Govardhan Puja — day after Diwali (Kartik Shukla Pratipada). Krishna lifted Govardhan to humble Indra's pride. Commemorated.
Other name: Annakut. 56 bhog offered to Krishna.
✦ Mythology
Vrindavan gopas worshipped Indra.
Krishna said: "Not Indra, Govardhan and cows are our base."
Indra angry. 7 days torrential rain.
Krishna at age 7 lifted Govardhan on little finger.
Sheltered all Vrindavan.
After 7 days Indra surrendered. At Krishna's feet.
✦ 2026 Govardhan
Date: 9 November 2026 (Monday).
Day after Diwali. Day before Bhai Dooj.
✦ Procedure
Cow dung Govardhan figure in courtyard.
Krishna idol on top.
Flowers, dhup, deep.
56 bhog: 56 types of dishes (Annakut).
Milk-curd-kheer essential.
Parikrama: 7/11 times.
Aarti: "Govardhan-dharan-giri" aarti.
Evening: cow puja.
✦ Special Sites
Govardhan Hill (22 km from Mathura): 21 km parikrama.
Dandavat-parikrama: 7-15 days.
Nand-gaon, Barsana, Gokul — combined yatra.
📚Sources & References
Content in this article is verified against the following classical and modern authoritative sources. Readers may independently verify against the original sources.
- ▪Surya Siddhanta — classical Sanskrit astronomical text (~5th century CE)
- ▪Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra — foundational text on Vedic astrology by Maharishi Parashara
- ▪Muhurta Chintamani by Ram Daivajna (16th century) — standard reference for muhurat selection
- ▪Astronomical Algorithms by Jean Meeus (Willmann-Bell, 1998) — basis for all astronomical computations on this site
- ▪Lahiri Ayanamsa — standard sidereal reference adopted by the Indian Calendar Reform Committee (1955)
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
Why 56 bhog?▼
Krishna ate 8 times daily as child. 7 days × 8 = 56 missed during Govardhan lift. Then all offered.
When parikrama?▼
Kartik Purnima to Amavasya best. Diwali period special. 21 km, 5-7 hr walk.
🔗Related Topics
Note: This content is published for educational and cultural reference. For personal religious or astrological decisions, please consult a qualified pandit or jyotishi.