express gratitude towards nature.
Why Govardhan Puja Is Celebrated: The Spiritual and Environmental Message
Govardhan Puja is not just a mythological tale, it carries a profound spiritual and ecological message. The festival teaches the importance of living in harmony with nature and being thankful for the elements that sustain life, the earth, water, vegetation, and animals.
Spiritually, the day reminds devotees that true faith lies in humility and gratitude, not in pride or fear. Lord Krishna’s act symbolises divine protection for those who live truthfully and respect the environment.
In several parts of India, especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra, Govardhan Puja also marks the beginning of the new financial year. Business communities perform special prayers for prosperity and success in the year ahead.
Govardhan Puja Rituals and Traditions: How the Day Is Celebrated
Govardhan Puja, though celebrated differently across regions, retains one core essence, honouring nature and Lord Krishna. The day is marked by colourful rituals, delicious offerings, and heartfelt devotion.
1. Annakut: The Mountain of Food
The word Annakut translates to “mountain of food.” Devotees prepare an elaborate spread of vegetarian dishes, sweets, pulses, curries, and snacks to offer to Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill. The offerings symbolise abundance and divine nourishment, expressing gratitude for the year’s harvest. Temples like Dwarkadhish Temple (Mathura) and ISKCON temples worldwide are beautifully decorated with food displays resembling small hills.
2. Creating the Govardhan Symbol
A miniature Govardhan Hill is made using cow dung or mud, symbolising the sacred mountain. It is decorated with flowers, pebbles, and small figurines representing cows, birds, and villagers. This symbolic Govardhan is then worshipped with incense, diyas, and food offerings.
3. Performing Aarti and Chanting Bhajans
Devotees perform aarti during the auspicious Pratahkala or Sayankala Muhurat. The atmosphere fills with chants of “Govardhan Giridhari Lal Ki Jai” and melodious Krishna bhajans. The lighting of diyas and blowing of conch shells mark the moment of spiritual bliss and gratitude.
4. Govardhan Parikrama: The Sacred Walk Around the Hill
One of the most significant rituals is the Govardhan Parikrama, where devotees walk around the sacred Govardhan Hill in Mathura, a 21 km circumambulation believed to wash away sins and bring divine blessings. For those unable to visit Mathura, circumambulating the symbolic mound at home holds equal spiritual value.
5. Distribution of Prasad
After the prayers, the Annakut offerings are distributed as prasad among devotees, family, and friends. Sharing this blessed food is considered highly auspicious and a symbol of community and togetherness.
Govardhan Puja Celebrations Across India
Govardhan Puja celebrations differ across regions:
- In Mathura and Vrindavan, the festivities are grand, with thousands of devotees visiting temples dedicated to Lord Krishna.
- In Gujarat, the day also marks Bestu Varas, the Gujarati New Year, when business owners open new account books with prayers to Lakshmi and Vishwakarma.
- In Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, homes are decorated with lamps, and miniature Govardhan Hills are worshipped early in the morning.
As India celebrates Govardhan Puja 2025, the festival reminds everyone of the power of devotion, gratitude, and ecological balance. Lord Krishna’s act of lifting the hill is not just a miracle, it is a timeless lesson about respecting the natural world that sustains us.
From performing Annakut Puja to walking around the sacred Govardhan Hill, the rituals reflect a deep connection between spirituality and nature, a connection that remains just as meaningful today.
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