Diwali Padwa/Govardhan Puja- Krishna's grace, Diwali's embrace

"Diwali Padwa", also known as "Govardhan Puja", is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in various parts of India. In some places, it is known as 'Bali Pratipada', 'Annakut Puja', 'Padwa' or even 'Gujarati New Year.'

This day marks the fourth day of Diwali, which usually falls on the first lunar day called as 'Ekam' of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight of moon) in the month of Kartik as per Hindu Panchang.

According to the Gregorian Calendar, it falls in the month of either October or November.

This year, the festival of "Diwali Padwa"/ "Govardhan Puja" is on the 2nd of November ‘24.

The observance of "Govardhan Puja" typically follows Diwali Puja, occurring on the subsequent day, although occasionally, there may be a one-day gap. According to religious texts, the celebrations are recommended on the Pratipada Tithi of the Kartik month. The commencement time of Pratipada influences whether Govardhan Puja aligns with Diwali or falls a day earlier on Amavasya in the Hindu calendar.

As per Drik Panchang, the "tithi" for "Diwali Padwa"/ "Govardhan Puja" in the year 24 is as follows:

• Govardhan Puja on Saturday, 2nd of November ‘24
• Pratipada Tithi Begins - 18:16 on 1st of November ‘24
• Pratipada Tithi Ends - 20:21 on 2nd of November ‘24

Significance of "Govardhan Puja":

The festival of "Diwali Padwa"/ "Govardhan Puja" is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna had defeated Lord Indra. This day commemorates the lifting of the Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna to protect the villagers from the wrath of Lord Indra, the god of rain. After that, people started worshipping Mount Govardhan with love and devotion. Lord Krishna was then affectionately called 'Govardhandhari' or 'Girirdhari' because of this special connection with the sacred hill.

The fervour of Govardhan Puja resonates enthusiastically in Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh in India.

In Haryana, during Govardhan Puja, people have a special tradition. They create small hills out of cow dung that look like Mount Govardhan. After shaping them, they decorate these hills with flowers and worship them with kumkum, and circulate in a ritual called 'Parikrama' as part of the celebration.

Devotees pray to Lord Govardhan for protection from life's challenges. Additionally, they bathe and adorn their bulls and cows with garlands and saffron, considering them dear to Lord Krishna, and offer worship to these animals.

In Maharashtra & some western states of India, the day after Diwali Padwa is celebrated as "Bali Pratipada" or "Bali Padva" or "Bali Padyami", commemorating the victory of Lord Vamana over King Bali, pushing him to Patal Lok. This event is believed to allow King Bali to visit Prithvi Lok from Patala Lok, thanks to a boon from Lord Vamana.

During this, there's a tradition of women performing aarti of their husbands and applying tilak on their foreheads. This ensures prayers for good health, long-life, prosperity and abundance for their spouse. In return, men shower love in the form of gifts for their wives.

In Haryana and Gujarat, it's the beginning of the New Year, known as Vikram Samvat.

Additionally, Govardhan Puja often aligns with the Gujarati New Year, celebrated on Shukla Paksha Pratipada of Kartik month. The timing of Govardhan Puja depends on the initiation of Pratipada Tithi, occasionally leading to celebrations a day before Gujarati New Year.

In some places, the day after Diwali is 'Vishwakarma Day,' dedicated to worshipping tools, and is a recognized holiday in certain areas.

The joy of Govardhan Puja is particularly vibrant in Nathdwara, Mathura, and Vrindavan. In these places, temple deities wear stunning clothes and jewellery adorned with pearls, rubies, diamonds, and other precious stones. Special prayers and musical ceremonies, called bhajans, fill the air, attracting large crowds to these temples. The celebrations extend to Lord Krishna temples nationwide, where everyone is treated to the distribution of Prasad, a blessed offering.

Devotees perform elaborate puja ceremonies on Diwali Padwa/ Govardhan Puja. This includes the worship of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, followed by rituals dedicated to Lord Krishna for his divine deeds.

As per Drik Panchang,

On 2nd of November ’24,

• Govardhan Puja Pratahkala Muhurat - 06:35 to 08:52
• Duration - 02 Hours 17 Mins, and
• Govardhan Puja Sayankala Muhurat - 03:44 PM to 06:01 PM
• Duration - 02 Hours 17 Mins

Govardhan Puja as "Annakut Puja":

"Govardhan Puja" is also very well-known by the name "Annakut Puja" in many regions.

Actually, the heart of Govardhan Puja lies in the preparation of 'Annakoot,' which translates to the 'mountain of food.' Devotees, on this auspicious day, meticulously create 108 or even 56 different delectable dishes crafted from cereals such as wheat and rice, along with gram flour-based curries and leafy vegetables as an offering, known as 'Bhog,' to present to Lord Krishna. The idols of Lord Krishna are bathed in milk, dressed in splendid clothes and adorned with dazzling jewelry. Traditional rituals, including Bhog (food offering) and aarti (ritualistic prayer with lamps), are performed to worship the divine.

Following the worship, the 'Annakoot' Prasad, consisting of the diverse array of prepared dishes, is joyfully shared among family members and friends. This act of distributing the Prasad symbolizes the spirit of sharing and communal harmony, reinforcing the essence of Govardhan Puja as a celebration of devotion, gratitude, and togetherness.

Conclusion:

Diwali Padwa/ Govardhan Puja, with its diverse customs and legends, reflects the rich cultural tapestry of India. The celebration brings families together, fostering a sense of unity and joy as people embark on a new year filled with hope and prosperity.