Govardhana Puja

We will be celebrating Govardhana Puja on Monday, November 9th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. During the time of Sri Krishna, the villagers of Vrindavan used to honour King Indra, the demigod responsible for providing rain for harvest. One day, young Krishna convinced the villagers to celebrate Govardhana Hill instead of Sri Indra because it was the soil of the hill that provided grass for the cows and bulls to graze and then they provided milk. Thus, the hill should be worshiped. King Indra got infuriated and sent massive thunderstorms as punishment. Sri Krishna calmly lifted Govardhana Hill with his little finger to provide shelter for Vrindavan’s residents. After seven days of continuous thunderstorms and rain, King Indra surrendered and asked for forgiveness from Sri Krishna. He realized his true position as a servant of Sri Krishna.

We will build a Govardhana Hill replica to worship Sri Krishna as the lifter of Govardhana Hill. Traditionally various varieties of foodstuffs are offered in this ceremony and devotees perform parikrama – circumambulation of the replica of Govardhana Hill. This festival is often called a “festival of food” so be sure to join us and not miss the sumptuous feast!