Mathura: A wonderful confluence of faith and culture was seen on the holy land of Govardhan on Tuesday. The foreign devotees who came from across the seven seas were also seen to be so engrossed in the traditions of Braj that the difference between the country and the foreign country seemed to be erased. Someone was moving towards Giriraj Maharaj dressed in Indian attire and carrying Annakut Chhabriya on his head, while someone was circling while dancing to the tune of bhajan-kirtan. People of different languages, costumes and cultures had only one identity – unwavering devotion towards Giriraj Maharaj.
Huge crowd in Govardhan Puja and Annakoot Festival
A huge crowd of devotees gathered in Govardhan on the occasion of Govardhan Puja and Annakoot Mahotsav. Since morning, a series of religious events started at the foothills of Giriraj mountain. Devotees anointed Girirajji with stream of milk and offered food from Annakoot. There was a procession of devotees throughout the day on the 21 kilometer long Saptakoshi Parikrama route. The entire area became filled with devotion with the chants and hymns of Giriraj Maharaj. At many places, devotees did not even get space to step.
Devotees and traditional events from the villages of Braj
A large number of people also came from the villages of Braj to keep the tradition of Govardhan Puja alive. The Braj residents of Nandgaon, Barsana, Govardhan, Anyur, Jatipura, Radhakund and Parasauli decorated the raw and cooked dishes prepared at home in Chhabris and collectively offered them to Girirajji. A traditional event was organized at the historical Annakoot site in Anyur in the presence of Brajnishtha Saint Kanhaiya Baba. Here the devotees carried out the Dwaparyugin tradition by collectively offering Annakoot. A large number of devotees also arrived from Gaudiya Math located on Radhakund Marg with Chhabris. Panchamrit Abhishek was performed with milk and other substances on the Radhakund Parikrama route.
Annakoot and participation of foreign devotees in temples
The women of the Sevayat family of Mukut Mukharvind temple also worshiped Girirajji by placing Chhabriya of Annakoot on their heads. Goswami Samaj organized a grand Annakoot festival in Hardev temple. Annakoot was also offered to Thakurji on behalf of the Sevayat Samaj of Danghati Temple and Mukut Mukharvind Temple. The participation of foreign devotees was a special attraction during the entire event. Seeing the foreign devotees assimilating the Indian culture and traditions of Braj, in Govardhan, it seemed as if the whole world was tied in the same thread of devotion.