About Govardhan Puja (Annakut)
Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is celebrated the day after Diwali. It recalls the story of Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill on his little finger to shelter the villagers of Vrindavan from torrential rains sent by Indra, teaching them to honour nature and devotion over fear. The festival celebrates gratitude for the earth, cattle and the food they provide, and is among the most beloved days in the Krishna tradition.
Devotees build a small hill of cow dung or earth to represent Govardhan, decorate it with flowers, and walk around it in reverence. The word annakut means mountain of food, and in temples and homes a vast array of vegetarian dishes and sweets is cooked and arranged in heaps as an offering to Krishna before being shared. Cattle are washed, garlanded and worshipped, a custom especially vivid in Braj, Gujarat, Maharashtra and among Vaishnava communities.
Govardhan Puja follows the Hindu lunar calendar, falling on the first day of the bright fortnight of Kartik, immediately after the new-moon Diwali night, so its Gregorian date shifts each year, generally in October or November. The live countdown above always tracks the next Govardhan Puja for you. If you would like to share the moment, you can add this countdown to your own page in a few clicks.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Monday, November 9, 2026next |
| 2028 | Wednesday, October 18, 2028 |
FAQ
When is Govardhan Puja this year and what date is it?
Govardhan Puja falls on the first day of the bright fortnight of Kartik, the day after Diwali, usually in October or November. The date changes each year with the Hindu lunar calendar, so check the live countdown above for the next one.
Why is Govardhan Puja celebrated?
It commemorates Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to shelter the people of Vrindavan from a storm, teaching devotion to nature over the worship of Indra. It is a day of gratitude for the earth, cattle and food.
How is Govardhan Puja celebrated?
Devotees build a small model of Govardhan Hill and offer it prayers, and prepare an annakut, a mountain of vegetarian dishes, for Krishna. Cattle are bathed, decorated and worshipped in many regions.
How is Govardhan Puja related to Diwali?
It is the fourth day of the five-day Diwali festival, falling the day immediately after the main Diwali night. It shifts the focus from Lakshmi to Krishna and gratitude for nature.