Common North Indian household practice
Govardhan Puja · Annakut
Honouring the hill that sheltered Vraj: a small Govardhan, a mountain of food, the parikrama and the aarti.
WHEN
Tuesday, 10 November 2026
The date is for India (Drik Panchang, Gurugram). Outside India it can differ by a day; check your own city.
- Fri 6 NovDhanteras
- Sun 8 NovDiwali · Lakshmi Puja
- Tue 10 NovGovardhan Puja
- Wed 11 NovBhai Dooj
Source: Drik Panchang, Govardhan Puja 2026, location shown as Gurugram (checked 14 October 2026)
Choosing the time
In 2026 Govardhan Puja falls on 10 November, two days after Lakshmi Puja, because of how the tithis fall this year. Many families do the puja in the morning or afternoon; check your city’s muhurat.
Find your city’s muhurat on Drik Panchang ↗Add this date to Google Calendar ↗ · All festival dates
Govardhan Puja is the first day (Pratipada) of the waxing moon in Kartika. In Gujarat the same day begins the new year, and in Maharashtra it is Bali Pratipada.
AT A GLANCE
What you need
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
What to gather
For the Govardhan
Offerings
THE BOOK
Deepotsav: The Diwali-week pujas at home, Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj
₹99 · Order on WhatsApp, the PDF comes to your phone.
See the book
THE BOOK
Govardhan Puja: The small hill, the Annakut and the aarti
₹49 · Order on WhatsApp, the PDF comes to your phone.
See the bookSafety
Keep a cow-dung or clay Govardhan separate from the food. Offer the dishes in clean vessels set before the hill, never on it. Wash hands with soap and water after shaping the hill and before touching food or prasad; an adult should help the children.
One festival, many traditions
In Braj and much of North India families make a small Govardhan hill, traditionally of cow dung in villages and of food, clay or flour in many homes today, and offer it a great variety of dishes (Annakut). Cows are honoured, and many temples prepare large Annakut offerings. Follow your family’s way.