Govardhan Puja 2023: Date, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, Significance, and Do’s and Don’ts –

GOVARDHAN PUJA 2023: The festive season of happiness and joy is here as people across the world celebrate one of the most auspicious festivals in India, Diwali. This festival has great religious significance among Hindus and is celebrated for five days. Starting with Dhanteras, the festival concludes with Bhai Dooj. In this five-day-long festivities, Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut puja, is celebrated on the fourth day by all the Lord Krishna devotees with great zeal.

The day falls on the first day of Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the auspicious month of Kartik and this year Govardhan Puja will be observed on November 14. Ahead of the auspicious day, read more about the date, shubh muhurat, puja vidhi and significance.

Govardhan Puja 2023: Date and Shubh Muhurat

Govardhan Puja will be observed on November 14, this year. The Pratipada Tithi is predicted to begin from 2:56 p.m. on November 13 to 2:36 p.m. on November 14. The Shubh Muhurat or auspicious timings for Govardhan puja will be between 6:18 AM to 8:36 AM on November 14.

Govardhan Puja 2023: Puja Vidhi

1. On this day, Lord Krishna devotees use cow dung to make hills. They then decorate the hills, symbolising Govardhan Parvat, with flowers and Kumkum.
2. People pray to cow-dung-made hills for their family’s safety and well-being.
3. Additionally, the Govardhan Puja Vidhi includes people giving a bath to their cows and worshipping them with garlands and saffron.
4. The devotees take 7 times parikrama (rounds) around the cow dung hills/Govardhan Parvat.
5. Annakut Puja is an essential part of Govardhan Puja. During the festivity, Chappan Bhog is offered to Lord Krishna and then it is distributed to all.
6. Devotees sing devotional songs and chant Krishna Mantras. Following this, Govardhan aarti has to be performed and prasad is served to among family and friends.

Govardhan Puja 2023: Do’s and Don’ts

1. As per the traditions, an oil massage and taking a bath in the morning before worshipping Lord Krishna during Govardhan puja is customary.
2. Govardhan Puja is also performed outside the home before worshipping the Lord.
3. It is advised not to hold the Annakut and Govardhan Puja in a closed room.
4. Looking at the moon on this day is also not recommended.

Govardhan Puja 2023: Significance

Govardhan Puja commemorates the day when Lord Krishna raised Govardhan Parvat to protect the people of Vrindavan from Lord Indra’s wrath. According to mythology, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill with his little finger to save Gokul residents and provide shelter from heavy rain and flooding.

According to the Bhagavata Purana, after 5-8 days of continuous heavy rainfall, Lord Indra accepted his defeat over Lord Krishna. He stopped the rain and came to Lord Krishna to apologise for his cruel actions towards the people of Vrindavan. Since then, the day has been celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Krishna over Lord Indra, pay respect to Mount Govardhan, and perform puja.