The day after Diwali is Govardhan Puja, also called Annakut. It remembers the day Lord Krishna lifted Mount Govardhan to protect the people of Vrindavan, and it is celebrated with mountains of food, lamps and a special place for cows. In Maharashtra and Gujarat it coincides with Diwali Padwa and Bali Pratipada, and in Gujarat it marks the new year.
Tuesday, 10 November 2026, on Kartik Shukla Pratipada. The puja is done in the morning (Pratahkal) window, which depends on local sunrise. Because the Amavasya tithi may still be running at sunrise on 9 November, some calendars show 9 November. Please confirm with your local panchang or family priest.
The Story of Govardhan
The people of Vrindavan used to worship Indra, the king of the gods, for rain. Krishna gently suggested that they instead honour Mount Govardhan, which fed their cattle and gave them shelter. An angry Indra sent torrential rain. Krishna lifted the entire mountain on the little finger of his left hand, and the people and their cattle sheltered beneath it for seven days. Indra's pride was humbled, and the day is remembered as a victory of humility, gratitude and care for nature over arrogance.
What Is Annakut and Chhappan Bhog?
Annakut means a "mountain of food". Temples, especially Krishna temples, prepare a great spread of rice, vegetables, sweets and savouries, symbolising Govardhan. The traditional offering of Chhappan Bhog (56 items) is often read as eight meals a day for the seven days Krishna went without eating. Households that cannot prepare 56 dishes simply offer what they can, with devotion.
Govardhan Puja Vidhi at Home
- Shape a small Govardhan hill from cow dung or clean earth, place a figure of Krishna at its base and decorate it with flowers and durva grass. A rangoli form also works.
- Light a ghee lamp and incense, and keep a kalash, roli, akshat and sweets ready.
- Take a sankalp facing east or north and invoke Krishna with "Om Krishnaya Namah".
- Offer the Annakut bhog, chanting "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya".
- Circumambulate the Govardhan form.
- Feed the cows, giving them the first share, or send food to a gaushala.
- Perform the aarti and share the prasad widely.
Traditions in Maharashtra and Gujarat
In Maharashtra the day is Diwali Padwa, also called Bali Pratipada, which recalls the story of Lord Vamana and King Bali. Wives apply a tilak and perform an aarti for their husbands, who give gifts, a custom known as Padwa Ovalani. In Gujarat the day is Bestu Varas, the first day of the Vikram Samvat year, when families visit one another and exchange greetings of Saal Mubarak.
The Deeper Meaning
Govardhan Puja teaches gratitude to the land and the animals that sustain us. Feeding cows and sharing food are the heart of the day. For the festival before it see Diwali, and the next day's tradition in Bhai Dooj.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Govardhan Puja on the same day as Diwali?
No. Diwali Lakshmi Puja is on Amavasya, and Govardhan Puja is on the next tithi, Kartik Shukla Pratipada. In 2026 that is Tuesday, 10 November in most Indian calendars.
What is Chhappan Bhog?
It is an offering of 56 dishes to Lord Krishna, associated with the seven days he held up Govardhan. Offering fewer dishes with devotion is perfectly acceptable.
Why are cows worshipped on Govardhan Puja?
Cows are central to the story and to the pastoral life of Vrindavan. Feeding and honouring them is a way to express gratitude for sustenance.
Read Next
- Bhai Dooj
- Diwali Date, Puja Muhurat, Puja Vidhi and Significance
- What Are the Reasons to Celebrate Diwali?
Resources and references. Ajmer Astro: Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj 2026 | HinduTone: Diwali 2026 complete guide | Traditional sources: Bhagavata Purana (Govardhan lila)
Disclaimer. This article is shared for general knowledge and cultural interest. It draws on traditional beliefs, scriptural tradition and published panchang sources, and is not scientific, medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Astrology, Vastu, omens and religious observances are belief-based and offer no guarantee of any outcome. Dates, tithi and muhurat timings differ by city and by panchang, and the figures given here may change or contain errors, so please confirm them with your local panchang or family priest before you act. Fasting and dietary practices must suit your health; consult a doctor first if you are unwell, pregnant, elderly or on medication. Sansthaan and its writers accept no responsibility or liability for any decision, loss or consequence arising from the use of this content.
Sansthaan Team
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