Day 5 Diwali – Govardhan Puja/ Annakut

The fifth day of Diwali is celebrated as Govardhan Puja & Badi Diwali. This falls on 10th October 2017. Lord Krishna on this day had lifted entire Govardhan hill on his little finger to save the villagers from heavy rains. People offer a mountain of food on this day to Lord Krishna depicting Govardhan mountain on the remembrance of the day for saving them. This also marks the first day of Vikram Samvat (Hindu) Calendar.

The western states like Gujarat celebrate this day as "BestuBaras" which marks the New Year as per their calendar. People belonging to North India consider this day to worship Lord Krishna which is known as"Govardhan Puja". Some celebrate this day as ‘Padwa’ or ‘Balipratipada’ which observes the defeat of King Bali by Lord Vishnu.

LEGENDS BEHIND GOVARDHAN PUJA

People of Gokul had worshiped the Govardhan mountain instead of Lord Indra for bringing rain to their crops. This made Lord Indra furious and he began heavy rains, causing a flood. To protect the people from torrential rains Lord Krishna had lifted the Govardhan hill on his little finger. Since than Krishna is also known as Giridhari.This day is also known as ‘Annakut’ (heap of food). People prepare a large variety of authentic vegetarian food and offer to Lord Krishna as a remembrance of the day and showing their faith and love on Lord Krishna.

Auspicious Time 2017

Govardhan Puja Pratahkal Muhurat = 06:17 to 08:37

Duration = 2 Hours 20 Mins

Govardhan Puja Sayankal Muhurat = 15:38 to 17:58

Duration = 2 Hours 20 Mins

Pratipada Tithi Begins = 00:41 on 20/Oct/2017

Pratipada Tithi Ends = 01:37 on 21/Oct/2017

Source: DrikpanchangRituals and Puja Vidhi

• People in some regions celebrate Govardhan Puja by building the hillocks of cow-dung symbolizing the Govardhan hill.
• Devotees decorate the hillocks with flowers and garlands.
• They move around the hillock and pray to Lord Govardhan to protect their crops.
• A lot of authentic Indian food known as ChappanBhog is prepared and offered to the Lord.
• In temples especially in Mathura and Nathdwara, the deities are given milk bath, dressed in shining attires with ornaments of dazzling precious stones.
• People belonging to villages celebrate this day as a harvest festival.
• In the evening, people lit up Diyas inside and outside their home.
• Being a day after Diwali, people go to meet their family members for blessings.

Padwa/ Balipratipada

In Tretayuga there was a king named Bali who was famous for being generous. But, he didn’t analyze the consequences before offering something. He was warned several times but was very adamant. Know More To Click Here...

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