Govardhan Puja 2024: Govardhan Puja is a significant Hindu festival celebrated on the Pratipada (first day) of Kartik Shukla Paksha which takes place this year on November 2, 2024. Dedicated to Lord Krishna and the revered Mother Cow, the festival involves rituals honouring Lord Krishna, cows, as well as deities like Indra Dev, Varuna Dev, and Agni Dev.
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The Tradition Of Annakut On Govardhan Puja:
A key element of Govardhan Puja is the preparation of Annakut, a grand offering that includes 56 different food items, dedicated to Lord Krishna. According to tradition, preparing Annakut on this day brings blessings from Goddess Annapurna, ensuring a continuous abundance of food at home.
Why Annakut Is Prepared On Govardhan Puja
The Annakut feast has its origins in a legendary event when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain on his little finger to shield the people and animals of Braj from relentless rains unleashed by Indra Dev. Eventually, Lord Krishna’s act of protection humbled Indra, who ceased the downpour and sought forgiveness from Krishna. In gratitude, the villagers prepared a lavish spread of food to honor Lord Krishna, marking the beginning of the Annakut tradition on the Pratipada of Kartik Shukla each year.
Religious Significance Of Annakut
Annakut holds deep religious importance in Hinduism. Devotees sculpt a Govardhan mountain from cow dung, worshipping it alongside offerings to Lord Krishna in his child form. In various regions, devotees also stage enactments of Lord Krishna’s childhood exploits, bringing the festive spirit to life.
Annakut Puja Rituals For 2024
On this day, devotees create a Govardhan mountain model from cow dung in their courtyard, balcony, or open space, adorning it with flowers, rice flour, and colored patterns. A reclining Krishna figure is sculpted from cow dung, with a small lamp placed at his navel. Devotees offer incense, flowers, fruits, and food items, completing the ritual by circling the Govardhan model seven times. The ideal time for Govardhan Puja or Annakut Puja on November 2, 2024, is from 6:33 a.m. to 8:55 a.m.
Blessings Of Goddess Annapurna Through Annakut
The Annakut offering, prepared with various vegetables and grains, is seen as a gesture of gratitude toward Mother Earth for her bounty. As per belief, offering Annakut with devotion invokes the blessings of Goddess Annapurna, ensuring prosperity and abundance in the household’s food supply.
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