Festival guide
Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja, on the first day of the bright half of Kartika, usually falls the day after Diwali. In some years, when Amavasya lasts into the next day, there is a gap of a day.
Govardhan Puja dates
| Year | Date | Tithi and its timings |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Tuesday 10 November | Kartika Shukla Pratipada 9 Nov, 12:32 → 10 Nov, 14:00 |
| 2027 | Saturday 30 October | Kartika Shukla Pratipada 29 Oct, 19:06 → 30 Oct, 17:52 |
Dates for New Delhi, India; times in Asia/Kolkata. Observed by the rule: tithi at sunrise.
Also known as: Annakut, Padwa, Bali Pratipada.
Story and significance
Krishna persuaded the people of Braj to worship Govardhan hill instead of Indra. When Indra sent torrential rain in anger, Krishna lifted the hill on his little finger to shelter everyone for seven days.
How Govardhan Puja is celebrated
- Annakut — a “mountain” of many dishes offered to Krishna
- A small Govardhan hill made of cow dung and decorated, then circumambulated
- Worship of cows
- Bali Pratipada in Maharashtra and Karnataka, and Gujarati New Year
Customs vary between regions, communities and families. Please follow the guidance of your family priest or local temple for rituals and timings.
Frequently asked questions
When is Govardhan Puja 2026?
Govardhan Puja 2026 falls on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, for New Delhi. Choose your city above to see the date for your location.
When is Govardhan Puja 2027?
Govardhan Puja 2027 falls on Saturday, 30 October 2027, for New Delhi. Choose your city above to see the date for your location.
Why does the date of Govardhan Puja change every year?
Govardhan Puja is fixed by the lunar calendar — the Shukla Paksha tithi 1 of Kartika (amanta calendar) — not the Gregorian calendar. Lunar months drift against solar dates, so the festival moves by up to a few weeks from year to year.
Can Govardhan Puja fall on different dates in India and abroad?
Yes. The rule depends on the tithi at a particular time of day at your location, so a tithi that begins just before sunrise in India may begin after sunrise in North America, moving the observance by a day.