Govardhan Puja is the fourth day of the five-day Diwali period. It honours Lord Krishna’s protection of the people of Braj and celebrates gratitude towards nature, cattle and the land that feeds us. It is also known as Annakut, which means “mountain of food”.
Govardhan Puja 2026 Date
In 2026 Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) is on Sunday, 8 November. Because of how the Pratipada tithi falls, North Indian panchangs list Govardhan Puja and Annakut on Tuesday, 10 November, followed by Bhai Dooj on Wednesday, 11 November. In the UK, USA and UAE the same observance is listed one day earlier, on 9 November. Always check your local panchang for exact puja timings.
The Story Behind Govardhan Puja
According to the Bhagavata Purana, the people of Vrindavan used to worship Indra, the god of rain, after the monsoon. Young Krishna gently suggested that they thank Govardhan Hill instead, because it gave grass to the cows and nourished the land. Angered, Indra sent heavy rain on Braj. Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on the little finger of his left hand and sheltered the villagers and their cattle for seven days until Indra’s pride dissolved.
The lesson is simple and timeless: respect nature, practise humility and remember that every blessing deserves gratitude.
What Is Annakut and Chappan Bhog?
Annakut means a heap of food. Devotees prepare many dishes and arrange them in front of Krishna or a symbolic Govardhan. In many temples the offering is Chappan Bhog, 56 items such as sweets, grains, vegetables and savouries. After the aarti the food is distributed as prasad.
Simple Govardhan Puja Vidhi at Home
Clean the home and wear fresh clothes. Many families make a small Govardhan mound from cow dung or clay in the courtyard or on a plate. A picture or idol of Krishna also works.
Decorate the mound with flowers, diyas and small figures of cows and villagers.
Light a diya and offer roli, rice, flowers and incense.
Offer the prepared food, kheer, puri, sabzi, kadhi, sweets, as Annakut.
Perform aarti, chant “Hare Krishna” or the Krishna mantra you follow, and walk around the mound (parikrama) with devotion.
Distribute the prasad among family, neighbours and those in need.
Note : Practices vary by region and family tradition. Follow the custom of your family or consult a trusted priest.
Govardhan Parikrama in Mathura and Vrindavan
Pilgrims travel to Govardhan near Mathura to walk the parikrama path around the hill, which is about 21 km long. Many walk barefoot, stopping at kunds and temples on the way. The Vrindavan and Mathura temples hold large Annakut darshans on this day.
A Meaningful Way to Observe Annakut: Annadaan
Annakut is, at heart, a festival of sharing food. Through Maa Annapurna Seva, Agnitra Foundation serves nourishing satvik meals to poor children, widows and elderly people in Vrindavan. A donation of ₹50 feeds one person, and donations are eligible for 80G tax benefits. Sponsoring a meal in the name of your family is a simple way to bring the spirit of Annakut into daily life.
To seek guidance on a family puja, Vastu for your kitchen or a personal consultation, you can make an appointment with Tantrguru Shree Ganesh Dubey in Delhi, Mumbai, Vrindavan or online.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Govardhan Puja in 2026?
Govardhan Puja 2026 is on Tuesday, 10 November in North India, after Diwali on Sunday, 8 November. In the UK, USA and UAE it is listed on Monday, 9 November. Check your local panchang for exact timings.
What is Annakut?
Annakut means a mountain of food. On Govardhan Puja, devotees offer a large variety of cooked dishes to Lord Krishna, often 56 items called Chappan Bhog, and later share the food as prasad.
Why is Govardhan Puja celebrated?
It celebrates Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from Indra’s heavy rains, and teaches gratitude towards nature and humility before the divine.
How do you do Govardhan Puja at home?
Make a small Govardhan mound or place a Krishna image, decorate it, light a diya, offer the prepared food as Annakut, perform aarti, walk around the mound and distribute prasad.
Is Govardhan Puja the same as Diwali?
No. Govardhan Puja is the fourth day of the five-day Diwali period. Diwali’s main Lakshmi Puja is observed on the amavasya night, and Govardhan Puja follows on Kartik Shukla Pratipada.
Connect with Agnitra Foundation
Agnitra Foundation, The Cosmic Light House, is a spiritual and holistic science-based NGO founded by Tantrguru Shree Ganesh Dubey, who has more than 35 years of experience in Satvik Tantra, paranormal healing and holistic sciences. The foundation has trained over 12,000 students through courses, counselling and workshops.
Make an appointment: https://www.agnitrafoundation.org/register-now/ | Call: +91 98670 71108 (open daily, 10 am to 6 pm)
Head Office, Delhi: 253, 2nd Floor, Shahpur Jat Village, New Delhi 110049 | Mumbai: Lokhandwala, Andheri West, Mumbai 400058 | Vrindavan: Parikrama Marg, Sunrakh Rd, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
