The date for Govardhan Puja in 2017 is October 20. The time has arrived to honor the divine power of Lord Krishna, who sheltered mankind with his little finger. Want to know more about the legendary depiction of Krishna? Then, read the article below on Diwali Padwa.

Govardhan Puja 2017

As per the Hindu Calendar Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the fourth day of the five-day festival of Diwali. Govardhan is a hill currently located in Vrindavan. Each year, during the time of Diwali, Govardhan Parvat (hill) is worshiped. Govardhan Puja is a day when, throughout the country, a hillock is worshiped along with Lord Krishna.

Govardhan Puja in India is known by various names as 'Diwali Padwa', 'Padva', 'Annakut', 'Bali Pratipada', or 'Bali Padva'. Govardhan Puja is celebrated at Pratipada Tithi during the Kartik Maas (month). This Govardhan Puja, let's find out why Lord Krishna was given the name 'Govardhan Dhari'. But, first, it is important to know when is Govardhan Puja in 2017?

Govardhan Puja 2017 Date & Timings

Now, as you know the date of Govardhan Puja in 2017, let's tell you the Muhurat (auspicious timings) of Diwali Padwa.

The timings of Govardhan Puja depends on the timings of Pratipada (first day of a lunar fortnight). Govardhan Puja is known by various names in different parts of the country. But, do we all know what is the real story behind observing Diwali Padva? Let's find it out...

Govardhan Puja : Legends Of Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja is regarded in the name of Lord Krishna and Govardhan Parvat (hill). Before carrying out the proceedings of Govardhan Puja, let's first find out the legends associated with it.

The Story: Govardhan Parvat & Lord Krishna

Goverdhan Puja is associated with Lord Krishna. As per the Vishnu Purana (Hindu scripture), people of Gokul used to worship Lord Indra (rain god) and paid him tribute by celebrating a festival in his name. Lord Krishna, on knowing this, told the people of Gokul to worship the hillock Govardhan, instead of worshiping Lord Indra.

Lord Krishna told the people of Gokul that it was the Annakut hill or Govardhan Parvat, which gave them food, and nature was responsible for providing them rain, not Lord Indra. Lord Krishna also gave a message that mere worshiping gods & goddesses will not reduce their burden of troubles. Hence, Lord Krishna suggested the people of Gokul to perform their acts with full sincerity & honesty, and they will be automatically blessed.

Post this event, people of Gokul stopped paying tribute to Lord Indra. This made Lord Indra furious and he cursed the people of Gokul with heavy rain. People felt that it was because of their negligence that Lord Indra became so angry & furious. Thus, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Parvat on his little finger, which acted as a shelter to the people of Gokul. Since then, Lord Krishna came to be known as 'Govardhan Dhari'.

Each year, Govardhan Puja is performed as a tribute to the Govardhan hill, which acted as a protector and saved mankind from being destructed. Govardhan Puja is also popular as Annakut Puja in Mathura-Vrindavan.

Legend Of King Bali

Goverdhan Puja is also a day to remember King Bali. It is believed that the Demon King, Bali transcends to earth each year, on the day of Govardhan Puja and visits his kingdom (Bhulok). This occurs due to a boon granted by Lord Vishnu, considering his generosity towards his subjects. Since then, this day is also celebrated as 'Diwali Padwa', 'Bali Padva', or 'Bali Pratipada' in various parts of the country.

Now that you know the legends associated with Govardhan Puja, let's find out how to celebrate the festival of Govardhan Puja or Padva.

Celebration Patterns Of Govardhan Puja

As Govardhan Puja is celebrated in various parts of the country, this Govardhan Puja, you can look forward to the following described patterns of celebration:

Annakut

The celebration of Annakut Puja holds a lot of significance in Mathura, Vrindavan, Dwarka, and Gokul. Annakut Puja is also known as 'Annakoot' (the mountain of food). As Govardhan Parvat acted as the source of living for the people of Gokul; hence, Govardhan Puja or Annakut is celebrated in a grand fashion at these places.

This Annakut, we will again witness the same celebrations, as it has been in the past years.

1. During Govardhan Puja or Annakut, special Bhog (sacred food offerings) is prepared for Lord Krishna. Devotees stay awake throughout the night to prepare these delicacies.
2. Cow dung moulds are used for symbolising Mount Govardhan. Devotees offer their prayers, along with new clothes & jewelry, to Govardhan Parvat and Lord Krishna.

Diwali Padwa

The festival of Diwali Padwa is celebrated in various parts of North and South India. Marathi community celebrates this festival with a lot of enthusiasm and devotion. On the day of Diwali Padva, all the married women pray for the longevity of their husbands. Marathi females put a Tilak (vermilion mark) on their husband's' forehead and conduct an Aarti (sacred prayer). Post this ritual, husbands present gifts to their wives. It is also believed that husbands visit their in-laws, where they are welcomed with a festive gesture.

The same traditional practice will be followed during Diwali Padwa. Don't forget to share your joy and love with your loved ones. Share it through the Lord Krishna wallpapers & Diwali Padwa SMS, Diwali Padwa images and wallpapers on Diwali Padwa, as an expression of your feelings.

Govardhan Puja attains more significance because it is a part of the major five-day festival of Diwali. The festival of Diwali commences with Dhan Teras and ends on the day of Bhai Dooj ; Govardhan Puja takes place on the fourth day of the Diwali festival. However, it is not much different from the festive celebration of Deepawali, as both Govardhan Puja and Diwali holds their own significance in their unique manner. Let's take a look at the days of Diwali:

• Dhanteras
• Chhoti Diwali/Narak Chaturdashi
• Badi Diwali
• Govardhan Puja
• Bhai Dooj

If you want to know about the five-day of festival of Diwali in details, click here: Diwali - Let The Light Pierce The Darkness!

Govardhan Puja across the country holds a lot of religious significance. The devotees across the country, observe a fast and pray to their lords with full devotion. This day is to honor the mother nature and to thank Lord Krishna for being a savior to mankind.

So, this Govardhan Puja, try to inculcate the teachings of Lord Krishna and he will surely grant all your wishes. On the day of Bali Pratipada, King Bali is welcomed to earth by his devotees; the festival of Bali Pratipada is popular in the southern part of the country.

We hope that this article has been helpful to let you know the festival of Govardhan Puja with an in-depth approach.

AstroSage wishes you a Happy Govardhan Puja..!