Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut ("mountain of food"), falls on the day after Diwali (Kartik Shukla Pratipada) and commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over Indra, the god of rain and storms. Families build a symbolic mountain of food offerings and worship a representation of Govardhan Hill — a celebration of gratitude, protection, and abundance.
The Story Behind Govardhan Puja
According to the Bhagavata Purana, Indra, angered by Krishna's teachings that discouraged excessive ritual worship of him, unleashed torrential rains upon Vrindavan to punish its residents. Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan Hill on his little finger, providing shelter for the villagers and their cattle for seven days and nights, until Indra acknowledged Krishna's divinity and the rains ceased. The festival celebrates this act of protection and Krishna's assurance that devotion matters more than fear-based ritual.
When is Govardhan Puja
The day after Diwali
Govardhan Puja falls on Kartik Shukla Pratipada — the first day of the bright fortnight of Kartik, immediately following Diwali (Lakshmi Puja night). It's also celebrated as Annakut in many regions and coincides with Bhai Dooj preparations in some families.
Govardhan Puja Samagri List
Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi
Early morning, take a purifying bath and wear clean/festive clothes
Make a small hill-shaped model representing Govardhan Hill — traditionally made of cow dung, though many families now use clay, rice flour dough, or simply decorate a photo/idol
Decorate the Govardhan model with flowers, small lamps, and grains — representing the hill's forests and the cows that grazed there
Place small figurines of cows, gopas (cowherds), and Krishna around the model
Prepare Annakut — a large spread of varied food items (sweet and savory), traditionally said to number 56 or 108 dishes, symbolizing the food Krishna's mother prepared for him
Arrange the Annakut spread before the Govardhan model and Krishna idol like an offering
Perform aarti, circling the diya around the Govardhan model and food offerings
Many families also worship cows on this day — feeding and decorating them with garlands and tilak, in honor of Krishna's role as a cowherd protector
Distribute the Annakut prasad among family members, neighbours, and the community
Simple Home Version
For families without access to cow dung or large kitchens, a simplified Annakut works beautifully: shape a small "hill" from rice flour dough or clay, decorate it with marigold petals and a few small diyas, and arrange whatever dishes you've already prepared for the festival season around it — even 5-7 items capture the spirit. The emphasis is on gratitude and abundance, not the exact count of dishes.
💡 Family tradition tip
Photograph your Annakut spread each year — over time, this becomes a wonderful record of your family's evolving festival recipes and the Diwali-season dishes that became traditions.
Continuing the Diwali season? See our Diwali Lakshmi Puja guide and Chhath Puja guide.