Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakoot Puja or Padwa, is an important Hindu festival celebrated the day after Diwali. This festival commemorates the divine act of Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan to save the people of Vrindavan from torrential rains. It shows gratitude towards nature and the importance of humility, devotion and faith in God.
According to the Drik Panchang, in 2025, Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 22, a day after Diwali, which falls on October 21.
Govardhan Puja 2025: Date and time
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Festival Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Govardhan Puja morning time: 06:28 am to 08:45 am (based on Hindu calendar)
Pratipada date start: October 21, 2025 at 17:54
Pratipada date ends: October 22, 2025 at 20:16
The morning time of Pratipada Tithi is considered auspicious for performing Govardhan Puja rituals.
Why is Govardhan Puja celebrated a day after Diwali?
Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the next day of Diwali as it coincides with the first day of Shukla Paksha Pratipada of Kartik month. While Diwali marks the victory of light over darkness and Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, Govardhan Puja highlights Lord Krishna’s victory over ego and ignorance, teaching the value of devotion and humility.
The festival also marks the beginning of the new year in some parts of India, especially in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra, where it is celebrated as the Vikram Samvat New Year (Annakoot Utsav or Padwa).
Mythology behind Govardhan Puja
According to Hindu mythology, the people of Vrindavan used to worship Lord Indra, the god of rain, to ensure a good harvest. However, Lord Krishna questioned this practice and assured the villagers that Govardhan Mountain, a symbol of nature and nurture, was what truly sustained them.
Angered, Lord Indra caused heavy rainfall to punish the villagers. To protect them, Krishna lifted Govardhan Mountain on his little finger and sheltered everyone under it for seven days and nights. Humbled by Krishna’s power and devotion, Indra apologized and peace was restored.
Since then, devotees worship Govardhan Parvat and Lord Krishna on this day as a reminder of faith, humility and gratitude towards nature.
Rituals and Celebrations
On Govardhan Puja, devotees make a miniature Govardhan Parvat, symbolizing Govardhan Mountain, using cow dung, soil or food grains. Prasad known as Annakoot (mountain of food) is made to express gratitude to God for nourishment and protection, which includes various vegetarian dishes, sweets and delicacies.
People perform Govardhan Parikrama around temples or symbolic hills, offering prayers and singing hymns dedicated to Lord Krishna. Cows are also decorated and worshiped on this day as they represent divine blessings and sustenance.
In the evening, devotees light lamps, offer prayers and share food with family and the needy, spreading the message of selflessness and gratitude.
Importance of Govardhan Puja
The festival of Govardhan Puja carries a deep spiritual meaning. It emphasizes that faith and humility overcome pride and that man should live in harmony with nature. The act of Lord Krishna teaches us to rely on devotion and selfless service rather than ego and pride.
The festival also honors cows, mountains, rain and soil, recognizing them as essential sources of life and abundance. By performing Annakoot, devotees express their gratitude for divine sustenance and pray for prosperity, peace and security in the coming year.
Govardhan Puja 2025 will be celebrated on October 22, a day after Diwali. It is a day to remember Lord Krishna’s lesson of humility and gratitude, celebrate nature’s bounty and divine protection. Performing Annakoot, lighting lamps and performing the puja devotionally invites positivity, prosperity and blessings in one’s life.
Celebrate this Govardhan Puja by embracing love, faith and gratitude – the true essence of Krishna’s message to mankind.
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