✍️ By Rahul Goyal · Chandigarh Life
Quick answer: Govardhan Puja 2026 falls on Tuesday, 10 November, the fourth day of the Diwali festival. It commemorates Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to shelter the villagers of Vrindavan from Indra’s torrential rain, and is marked at home with an Annakut offering of many vegetarian dishes. It’s a family and community observance in Chandigarh rather than a public event.
The Legend Behind Govardhan Puja
According to the Bhagavata Purana, the people of Vrindavan traditionally worshipped Indra, the god of rain and thunder, for a good harvest. Krishna persuaded them to worship Govardhan Hill instead, which sheltered their cattle and gave them everything they needed. Angered, Indra unleashed torrential rains on the village — and Krishna lifted the entire hill on his little finger, holding it aloft as an umbrella to shelter the villagers and their cattle until Indra relented. Govardhan Puja commemorates that act of protection.
How Govardhan Puja Is Observed
Traditionally, devotees make a small representation of Govardhan Hill from cow dung and worship it. The centrepiece of the day is Annakut — literally “mountain of food” — a large spread of vegetarian dishes prepared and offered as a mark of gratitude, echoing the abundance Govardhan Hill provided. In Chandigarh, this is a home and family tradition rather than a public event, often folded into the wider Diwali gathering with family on the fourth of the festival’s five days.
Govardhan Puja 2026 Date
Govardhan Puja 2026 falls on Tuesday, 10 November, the day after Diwali and Lakshmi Puja, and the day before Bhai Dooj. See our full Diwali in Chandigarh guide for the complete five-day calendar.
FAQ’s
When is Govardhan Puja 2026?
Tuesday, 10 November 2026, the fourth day of the five-day Diwali festival.
What is the story behind Govardhan Puja?
It commemorates Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to shelter the villagers of Vrindavan and their cattle from torrential rain sent by an angered Indra, after Krishna persuaded them to worship the hill instead of Indra.
What is Annakut?
Literally mountain of food — a large spread of vegetarian dishes prepared and offered on Govardhan Puja, symbolising gratitude and abundance.
Is Govardhan Puja publicly celebrated in Chandigarh?
It’s mainly a home and family observance in Chandigarh, typically folded into the wider Diwali celebrations, rather than a separate public event.
