From Sabzi To Sweets: Key Components of

Govardhan Puja

Offerings

Quick Summary

Govardhan Puja, celebrated the day after Diwali, honours Lord Krishna’s courageous act of lifting the Govardhan mountain to shelter his people from the rains. To honour this day, a feast is prepared in many households for Lord Krishna. This article looks at the feast, from sabzis and sweets prepared for Lord Krishna. Dive deeper to know which dishes are made for this festival. 

Deep Dive

Unlike other festivals where sweets take centre stage, Govardhan Puja is about variety, quantity and symbolism. This day is honoured for Lord Krishna’s courageous act of lifting the mountain Govardhan to provide shelter to his devotees, and in return, the devotees offer him a variety of foods, as an act of thankfulness. This feast is called “Annakut”, meaning mountain of anna or food. The practice of preparing an extensive Annakut reflects Krishna’s devotion to the villagers and the natural bounty of the land. 

Every dish has a purpose; for example, legumes and grains signify sustenance, vegetables represent the Earth’s abundance, and sweets convey gratitude and joy. The thali often includes both hot-cooked curries and cold preparations, highlighting contrasts in texture, taste, and energy. 

The preparation for Govardhan Puja is often a family affair, with recipes passed down from generations, sometimes incorporating regional twists. Ingredients are chosen for their auspiciousness and symbolism, for example, ghee for purity, sugar for sweetness in life, milk for nourishment, and seasonal vegetables for prosperity. This spread is also visually appealing, often symbolising the mountain Govardhan itself. Read this article to know what all dishes are prepared and the symbols they represent.