Govardhan Puja 2025: Celebrating Lord Krishna's Victory and Traditions

By Oneindia Staff

Updated: Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 7:14 [IST]

Govardhan Puja, also known as Godhan Puja or Annakut Pooja, is a significant Hindu festival. It is celebrated on the fourth day of Diwali. This festival honours Lord Krishna's victory over Lord Indra. On this day, devotees worship Govardhan Parvat and offer various foods to Lord Krishna. The festival falls on 22nd October 2025, a Wednesday.

The story behind Govardhan Puja is fascinating. Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Parvat on his little finger for seven days and nights. This act saved the people of Gokul from heavy rains sent by Lord Indra. As a result, Lord Krishna earned the name "Govardhandhari." Devotees celebrate this day to seek blessings from Lord Krishna.

AI Summary

AI-generated summary, reviewed by editors

Govardhan Puja, a Hindu festival celebrated on the fourth day of Diwali, commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over Lord Indra and is observed by worshipping Govardhan Parvat, where devotees offer various foods; in 2025, it falls on Wednesday, October 22nd. This festival involves making a mountain-like deity, offering 'Anna-kut' with 56 or 108 food varieties, and it expresses gratitude for Govardhan Parvat's role in saving lives in Gokul.

The celebration involves making a mountain-like deity of Govardhan Parvat using cow dung. People decorate it with new clothes, garlands, and flowers. Devotees use puja samagri like roli, moli, vermillion, flowers, rice, coconut, and sugarcane. In temples and homes, Lord Krishna's deity is bathed in milk, ghee, honey, and curd.

Food Traditions During Govardhan Puja

An important tradition of Govardhan Puja is preparing a variety of foods known as 'Anna-kut.' 'Anna-kut' means a mountain of foods. Devotees prepare 56 or 108 types of food on the previous night. This offering to Lord Krishna is called 'chappan bhog.' The food includes kadhi, rice, chapati, and veg curry.

Historical Story Behind Govardhan Puja

The festival expresses gratitude to Govardhan Parvat for saving lives in Gokul from heavy rains. Initially, people believed that Lord Indra was responsible for the rains. However, Lord Krishna taught them the importance of Govardhan Parvat. This angered Lord Indra, who sent heavy rains to punish them.

In response, Lord Krishna lifted the mountain on his little finger to protect the people. After seven days of continuous rain, Lord Indra accepted defeat. This event led to the worship of Govardhan Parvat by the people.