Wed Oct 22 01:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Govardhan Puja Celebrated Across North India Today

New Delhi, October 22, 2025: Devotees across North India, particularly in the Braj region including Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandgaon, Gokul, and Barsana, are celebrating Govardhan Puja today with great fervor. The festival, also known as Annakut, is dedicated to the worship of cows, revered as embodiments of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Krishna, and the Govardhan mountain itself.

The celebration commemorates the ancient story from Hindu mythology where Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain on his little finger to protect the residents of Gokul from the wrath of Lord Indra. This act humbled Indra and led to the tradition of offering Annakut, a feast of various dishes made from grains, pulses, and vegetables, to Lord Krishna and the Govardhan mountain.

Auspicious Timings for Puja:

According to religious texts, the auspicious timings for Govardhan Puja today, October 22nd, are as follows:

  • Morning: 6:26 AM to 8:42 AM
  • Afternoon: 3:29 PM to 5:44 PM
  • Evening: 5:44 PM to 6:10 PM

Puja Rituals:

Devotees traditionally create a small replica of the Govardhan mountain using cow dung in their courtyards. This replica is adorned with trees, plants, and figurines of cowherds and bulls. A small idol of Lord Krishna is placed in the center, and the Annakut offering is presented before him. After the puja rituals, the story of Govardhan Puja is recited, the prasad (blessed food) is distributed, and families partake in a communal meal.

The festival serves as a reminder of Lord Krishna’s divine intervention and the importance of protecting nature. The tradition of offering Annakut is believed to have been started by Lord Krishna himself, who instructed the people of Gokul to worship the Govardhan mountain instead of Lord Indra. This year, devotees are continuing the age-old tradition, celebrating the festival with devotion and enthusiasm.

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