Govardhan Puja is also known as Annakut Puja. On this day, Hindus prepare and offer a wide variety of vegetarian delicacies to the idols of Paramatma (God) to express their gratitude. Poha or flattened rice is an integral part of food preparations.
Generally, Govardhan Puja falls the very next day of Laxmi puja. However, this year, panchangs refer to its occurrence on October 26, Wednesday.
History and significance
Each day of the five-day festivities of Diwali has a special significance. Also known as the ‘Annakoot Puja’, this day is also commemorated as the day when Lord Krishna defeated God Indra.
In Maharashtra, it is celebrated as Bali Pratipada or Bali Padva. The day commemorates the victory of Vamana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, over King Bali and the subsequent pushing of Bali to Patal Lok. It is believed that due to the boon given by Lord Vamana, Asura King Bali visits the Prithvi Lok from the Patala Lok on this day.
While the Vaishnava community commemorates on this day the incident from the Bhagavata Puran where Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to provide the people of Vrindavan village shelter from torrential rains.
Mahurat:
The puja mahurat on October 26 is as follows
Govardhan Puja Pratahkala Muhurat - 06:36 am to 08:55 am
Govardhan Puja Sayankal Muhurat - 3:33 pm - 5:48 pm