The Sacred Celebration of Annakut and Govardhan Puja

Annakut is a sacred and joyful Hindu festival generally celebrated on the day following Diwali. It is also known as Govardhan Puja.

The word “Annakut” means a mountain of food. On this auspicious occasion, devotees prepare a wide variety of Satvik dishes, sweets, fruits and grains. The offerings are beautifully arranged in the form of a mountain and presented to Lord Krishna.

The festival expresses gratitude toward God, nature, food, farmers, cows and the environment. It reminds us that every meal is a divine blessing and should always be respected.

Religious Significance of Annakut

• Worship of Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill
• Gratitude toward nature and the environment
• Respect for food and agriculture
• Recognition of the importance of cows
• Prayers for peace, prosperity and happiness
• Promotion of community service
• Victory of devotion over pride

Story of Govardhan Puja

During the Dwapara Yuga, the people of Gokul and Vrindavan worshipped Indra, the god of rain. Lord Krishna explained that Govardhan Hill, cows, forests, fields and nature supported their daily lives and deserved their gratitude.

Following Lord Krishna’s guidance, the people worshipped Govardhan Hill and offered a large variety of food instead of performing the traditional worship of Indra.

Indra became angry and caused heavy rainfall in Braj. To protect the people and animals, Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on His little finger and provided shelter to everyone.

After seven days, Indra realised his mistake and sought forgiveness from Lord Krishna. Since then, devotees have celebrated Govardhan Puja and Annakut with devotion.

Annakut Puja Vidhi

• Take a bath early in the morning and wear clean clothes.
• Clean the home and prayer area.
• Remember Lord Krishna, Govardhan Hill and the sacred cow.
• Place an idol or image of Lord Krishna in the prayer area.
• Offer a lamp, incense, flowers, rice and sandalwood.
• Prepare different types of Satvik dishes.
• Arrange the food in the form of a mountain.
• Offer the Annakut Bhog to Lord Krishna.
• Chant Krishna Mantras.
• Read or listen to the story of Govardhan Puja.
• Perform Aarti.
• Feed and serve cows.
• Distribute the blessed food as Prasad.

Annakut Bhog

A wide variety of vegetarian and Satvik dishes may be offered during Annakut.

Offerings May Include

• Different vegetable preparations
• Lentils and Kadhi
• Puri and Roti
• Rice and Khichdi
• Halwa and Lapsi
• Kheer
• Laddus and sweets
• Fruits and dry fruits
• Butter and sugar candy
• Savoury snacks
• Panchamrit
• Seasonal Satvik dishes

Cleanliness, purity and devotion should be maintained while preparing the offerings.

Message of Annakut

Annakut teaches us to respect nature, water, land, food, animals and the people who produce our food.

The festival also reminds us not to waste food. After the offerings are made to God, the Prasad is shared equally among all devotees, representing unity, service and compassion.

Annakut Celebration at Our Temple

The sacred Annakut Festival will be celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm at Shri Sulochanadevi Ambaji Mataji Temple.

Special Programmes

• Morning Mangal Darshan
• Special decoration of Mataji
• Lord Krishna and Govardhan Puja
• Grand Annakut Bhog
• Chhappan Bhog Darshan
• Bhajan and Kirtan
• Special Aarti
• Gau Seva
• Prasad and Mahaprasad Distribution

All devotees and their families are warmly invited to attend the celebration, receive the divine blessings and participate in the Mahaprasad.