Govardhan Puja 2025: Know date, timing, rituals and significance

New Delhi: The festive season continues after Diwali with Govardhan Puja, one of the most auspicious days dedicated to Lord Krishna’s devotion and the worship of nature. This year, Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, across India with great enthusiasm and faith. Date and Auspicious Timings According to the Drik Panchang, Govardhan Puja falls on the Pratipada Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha. Pratipada Tithi begins: 21 October at 5:54 PM Pratipada Tithi ends: 22 October at 8:16 PM Since the Pratipada Tithi continues through daylight hours on October 22, that date is considered ideal for performing the rituals. The morning puja muhurat will be from 6:26 AM to 8:42 AM, while an evening muhurat will also be auspicious from 3:29 PM to 5:44 PM, according to Astroyogi and Economic Times reports. Diwali 2025: Throw these things out of house before festival; Click here to details Significance of Govardhan Puja Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut Puja, commemorates the day Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger to protect the residents of Vrindavan from the wrath of rain god Indra. According to Hindu scriptures, when Indra caused torrential rains over the village, Krishna held up the mountain as an umbrella to shelter the villagers and their cattle. The act symbolised devotion over arrogance, teaching the importance of humility, gratitude and reverence for nature. [caption id="attachment_164973" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Govardhan Puja is also known as Annakut Puja.[/caption] The festival also marks the worship of cows and the land, acknowledging their vital role in sustaining life. Traditional Rituals and Celebrations 1. Building the Govardhan Hill: Devotees make a symbolic model of the Govardhan Hill using cow dung, clay or soil, often decorated with small idols, peacocks and flowers. The mound represents the sacred hill lifted by Lord Krishna. 2. Annakut Bhog: A highlight of the festival is the “Annakut” or “mountain of food”, where devotees prepare a vast array of vegetarian dishes including sweets, cereals, vegetables and snacks — and offer them to Lord Krishna. The offerings are later distributed as Prasad among family, friends and devotees. 3. Performing the Puja: Families perform aarti, kirtan and bhajans dedicated to Krishna. Cows are also decorated and worshipped as part of the rituals. In rural India, farmers offer grains and fodder to express gratitude to nature and livestock. 4. Dyuta Krida Tradition: In some regions, symbolic games of chance or gambling, called Dyuta Krida, are played to commemorate Krishna’s playful nature and to mark the festive spirit of the day. Regional Variations In Gujarat, Govardhan Puja coincides with the Gujarati New Year, making it a day of double celebration. Temples across Mathura, Vrindavan and Nathdwara witness grand festivities, elaborate food displays and devotional gatherings. Across northern India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi, devotees throng temples early morning, carrying offerings of milk, flowers, sweets and freshly cooked food. Diwali 2025: Do these 5 things; You’ll look beautiful from head to toe Observing Govardhan Puja at Home To celebrate at home, devotees should: Perform the puja during the recommended muhurat. Create a small mound symbolizing the Govardhan Hill. Offer Annakut dishes to Lord Krishna and share the Prasad. Recite the Govardhan Leela and sing bhajans dedicated to the Lord. Feed cows and express gratitude to nature’s bounty. Part of the five-day Diwali festival, Govardhan Puja reinforces the timeless message of devotion, humility and respect for nature. As devotees prepare to celebrate on 22 October 2025, the day will once again remind everyone of Lord Krishna’s divine protection and the importance of harmony between humankind and the natural world.