What is the Govardhan Puja Festival?

Govardhan Puja, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is celebrated on the first lunar day of the Kartik month of the Shukla Paksha. It symbolises Lord Krishna’s protection, as he lifted the Govardhan hill on his little finger to shield the villagers of Gokul.

When is Govardhan Puja 2026?

  • Govardhan Puja 2026 Date: 9th November 2026, Monday
  • Govardhan Puja Timing (Sayankala): 03:46 PM to 06:02 PM

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What is the Govardhan Puja Significance?

The Govardhan Puja significance revolves around the story of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill on his little finger. This act symbolised his role as the ‘protector and provider’. He saved his devotees from being harmed due to the rain and stood still, lifting the hill for seven days.

The celebration of Govardhan Puja meaning also marks the bond between human beings and nature. According to the Bhagavata Purana, devotees worship an image of Govardhan Hill made from cow dung and prepare a large variety of vegetarian food to offer Krishna as a mark of gratitude.

What is the Govardhan Puja Vrat Katha?

The story of Govardhan Puja comes from the Bhagavata Purana, which details Krishna's divine act of lifting Govardhan Hill to shelter villagers from heavy rain.

Once Lord Krishna saw that the Vrindavan residents were preparing several food items as an offering for Lord Indra (the lord of the rain) for a yagna. However, Krishna suggested that the village people worship Govardhan Hill, which would provide them with fertile soil and help them raise their cattle.

Hearing that, the villagers agreed to follow Krishna's instructions and offered food to Govardhan Hill. Seeing the people offering food to Govardhan Hill, Lord Indra became jealous and angry. In anger, he sent heavy rain and a flood that troubled the villagers of Vrindavan.

However, looking at the helpless people, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill on his little finger for seven days to protect the villagers and provide shelter. Later, Indra Dev realised his mistake, stopped the rain, and asked Lord Krishna for forgiveness.

What are the Rituals of Govardhan Puja?

The celebration of Govardhan Puja is incomplete without the rituals and puja ceremony. So here are some of the rituals that devotees must perform on the day of Govardhan Puja 2026.

  • People prepare Annakoot tasty meals, which include at least 56 or 108 vegetarian dishes. Then, Annakoot is offered to Lord Krishna on the day of Govardhan Puja.
  • During the Govardhan Puja, people sing and dance and chant bhajans and kirtans to please Lord Krishna. Moreover, Govardhan Puja rangoli is also made to decorate homes.
  • On this day, Govardhan Hill is prepared using cow dung. All the devotees of Lord Krishna come together to celebrate the festival of Govardhan Puja and offer prayers to Lord Krishna.
  • People perform Parikrama, taking five rounds around the Govardhan hill, which is made of cow dunk, asking for blessings, and chanting bhajans.
  • Moreover, Govardhan Puja vrat katha is recited, and everyone sits together to listen to the katha.
  • Devotees can also donate food and necessary items to all the Brahmins on the day of Govardhan Pooja (Diwali Day 4). Moreover, they can also prepare some vegetable meals at home and invite Brahmins.

What Are the Govardhan Puja Remedies for 2026?

Lord Krishna is the epitome of love; he just needs pure devotion and love from his devotees. Follow the simple yet powerful remedies on the day of the Govardhan Puja festival, take refuge in Lord Krishna, and attain his blessings.

  • Govardhan Puja Remedy for Good Health

On the day of the Govardhan Puja festival, make a Swastika symbol with cow dung on your house’s main entrance and sprinkle kheel on it. One can also light a ghee diya under the Tulsi plant for good health and vitality.

  • Govardhan Puja Remedy for Wealth & Abundance

On Govardhan Puja 2026, keep five gomati chakras on a plate. Once the puja is over, tie the gomati chakras in a red cloth and keep them in wallets or a safe. This simple remedy is believed to bring prosperity, wealth and abundance.

  • Govardhan Puja Remedy for Career Growth

For career growth and success, one must donate green vegetables to the Vishnu temple. Chanting the Vishnu beej mantra, ‘Om Namo Bhagwate Narayanay’ 108 times, also shows immediate results.

  • Govardhan Puja Remedy for Evil Eye Protection

Burn pots made of cow dung to attract positivity and remove evil eyes from the surroundings. It is believed that cow dung's sacred fumes spread in the atmosphere, bringing peace, positivity and harmony, removing all the negativity around.

Summary

Govardhan Puja 2026 honours Lord Krishna’s act of lifting Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan. The festival celebrates gratitude, nature, and devotion. Devotees perform puja, offer Annakoot food, follow simple remedies, listen to the vrat katha, and pray for health, wealth, peace, and protection.

Read About Other Important Festivals

Frequently Asked Questions

One of the most significant Hindu festivals is Govardhan Puja meaning is to remember Lord Krishna’s divine act of lifting the Govardhan hill on his little finger to protect devotees from Indra Dev.
Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the fourth day of Diwali, the day when Baalroop of Lord Krishna defeated Indra Dev and saved the village of Vrindavan from being flooded by rain.
To celebrate Govardhan Puja 2026, the floor is cleaned correctly and made into a replica of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill. People offer milk, curd, and ladoo, along with incense sticks and diyas, as an offering to Lord Krishna.
As per mythological beliefs, colours like yellow and orange are considered auspicious for the occasion of Govardhan Puja. Yellow is associated with abundance and prosperity, whereas orange is related to devotion and warmth.
On the day of Govardhan puja, one must refrain from consuming alcohol, tamasic meals and wearing dirty clothes. Also, while performing the puja, make sure to choose a clean and open space.
Various ancient Hindu texts, such as the Bhagavata Purana and the Vishnu Purana, mention that Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill on his little finger for seven days and saved all his devotees from being harmed by the rain sent by Indra.

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