Festivals / Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja

Kartika Shukla Pratipada · Krishna (Govardhan)

Tuesday, 10 November 2026
Also known as Annakut, Bali Pratipada

Significance

The day after Diwali, recalling how Krishna lifted Mount Govardhan — celebrated with a 'mountain' of food (Annakut) offered to the Lord.

The story behind Govardhan Puja

When the villagers of Braj worshipped Indra for rain, the boy Krishna urged them instead to honour the hill and land that fed them. Indra's furious storm was met by Krishna lifting Govardhan on one finger as a giant umbrella for seven days, until the god relented. Annakut answers that care with a mountain of offered food.

How Govardhan Puja is observed

  • Building a small Govardhan of cow-dung or food and worshipping it.
  • Annakut — a great spread of dishes offered to Krishna.
  • Honouring cattle, decorated and fed specially.
  • Circumambulation of Govardhan hill at Braj.

Puja Vidhi & Prayers

Watch the step-by-step puja vidhi, aarti, and prayers for Govardhan Puja.

▶ Watch Govardhan Puja Puja Vidhi & Prayers on YouTube
How the date is fixed: First day of the bright fortnight of Kartika, after Diwali.

Govardhan Puja dates (20152035)

YearDateDay
201512 November 2015Thursday
201631 October 2016Monday
201720 October 2017Friday
20188 November 2018Thursday
201927 November 2019Wednesday
202016 November 2020Monday
20215 November 2021Friday
202226 October 2022Wednesday
202314 November 2023Tuesday
20242 November 2024Saturday
202522 October 2025Wednesday
202610 November 2026Tuesday
202730 October 2027Saturday
202817 November 2028Friday
20296 December 2029Thursday
203027 October 2030Sunday
203115 November 2031Saturday
20324 November 2032Thursday
203324 October 2033Monday
203412 November 2034Sunday
20351 November 2035Thursday

Dates are computed from precise sidereal (Lahiri) astronomy for a New Delhi reference and may vary by ±1 day for some evening/midnight festivals depending on your location and regional tradition — the timings above adjust to where you are.