This year, after Diwali, there is confusion among the people regarding the date of Govardhan Puja. Generally, Govardhan Puja and Annakoot festival are celebrated on the next day of Diwali, but this time due to the calculation of date and astrological rules related to moon sighting, the festival will be celebrated on 10th November.
Pratipada Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha has started on November 9 at around 12:31 pm, which will continue till November 10 at around 2 pm. Despite this, Govardhan Puja will not be performed on 9th November. According to astrological beliefs, in case of moon sighting on Pratipada Tithi, performing Govardhan Puja on that day is considered prohibited. For this reason, Govardhan Puja and Annakoot Mahotsav will be celebrated on Tuesday, 10th November.
What is the astrological reason for changing the date this time?
To determine the date of any festival in the Hindu calendar, merely observing the beginning and end of the date is not sufficient. Which date is present at the time of sunrise, what is the position of moon sighting and which theological rule is applicable for the concerned festival, all these things are kept in mind.
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Famous astrologer of Himachal Pradesh, Pandit Gopal Krishna Shastri says that this time Pratipada Tithi is starting in the afternoon on 9th November but moonrise is taking place on this date, in which Govardhan Puja is prohibited. He told that generally Gokrida, Govardhan Puja and Annakoot festival are celebrated on Kartik Shukla Pratipada. But according to the scriptures, on the Pratipada date when there is a possibility of moon sighting, then during that Dwitiya-Yuta Pratipada, activities like cow playing, Govardhan Puja, Annakoot and Bali Puja etc. should not be performed. By doing this there is a fear of loss of children, loss of wealth and loss of crown. In that case, these festivals will be celebrated only on Pratipada with new moon.
Auspicious time of worship from 6:44 am to 8:52 am
According to the Panchang calculations available for Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, the morning auspicious time for Govardhan Puja will be from 6:44 am to 8:52 am on November 10. Due to difference in sunrise time at different places, there may be a difference of a few minutes in the Muhurta.
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Lord Krishna had raised Govardhan Mountain
Govardhan Puja is related to the pastime of Lord Krishna, in which he lifted Govardhan Mountain on his little finger to save the people of Braj from the wrath of Devraj Indra. According to mythological belief, Braj people earlier worshiped Indra, the god of rain. Balkrishna explained to them that the basis of their life and livelihood was Govardhan Mountain, nature, cow progeny and farming. Therefore they should express gratitude towards nature.
Angered by this, Devraj Indra started torrential rain in Braj. To save the people of Braj from continuous rain, Lord Shri Krishna lifted Govardhan Mountain on his little finger. For seven days the people of Braj and their animals remained safe under the mountain. Ultimately Indra realized his mistake and accepted the glory of Shri Krishna. In memory of this incident, Govardhan Puja is performed every year on Kartik Shukla Pratipada.
Chhappan Bhog is offered in Annakoot
Govardhan Puja is also known as Annakoot festival. On this day, various types of dishes, sweets, grains and seasonal dishes are offered to Lord Krishna. There is a tradition of offering Chhappan Bhog in many temples. In homes, the shape of Govardhan mountain is made from cow dung and it is worshiped. Along with this, cows and bulls are also worshipped. There is a tradition of circling Govardhan at many places.
The religious message of Annakoot is not limited to worship only. This festival also underlines the importance of food, agriculture, livestock and nature. It is considered to have special importance for farmers and cattle herders. In this way, due to the mathematics and religious beliefs of the date this year, there will be a difference of one day for Govardhan Puja after Diwali. Devotees will celebrate Annakoot festival by worshiping Lord Krishna on Tuesday, 10th November.