Govardhan Puja on Saturday, November 2, 2024

Govardhan Puja typically falls the day after Diwali and is celebrated to mark Lord Krishna’s victory over Lord Indra. However, occasionally there may be a one-day gap between Diwali and Govardhan Puja.

According to religious texts, Govardhan Puja is observed on the Pratipada Tithi of the Kartik month. Depending on when Pratipada begins, Govardhan Puja might sometimes take place on Amavasya, a day earlier on the Hindu calendar. Also known as Annakut Puja, this day involves preparing food offerings for Lord Krishna, including dishes made from cereals like wheat, rice, gram flour, and leafy vegetables.

In Maharashtra, this day is celebrated as Bali Pratipada or Bali Padva, which commemorates Lord Vishnu’s Vamana incarnation’s victory over King Bali and his subsequent banishment to Patal Lok (the underworld). It is believed that, as per a boon granted by Lord Vamana, King Bali visits Prithvi Lok (Earth) from Patal Lok on this day.

Often, Govardhan Puja coincides with the Gujarati New Year, which is celebrated on the Shukla Paksha Pratipada of Kartik month. Depending on the timing of Pratipada Tithi, Govardhan Puja may sometimes be observed a day before the Gujarati New Year.