If India is called a Country of festivals, then there will be nothing wrong. The beauty of this country lies in its colorful festivals. Every year, a series of festivals in Sanatan Dharma enthuse people's lives with joy and gaiety. Following the vibrant celebration of Diwali comes the sacred festival of Govardhan Puja, a time to honor and worship the divine essence of Govardhan Parvat. 

All the festivals lined up during Diwali are called Yama Panchak in the scriptures. But in 2024, one day has been added to all these festivals. This year's five-day festival of lights is being completed in six days. This festival is celebrated a day after Diwali, in which there is a ritual of worshiping Lord Shri Krishna, along with this, Govardhan Parvat is also worshiped. The 56 bhogs are offered to lord krishna, and that's why this day is celebrated as Annakoot. 

On this day, women make the figure of Govardhan Maharaj in the courtyard of their houses with the help of cow dung, and in the evening, Govardhan Maharaj is worshiped by lighting diyas just like on Diwali. Women also make sweets etc. at home on this day. Shri Paras Bhai Ji mentioned that Vishwakarma Puja is also observed on the Pratipada of Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month.

On this day, people worship their iron tools and metals at their workplace. Both these worships are also performed together at home. With the blessings of Lord Vishwakarma, the dedicated efforts of those working with iron and metals continue to shine.

Popular Beliefs and the story behind Govardhan Puja Festival:

According to popular beliefs and the story told by Shri Paras bhai Guruji, in Dwapar Yuga, all the residents of Braj used to worship Indradev, because according to them, when Indradev rains, the crops of the village benefit, and all the animals get to eat fodder. When Shri Krishna came to know the reason for worshiping Indradev, then he explained to the residents of Braj and mother Yashoda that it is because of Govardhan Parvat that all the cows and animals of our village get fodder. 

After listening to all these things of Shri Krishna, all the villagers agreed with him, they left the worship of Lord Indra and started worshiping Govardhan Maharaj, seeing all this, Lord Indra got angry. Due to his anger, Indradev started raining heavily in Braj. When the residents of Braj were getting troubled by the heavy rain, then Shri Krishna lifted the Govardhan Parvat on the little finger of his left hand, and saved all the villagers from this terrible rain. After 1 week of heavy rain, Indradev came to know through other Devas that Shri Krishna is none other than the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Lord Indra then apologized to Shri Krishna and calmed down the heavy rain that was happening due to his anger. After this, all the residents of Braj started worshiping Govardhan Maharaj. On this day, Followers of Hindu Dharma prepare 56 bhogs for the worship of Shri Krishna and Govardhan, this is the reason why this day is also celebrated as Annakoot.

This day is specially celebrated as the worship of nature. On this day, all the countrymen should worship nature and also take a pledge to protect nature. According to old beliefs, when Ravan's grandfather Rishi Pulastya saw Govardhan, he was fascinated by it and started taking it with him to Kashi. Then on the way, Govardhan increased its weight as soon as it reached Braj village and refused to go to Kashi. Due to which Rishi Pulastya got angry and cursed Govardhan Maharaj that Govardhan Parvat will keep sinking into the ground by a handful of feet every day. This is the reason that even in the present time, Govardhan is sinking into the ground by a handful of feet every day.

On this day, Govardhan Maharaj is worshiped in the evening, all the members of the house circumambulate the idol made of Govardhan Maharaj in the evening. On this day, people also honor and worship Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect. On these auspicious days of festivals, blessings of Goddess Lakshmi are showered. Everyone wishes happiness and prosperity for their home and family on these holy days. Paras Parivar also wishes all of you the best on these holy and joyous days.