Govardhana Puja 2024 | Giridhari Alankara | Gau Puja | Annakuta | ISKCON Hare Krishna Hill

Govardhana Puja is celebrated annually during the sacred month of Kartika (October–November) in honour of Lord Krishna's extraordinary pastime of lifting Govardhana Hill to protect the residents of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra, the King of Heaven.

On one occasion, Lord Krishna observed the residents of Vrindavan preparing for the Indra-yajna, a traditional sacrifice performed to please Indra, the controller of rain. Krishna persuaded the villagers to forgo the Indra-yajna and instead worship Govardhana Hill, which provided for their daily needs. The villagers accepted Krishna’s proposal and held a grand ceremony to worship Govardhana Hill. This infuriated Indra, who retaliated by unleashing a torrential downpour that flooded Vrindavan. Left with no other refuge, the residents, including the cows and calves, turned to their beloved Krishna for protection. In response, Krishna effortlessly lifted Govardhana Hill with His little finger, providing shelter for all the residents beneath it. Krishna held the Hill aloft for seven days as the rain persisted, until Indra realised his offence and sought forgiveness.

This divine pastime demonstrates Krishna’s unfailing love and protection for His devotees and emphasises exclusive devotion to Him. To celebrate, devotees observe Govardhana Puja by preparing a delightful feast featuring grains, ghee, milk dishes, and other offerings. This food is arranged like a hill, offered to the Lord, and then distributed as prasadam, giving rise to the festival’s alternate name, Annakuta. The worship of cows is also an integral part of Govardhana Puja, reflecting their special relationship with Lord Krishna and their honoured position in Vedic culture.

At ISKCON Hare Krishna Hill in Rajajinagar, the Deity of Lord Krishna is gorgeously adorned in Giridhari alankara, depicting the Lord lifting Govardhana Hill on the little finger of His left hand. The temple’s cows are beautifully decorated, worshipped, and fed as part of the celebration. Devotees prepare an array of various special food offerings, which are offered as Annakuta to Sri Sri Krishna Balarama.

The celebration includes a joyful retelling of the divine Govardhana pastime, followed by a grand arati for Sri Sri Krishna Balarama, with devotees singing the Sri Govardhanashtaka, eight verses in praise of Govardhana Hill. The festivities conclude with the Damodara arati, accompanied by the singing of the Damodarashtaka, the offering of ghee lamps to the Lord, and a jubilant pallakki utsava.