**Govardhan Puja**, also known as **Annakut**, is a Hindu festival observed a day after Diwali. It celebrates **Lord Krishna’s protection of the people of Vrindavan** from the wrath of **Indra**, the god of rain, by lifting **Mount Govardhan** and using it as a protective umbrella against torrential rains. This act symbolizes divine protection and the importance of humility and devotion over arrogance.
### Key Elements of Govardhan Puja
1. **Creating a Govardhan Hill**: Devotees traditionally create a small mound to represent Govardhan Hill using cow dung, decorated with flowers, and offered as part of the worship. This model is symbolic of the actual Govardhan Hill, located near Mathura.
2. **Annakut Offering**: The main ritual of Govardhan Puja is the offering of Annakut, or a “mountain of food,” which includes a variety of vegetarian dishes. This offering is made to Krishna as a gesture of gratitude for nature’s abundance and protection.
3. **Govardhan Parikrama**: Many devotees perform a parikrama (circumambulation) around Govardhan Hill, especially in Mathura, to express devotion and respect for the divine act of protection.
### Significance
Govardhan Puja is a reminder of the **importance of nature and gratitude for its resources**. The celebration reflects values of humility and protection, encouraging people to **respect the environment** and **recognize the earth’s sustaining power**. Lord Krishna's lifting of Govardhan shows that humility and devotion are greater than arrogance and wrath, and nature deserves reverence.
### Celebrations Across India
Govardhan Puja is celebrated with enthusiasm across India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. Temples and communities often organize **Annakut offerings**, and devotees gather to sing bhajans (devotional songs) in praise of Krishna’s miraculous act.
### Wishes for Govardhan Puja
- "On this Govardhan Puja, may Lord Krishna bring you protection, abundance, and joy."
- "Happy Govardhan Puja! May the blessings of Govardhan be upon you and your family."
- "Wishing you a joyous Annakut and Govardhan Puja filled with devotion and gratitude."
Govardhan Puja emphasizes **nature worship, gratitude, and protection**, promoting both spirituality and environmental respect.
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