The splendid festival of Govardhan Puja (also known as Annakut) is celebrated with great devotion by Hindus across India. It honours the mighty act of Krishna who lifted the hill of Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers and cattle of Gokul from torrential rains sent by Indra. The festival symbolises gratitude to nature, devotion to the divine, and the triumph of faith over arrogance.
According to the Panchang for New Delhi (NCT, India), Govardhan Puja in 2026 will be observed on Tuesday, 10 November 2026.
The auspicious timing (Pratah Kala Muhurat) is from 06:40 AM to 08:50 AM (local time).
Additional details:
- Pratipada Tithi begins 12:31 PM on 9 Nov and ends 02:00 PM on 10 Nov.
- Duration of the morning muhurat: approx. 2 hours 10 minutes.
Thus, households planning their puja should aim to begin within this window (06:40-08:50 AM) for maximum auspiciousness.
Significance & Meaning
The festival carries rich layers of meaning:
- At its core is the legend: Young Krishna urged the villagers to worship the hill of Govardhan rather than Indra, as the hill and nature sustained them. Indra, enraged, sent a storm, and Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to shelter everyone. This teaches devotion, humility, and respect for nature.
- The alternative name “Annakut” means “mountain of food” — devotees prepare and offer a great variety of vegetarian dishes as an expression of gratitude for nature’s bounty.
- It emphasises the positive relation between humans, animals (especially cows, holy in Hindu tradition), and the Earth — acknowledging that sustenance comes from nature, not ego.
- Regionally, the festival also aligns with the idea of renewal: In Gujarat the same day coincides with Ugadi/Bestu Varas (New Year) in some calendars; in Maharashtra it overlaps with Padwa.
How to Celebrate
Here are the typical rituals and customs that families observe:
- Early morning bath & cleaning – Devotees wake up, bathe, clean the house, and prepare the puja-area.
- Build a symbolic hill (Govardhan Parvat) – Many make a small mound of cow-dung or clay, decorate it with flowers, grass, miniature trees, symbolising the hill.
- Annakut offering – Prepare a range of vegetarian items (fruits, sweets, pulses, rice dishes). In many traditions “Chappan Bhog” (56 varieties) is offered.
- Cow and cattle worship – Since cows are respected in this tradition, many devotees bathe, decorate and feed the cows.
- Aarti, bhajans, kirtan – Devotional songs, lighting of lamps, prayers to Krishna & the hill.
- Prasad distribution and community feast – After offering, the food is shared as prasad with family and community members.
- Optional parikrama (circumambulation) – In places like Braj, devotees may circumambulate actual Govardhan Hill.
Gowardhan Puja Tips
- Since the shubh muhurat is 06:40-08:50 AM, ensure the puja setup is ready a little earlier (by ~06:30 AM) so that the main offering falls within.
- Arrange puja items the previous evening: cow-dung or clay mound, flowers/grass, diyas, food items for Annakut.
- If you have cows or symbolic herd-animals at home (or in a gaushala), honor them with garlands/food.
- Share the prasad with neighbours/family – communal sharing increases the festive joy.
- Use this day also as a moment of gratitude — towards nature, animals, and food.
- Remember, while traditionally tied to Northern India, the festival can be celebrated anywhere — adjust local timings accordingly using a trusted panchang.
May this Govardhan Puja 2026 bring you and your family peace, abundance and devotion. Celebrate with purity of heart, respect for nature, and togetherness. If you wish, I can also provide a detailed puja-vidhi checklist or regional variations of the festival.