Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut or Annakoot, is a Hindu festival celebrated on the first day (Pratipada) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November). This festival falls on the day after Diwali and commemorates the divine act of Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan to protect the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra, the god of rain and thunderstorms.

According to the legend, the people of Vrindavan used to worship Lord Indra annually to ensure good rains. However, Lord Krishna convinced them to worship Mount Govardhan instead, as it provided them with everything they needed - grass for cattle, water, and shelter. This angered Lord Indra, who unleashed a torrential downpour for seven days. In response, Lord Krishna lifted the entire Mount Govardhan on his little finger, providing shelter to all the people and cattle of Vrindavan under it.

Govardhan Puja is celebrated with great devotion, especially in North India, Gujarat, and other regions where Krishna's leelas (divine plays) are cherished. The festival emphasizes the importance of nature, gratitude, and divine protection. Devotees create beautiful mountains of food (Annakut) as offerings, symbolizing Mount Govardhan, and perform special pujas to express gratitude to Lord Krishna for his protection and blessings.

Govardhan Puja holds deep spiritual significance as it celebrates the victory of devotion and divine protection over arrogance and natural calamities. The festival teaches the importance of respecting and worshiping nature, recognizing that everything we need comes from the Earth and natural resources. Lord Krishna's act of lifting the mountain symbolizes divine protection and the power of faith in overcoming any obstacle.

The festival emphasizes the concept of Annakut, where mountains of food are prepared as offerings to Lord Krishna. This symbolizes abundance, gratitude, and the importance of sharing with others. The practice of creating elaborate food arrangements teaches devotees about the joy of giving, the value of community, and the spiritual significance of offering our resources to the divine.

Govardhan Puja also marks the beginning of the new year in some regions of India, especially in Gujarat. It is a time for new beginnings, expressing gratitude for the past year, and seeking blessings for the year ahead. The festival reminds devotees of the importance of humility, devotion, and recognizing the divine presence in nature and all living beings.

• Creating Annakut (mountain of food) with various food items, sweets, and traditional dishes as offerings to Lord Krishna
• Making a small hillock (Govardhan) using cow dung or clay and decorating it with flowers and lamps
• Performing puja to the Govardhan hillock and Lord Krishna in the morning or during auspicious timings
• Circumambulating (parikrama) around the Govardhan hillock as a form of worship and devotion
• Offering various food items, sweets, fruits, and traditional dishes to Lord Krishna
• Decorating the puja area with flowers, rangoli, and lights
• Reciting Govardhan Puja mantras, prayers, and aartis dedicated to Lord Krishna
• Distributing prasad (blessed food) to family members, friends, and guests
• Reading or listening to the story of Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan (Govardhan Leela)
• Performing charitable acts and feeding the needy as a way of expressing gratitude

Various sacred items are offered during Govardhan Puja:

• Annakut (Mountain of Food): Elaborate arrangements of various food items, sweets, fruits, and traditional dishes arranged in the shape of a mountain
• Sweets: Traditional sweets like ladoos, pedas, barfis, and other regional delicacies prepared for the festival
• Fruits: Fresh fruits like bananas, coconuts, pomegranates, and seasonal fruits offered with reverence
• Flowers: Marigolds, lotus, and other fragrant flowers used to decorate the Govardhan hillock and puja area
• Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, butter, and ghee offered to Lord Krishna, symbolizing his connection with cows and dairy farming
• Incense and Lamps: Fragrant incense sticks, oil lamps (diyas), and candles to create a divine atmosphere