When is Govardhan Puja 2023? Date, puja muhurat, history, rituals

Govardhan Puja is celebrated the day after Diwali and is considered one of the auspicious festivals. The day is celebrated in the honour of Lord Krishna and cows. This year, the day will be celebrated on November 13.

Govardhan Puja 2023: Date and Puja Muhurat

Date: November 13 2023 
Pratipada Tithi Begins - 02:56 PM on Nov 13, 2023
Pratipada Tithi Ends - 02:36 PM on Nov 14, 2023
Govardhan Puja Pratahkala Muhurat - 06:43 AM to 08:52 AM

Govardhan Puja 2023: History

Also known as  Annakut Puja, it was on this day, that Lord Krishna defeated Lord Indra. On this day food made of cereals like wheat, rice, curry made of gram flour and leafy vegetables is cooked and offered to Lord Krishna. As per religious texts, the day falls during Pratipada Tithi of Kartik month. Depending on the starting time of Pratipada, Govardhan Puja Day might fall one day before Amavasya Day on the Hindu calendar.

In Maharashtra, Govardhan Puja is celebrated as Bali Pratipada or Bali Padva. The day commemorates the victory of Vamana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, over King Bali by pushing Bali to Patal Lok.

Govardhan Puja 2023: Rituals

• The rituals associated with Govardhan puja are varied according to the different sects of Hinduism. There are special rituals associated with this day. Here we have listed it down for you.
• A pile of cow dung, shaped like the mountain Govardhan, is made on this day and is decorated with flowers. The pooja is done by offering water, incense sticks, fruits, and other oblations. This is done either in the early morning or late in the evening.

• The mountain, Govardhan Giri, is worshipped on this day. A model is made from cow dung and is placed on the ground.
• Bhandaras are organised in temples all over the country and distributed as prasad to the followers.
  An important aspect of the Govardhan pooja is taking parikrama around the mountain made of cow dung that represents the hill of Govardhan.
• Annakoot is also prepared on this day, which is a combination of various cereals, as an offering to Lord Krishna.