The fourth day of Diwali is celebrated as Govardhan Puja/ Annakut/ Vishvakarma day. The day is associated with the story of Bali’s defeat at the hands of lord Vishnu. Ritually the day celebrates the bond between a husband and his wife.
In some regions, the day is celebrated as Govardhan puja to honor the legend of lord Krishna saving the cowherd and farming communities from incessant rains and floods triggered by Indr’s anger, which he accomplished by lifting the Govardhan mountain. The legend is recreated by building small mountain-like miniatures from cow dung.
By many Hindus, the day’s agricultural symbolism is observed as Annakut, meaning “mountain of food”. This day communities prepare over one hundred dishes from a variety of ingredients, which is then dedicated to Krishna before sharing among the community. Lord Krishna is revered with great fervor by devotees in Hindu temples; “mountains of sweets” is prepared and presented to the faithful who have gathered for darshan. The celebrations are considered one of the most important for the Vishnavas.
Govardhan Puja 2021: Observed to be falling on Pratipada in the month of Kartika, Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on November 05, 2021 (Friday). Pratipada tithi for Govardhan Puja will begin at 02:44 AM till 11:14 PM. People perform rituals in the morning and offer prayers to lord Krishna.
Govardhan Puja Mahurat will be from 06:41 AM to 08:57 AM, i.e., 2 hours 17 mins, on 5th November 2021.
Govardhan puja is celebrated in different ways in different regions of the country. In Maharashtra, this day, marking the day that Vamana (an incarnation of lord Vishnu) pushed king Bali to Pataal Lok, is celebrated as Bali Pratipada. In Gujarat, it is celebrated as Nav Baras or New Year.
