Govardhan Puja, a cherished festival celebrated mainly in northern India, holds a deep cultural and spiritual significance. This festival, observed the day after Diwali, is a tribute to Lord Krishna’s love for his devotees and his protection of nature and all living beings. It serves as a reminder to live in harmony with our environment and celebrates the bounty of nature.
The Story of Govardhan Puja
The origin of Govardhan Puja lies in an ancient tale from Hindu mythology. According to the scriptures, people of Vrindavan traditionally worshipped Lord Indra, the god of rain, to ensure plentiful rainfall and good harvests. However, Lord Krishna, as a young child, encouraged the villagers to worship Mount Govardhan, a natural form of God, instead. Krishna taught them that nature, mountains, and forests also deserve reverence as they provide us with sustenance and shelter.
Angered by this, Indra unleashed a massive storm over Vrindavan to punish its inhabitants. To protect his devotees, Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan mountain on his little finger, creating a shelter under which the villagers and their cattle could safely take refuge. For seven days, Krishna held up the mountain, thus shielding them from Indra’s wrath. This event demonstrated Krishna’s divine powers and underscored the importance of respecting and living harmoniously with nature.
How Govardhan Puja Is Celebrated
Govardhan Puja is a vibrant celebration of gratitude, marked by a blend of devotion, traditions, and rituals that vary across regions. Here’s how the festival is celebrated:
- Preparing the Annakut: A key part of the celebration is preparing the Annakut or “mountain of food.” Devotees cook a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes, sweets, and savories. This symbolic food mountain represents Govardhan Hill and reflects nature’s abundance. The offerings are later shared among family members and the community, symbolizing unity and gratitude.
- Creating Govardhan Effigies: In many places, people make small mounds from cow dung, representing Mount Govardhan, and decorate them with flowers, fruits, and lamps. Cows, being sacred animals and central to Krishna’s life as a cowherd, are also decorated and worshipped on this day.
- Bhajans and Kirtans: Singing devotional songs and chanting prayers dedicated to Lord Krishna is an integral part of the celebration. People gather at temples or in their homes, singing bhajans and kirtans that glorify Krishna’s deeds and express devotion.
- Govardhan Parikrama: In the town of Vrindavan and its surrounding areas, devotees participate in a circumambulation, or parikrama, around Govardhan Hill, a ritual that can span several miles. This walk is a form of worship and a way to pay homage to Krishna and the natural bounty that Govardhan represents.
The Significance of Govardhan Puja Today
In today’s world, where environmental challenges are growing, the message of Govardhan Puja is more relevant than ever. Lord Krishna’s act of lifting Govardhan Hill symbolizes the protection of nature and animals, as well as respect for all forms of life. It serves as a reminder of the need to protect our environment and live sustainably.
Govardhan Puja encourages people to honor natural resources, adopt sustainable practices, and express gratitude for what nature provides. This festival, like many other Hindu festivals, is rooted in a philosophy that emphasizes living in harmony with the Earth.
Tips for a Green Govardhan Puja
Here are some ways we can celebrate Govardhan Puja while also caring for the environment:
- Use natural materials: Decorate with organic flowers and materials instead of plastic decorations.
- Avoid firecrackers: Govardhan Puja usually follows Diwali, but it’s good to minimize pollution and avoid firecrackers.
- Cook sustainably: Prepare meals with locally sourced ingredients, and be mindful of food waste.
- Practice animal care: If you have pets or livestock, show them extra kindness and respect on this day.
Govardhan Puja is a beautiful celebration of devotion, love for nature, and the relationship between humanity and the environment. It reminds us that the Earth provides for us in countless ways, and in return, we must protect and preserve it. As we honor Krishna’s lifting of Mount Govardhan, let’s also commit to adopting practices that show respect for our planet and the natural world around us.
