Govardhan Puja 2026: Quick Answer
Govardhan Puja and Annakut 2026 fall on Tuesday, 10 November 2026. The Pratahkala (morning) muhurat in New Delhi is 6:40 AM to 8:50 AM (2 hours 10 minutes). The Pratipada tithi runs from 12:31 PM on 9 November to 2:00 PM on 10 November, so Govardhan Puja is observed on 10 November, when Pratipada prevails at sunrise. The same day is Bali Pratipada and the Gujarati New Year.
| Detail | Timing (New Delhi) |
|---|---|
| Govardhan Puja / Annakut | Tuesday, 10 November 2026 |
| Pratipada begins | 12:31 PM, 9 Nov |
| Pratipada ends | 2:00 PM, 10 Nov |
| Pratahkala muhurat | 6:40 AM – 8:50 AM |
| Complete puja before | 2:00 PM (end of Pratipada) |
Why Not 9 November?
Amavasya lasts until 12:31 PM on 9 November, so the morning of the 9th is still Amavasya (Diwali snan and dev puja). Pratipada is present at sunrise only on 10 November, so Govardhan Puja is on 10 November. Some international calendars show 9 November because of different time zones.
The Story of Govardhan
The people of Vraja used to worship Indra, the god of rain, with grand offerings each year. Young Krishna asked them to worship Govardhan Hill instead, because the hill gave them grass for their cows, water and shelter. Angered, Indra sent seven days of torrential rain. Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on the little finger of his left hand and sheltered all the people and cattle under it for seven days. Indra realised his mistake and bowed to Krishna. Since then, Govardhan and Krishna (as Govardhandhari) are worshipped on Kartik Shukla Pratipada.
Govardhan Puja Vidhi
- 1Make the Govardhan figure: In the courtyard, shape a figure of Govardhan (often a reclining human form or a hill) with fresh cow dung. Decorate it with flowers, grass, small trees, and figures of cows, cowherds and Krishna.
- 2Place a lamp in the navel: A diya with ghee is placed in the centre (navel) of the figure.
- 3Worship: Offer roli, akshat, kheel-batashe, milk, curd, flowers and sweets.
- 4Mantra: "Govardhana dharadhara Gokula-trana-karaka, Vishnu-bahu-kritocchraya gavam koti-prado bhava."
- 5Annakut bhog: Offer the mountain of food (see below).
- 6Parikrama: Walk around the Govardhan figure seven times, sprinkling milk or water and scattering grain.
- 7Cow puja: Bathe and decorate cows, apply tilak and feed them.
- 8Aarti of Govardhan and Krishna.
Annakut
Annakut means "mountain of food". Families cook a variety of vegetarian dishes — often 56 (Chhappan Bhog) — and offer them to Krishna. A famous dish is Annakut sabzi, a mix of many seasonal vegetables. Read more: Why Annakut is made.
Also on 10 November 2026
- •Bali Pratipada (Padwa): remembrance of King Bali; in Maharashtra, husbands and wives exchange gifts.
- •Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas): Vikram Samvat begins for the Gujarati calendar.
- •Dyuta Krida: traditionally a day of games (gambling should be avoided).
Govardhan Parikrama in Mathura
Lakhs of devotees perform the 21-km Govardhan parikrama around the hill near Mathura on this day. If you plan to go, start early and carry water.
Summary
Govardhan Puja 2026 is on Tuesday, 10 November. Worship in the morning (6:40–8:50 AM in Delhi), complete the rituals before Pratipada ends at 2:00 PM, make the Govardhan figure, offer Annakut and perform the parikrama. Bhai Dooj follows on 11 November.
