This year, Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on October 22, 2025 (Wednesday). According to the Panchang (Hindu calendar), the Pratipada Tithi of Kartik Shukla will begin on October 21 at 5:54 PM and conclude on October 22 at 8:16 PM. Therefore, based on the Udayatithi (the tithi prevailing at sunrise), the puja will be performed on October 22. This festival is celebrated in memory of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain to protect Gokul.
Govardhan Puja 2025: This year, the festival of Govardhan Puja will be celebrated with full devotion and enthusiasm on October 22 (Wednesday). According to the Panchang, the Pratipada Tithi of Kartik Shukla will commence on the evening of October 21 and last until 8:16 PM on October 22, hence the puja will be observed on the 22nd according to Udayatithi. This day is celebrated in memory of Lord Krishna protecting the residents of Gokul by lifting the Govardhan mountain. The auspicious time (Shubh Muhurat) will be from 3:13 PM to 5:49 PM. During this period, devotees create an idol of Govardhan Maharaj using cow dung, offer Kheer-Puri, Batashe, and milk, perform a circumambulation (Parikrama) of Govardhan, and seek happiness and prosperity through the worship of Lord Krishna.
Date and Auspicious Time for Govardhan Puja
According to the Panchang, the Pratipada Tithi of Kartik Shukla will commence on October 21 at 5:54 PM and conclude on October 22 at 8:16 PM. As per the tithi, the puja will be performed on October 22. The auspicious time for Govardhan Puja on this day will be from 3:13 PM to 5:49 PM.
During this period, the auspicious conjunction of Swati Nakshatra and Preeti Yoga is forming, which is considered highly propitious. According to astrology, on this day, the Sun will transit in the Libra zodiac sign, and the Moon will also be in Libra. This conjunction of the Sun and Moon will be highly beneficial for the puja and will bring happiness and prosperity to the family.
Significance of Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja is also known as Annakut Utsav. According to a mythological tale, when Lord Indra caused heavy rainfall upon the residents of Gokul, Lord Krishna protected Gokul by lifting the Govardhan mountain on his little finger. Since then, this day has been celebrated as a symbol of Lord Krishna's miracle and his divine grace.
On this day, devotees worship Lord Govardhan and seek prosperity, happiness, and protection. In rural areas, this festival is particularly associated with cows and cowsheds, as Govardhan Puja is also linked to cow service (Gau-Seva) and nature conservation.
How to Perform Govardhan Puja at Home
Govardhan Puja begins by taking a morning bath and wearing clean clothes. Then, an effigy of Govardhan Maharaj is made from cow dung in the courtyard or any sacred place in the house. Before the puja, roli (vermilion), rice, and flowers are offered to Govardhan Ji.
After this, a lamp is lit at the worship site, and Lord Krishna and Govardhan Maharaj are worshipped. On this day, Kheer, Puri, Churma, Batashe, milk, water, and saffron are offered as Prasad (sacred food offering). After the offering, a circumambulation (Parikrama) of Govardhan is performed together with the entire family.
At the end of the puja, Aarti is performed, and prayers for forgiveness are offered to the Lord for any unintentional mistakes during the ritual. It is believed that sincere worship on this day brings positive energy into a person's life and maintains peace and harmony in the home.
Mantras Chanted During Govardhan Puja
During Govardhan Puja, specific mantras are chanted. These mantras are recited to receive the blessings of Lord Krishna and Govardhan Maharaj.
1. Govardhan Dharadhar Gokul Tranakaraka.
Vishnubahu Kritochchraya Gavam Kotiprabho Bhava.
2. Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare.
3. Om Shri Krishnaya Sharanam Mam.
Chanting these mantras spreads positive energy in the atmosphere and brings peace to the mind.
Traditions Associated with Govardhan Puja
On this day, Annakut offerings, comprising various dishes, are made in temples at many places. People believe that Lord Krishna himself, in the form of Govardhan mountain, tastes these Annakut delicacies. In villages, cows are bathed and adorned with flowers and rangoli. Lamps are lit around the Govardhan mountain effigy made of cow dung. Children and adults alike enjoy the festivities together.
This festival of Govardhan Puja symbolizes the balance between nature, animals, and humans. This day teaches that when humans protect nature, nature also protects them. Therefore, Govardhan Puja is not just a religious ritual but also a celebration of gratitude towards the environment.