Govardhan Puja is a cherished Hindu festival celebrated the day after Diwali. This puja is performed to express gratitude towards Lord Krishna and nature. This day is believed to bring blessings, wealth, and abundance to households. We spoke to astrologer Radhakant Vats to learn more about Govardhan Puja, how many diyas or oil lamps will light this day, and where to place them.
Govardhan Puja 2024: Date, History, And Significance
This year, Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on Saturday, November 2, 2024, marking the first day of the Hindu month of Kartika, which is the day after Diwali. Also known as Annakut, this festival is celebrated with enthusiasm across North India, especially in Vrindavan and Mathura. The festival commemorates a powerful legend from the Bhagavata Purana in which Lord Krishna saved the villagers of Vrindavan by lifting the Govardhan Hill.
The story goes that Krishna noticed the villagers worshipping Indra, the rain god, to ensure rainfall for their crops. Then Lord Krishna suggested they worship Govardhan Hill, which provided them with food, shelter, and resources. This suggestion by Krishna angered Lord Indra, and he sent torrential rains to Vrindavan. To protect the villagers, Krishna used his divine powers to lift the Govardhan Hill on his smallest finger. Since then, Govardhan Puja has symbolised faith, protection, and the gratitude people feel for nature's gifts.
Govardhan Puja 2024: How Many Diyas To Light And Where?
Lighting diyas (oil lamps) during Govardhan Puja is considered an important ritual that brings prosperity and peace into the household. While the exact number of diyas may vary according to regional customs, it is common to light at least one diya on the navel of Lord Govardhan’s idol, made from cow dung. Some families light additional diyas around the idol and the house to further bless the home with positive energy.
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Govardhan Puja 2024: Why Should One Light An Oil Lamp On The Navel Of Lord Govardhan?
According to astrologer Radhakant Vats, placing an oil lamp on the navel of Lord Govardhan’s idol is particularly auspicious. This tradition originates from the ancient story of Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill. Legends say that when Krishna held up the hill, his smallest finger turned red from the strain. The villagers of Braj applied ghee, oil, and honey to his finger to ease the pressure. This act of love extended to the central part of Govardhan Hill, now symbolised by the navel of the idol, which people decorate with oil, ghee, and honey during the puja.
The navel represents the centre and strength of the hill. It’s believed that this act blesses the household with prosperity and keeps it free from scarcity. Scriptures suggest that lighting a lamp here and offering these items invites blessings for food, health, and joy.
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Now you know how many diyas, where and why you should light and place on the auspicious day of Govardhan Puja 2024.
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