Govardhan offers limitless pleasure for the cows, the gopas and the gopis. When Krishna was hardly seven years old, He lifted Govardhan like an umbrella and held it for seven days to protect the Vrajavasi from rain born from Indira’s anger. Annakuta-mahotsava is a festival commemorating the day when the Lord lifted Govardhan hill to assure protection to His devotees.

Govardhan Puja is another jewel-like festival adorning the beautiful month of Kartik. Govardhan Puja immediately follows the day of Diwali. Traditionally, the residents of Vrindavana worshipped Indra, the King of Heaven and the supplier of rains. But upon noticing great pride in the heart of Indra, Lord Krishna desired to stop such worship. He inspired the residents of Vrindavana to worship Govardhan instead. Pleasing Krishna was the topmost priority of each resident of Vrindavana. So together, they worshipped and circumambulated Govardhan enthusiastically.

With joy overflowing in their hearts, devotees celebrate this day by circumambulating (parikramas) and replicating Govardhan by stacking up endless piles of delicious bhoga as an offering to Giriraj Govardhan, the king among mountains. This is popularly called the Annakuta ceremony celebrated in various parts of the world on this auspicious day.