Govardhan Puja 2026: Annakut and the Mountain of Food

Govardhan Puja — also called Padwa — falls on Monday, November 9, 2026. It is the fourth day of the five-day Diwali festival, the morning after the lights and fireworks of Diwali night.

What Is Govardhan Puja?

Govardhan Puja celebrates Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Mountain to protect villagers from torrential rains. When the god Indra sent a terrible storm, Krishna held the mountain above his head like an umbrella, sheltering the people and their cattle until the rains stopped. The day honors that protection — and the mountain itself, which is worshipped as a form of Krishna.

The Annakut: A Mountain of Food

Devotees prepare Annakut — literally, a mountain of food — as an offering of gratitude. Hundreds of vegetarian dishes, sweets, and fruits are arranged in tiers before the deities, a feast built to look like the mountain Krishna lifted. Temples open their Annakut displays for darshan, and the food is shared as blessed prasad afterward.

Diwali Events Still On: Monday, November 9

• Diwali Celebration at SUNY Westchester Community College — 12:00–1:30 PM, David Swope Student Center, Cultural Lounge, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla. Traditional food and cultural activities with the Department of Student Involvement. Details
• BAPS Flushing Annakut — Tuesday, November 10, at BAPS New York, 43-38 Bowne Street, Flushing. The New Year Annakut darshan continues the Govardhan tradition into the next day. Details
• Diwali Festival at Hudson River Museum — Saturday, November 14, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM, 511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers. The big Westchester Diwali finale: make your own diya, create rangoli, learn to drape a sari, get a henna design, and enjoy Indian music and dance. Details

Getting There: Rides for the Rest of Diwali Week

The festival doesn’t end on Diwali night — family is still visiting, and the events keep coming. Dia Limo Service runs flat-rate rides across Westchester and New York City, 24/7, with no surge. See our flat-rate pricing and airport taxi service for relatives flying in or out, or book on WhatsApp: 914-292-4800.

Govardhan Puja FAQ

When is Govardhan Puja in 2026?
Monday, November 9, 2026 — the fourth day of the Diwali festival.

What is Annakut?
Annakut is a mountain of food — hundreds of vegetarian dishes, sweets, and fruits offered to the deities in gratitude, shaped like the Govardhan Mountain.

Why did Krishna lift Govardhan Mountain?
To shelter the villagers and their cattle from torrential rains sent by Indra, holding the mountain above them until the storm passed.

What is Govardhan Puja also called?
Padwa — it is also observed as the start of the Hindu New Year in some traditions.

Happy Govardhan Puja from Dia Limo Service. 🪔