This festival is celebrated to commemorate the pastime of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhana Hill on His little finger, in order to protect the residents of Vrindavan from torrential rains sent by Indra. The Supreme Personality of Godhead performed this pastime as a seven year old boy in order to crush the pride of Indra, the Lord of the heavens. Lord Krishna forbade the residents of Vrindavana from worshipping Indra. He induced them to worship Govardhana Hill instead.

The Govardhana Hill is not an ordinary hill. It is actually very dear to the Lord. On this day, Govardhana Hill is worshipped in a small replica form, made of cooked rice and other edibles in temples all over Vrindavan. This replica of the Govardhana Hill is generally known as ‘annakoota’. Huge quantities of food are prepared in this ceremony and are very extensively distributed.

At ISKCON Hubli-Dharwad, the festival is celebrated with great pomp and splendor, every year. The deity of Lord Krishna is attired in Govardhana Giridhari Alankara. The scene of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhana hill on His little finger comes alive in the altar. In the temple cultural hall, a replica of the Govardhana Hill is made out of various goodies and egg free cake which weighs about 300 kg.

Govardhana Arati is performed at 7:30pm. Go-puja is also performed. Fireworks are displayed for the satisfaction of the Lord. Everybody is served with sumptuous ‘annakoota’ prasadam.

This year, we are celebrating Govardhana Puja on Tuesday, 14th November 2023.

Related Link : Govardana Puja Photo Gallery | Festival Videos