"Diwali Padwa" is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in various parts of India as 'Bali Pratipada', 'Annakut Puja', 'Padwa' or even 'Gujarati New Year.' It's also known as "Govardhan Puja".
This day marks the fourth day of Diwali, which usually falls on the first lunar day called 'Ekam' of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight of moon) in the month of Kartik as per the Hindu Panchang.
According to the Gregorian Calendar, it falls in the month of either October or November.
This year, the festival of "Diwali Padwa"/ "Govardhan Puja" is on the 22nd of October 2025.
"Govardhan Puja" is observed after Diwali Puja, occurring on the subsequent day. Although occasionally, there may be a one-day gap between the two festivals. According to religious texts, the celebrations are recommended on the Pratipada Tithi of the Kartik month. The commencement time of Pratipada influences whether Govardhan Puja aligns with Diwali or falls a day earlier on Amavasya in the Hindu calendar.
As per Drik Panchang, the "tithi" for "Diwali Padwa"/ "Govardhan Puja" in the year 2025 is as follows:
The festival of "Diwali Padwa"/ "Govardhan Puja" is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna defeated Lord Indra. This day commemorates the lifting of the Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna to protect the villagers from the wrath of Lord Indra, the god of rain. Since that day, people started worshipping Mount Govardhan with devotion. Lord Krishna was then affectionately called 'Govardhandhari' or 'Girirdhari' because of this special connection with the sacred hill.
The fervour of Govardhan Puja resonates enthusiastically in Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh in India.
In Haryana, during Govardhan Puja, people have a special tradition. They create small hills out of cow dung that look like Mount Govardhan. After shaping them, they decorate these hills with flowers and worship them with kumkum, and circulate in a ritual called 'Parikrama' as part of the celebration.
Devotees pray to Lord Govardhan for protection from life's challenges. Additionally, they bathe and adorn their bulls and cows with garlands and saffron, considering them dear to Lord Krishna, and offer worship to these animals.
In Maharashtra & some western states of India, the day after Diwali Padwa is celebrated as "Bali Pratipada" or "Bali Padva" or "Bali Padyami", commemorating the victory of Lord Vamana over King Bali, pushing him to Patal Lok. This event is believed to allow King Bali to visit Prithvi Lok from Patala Lok, thanks to a boon from Lord Vamana.
During this, there's a tradition of women performing aarti for their husbands and applying a tilak on their foreheads. This ensures prayers for their spouse's long life, prosperity, abundance, and good health. In return, men shower love to their wives in the form of gifts.
In Haryana and Gujarat, it's the beginning of the New Year, known as Vikram Samvat.
Additionally, Govardhan Puja often aligns with the Gujarati New Year. It is celebrated on Shukla Paksha Pratipada of Kartik month. The timing of Govardhan Puja depends on the initiation of Pratipada Tithi, occasionally leading to celebrations a day before the Gujarati New Year.
In some places, the day after Diwali is celebrated as 'Vishwakarma Day. It is dedicated to worshipping tools, and is a recognised holiday in certain areas.
The places related to Shri Krishna, including Nathdwara, Mathura, and Vrindavan, observe Govardhan Puja with immense joy and fervour. At these locations, the devotees make temple deities dressed in exquisite clothes and jewelleries adorned with diamonds, rubies, pearls, etc. Special prayers and musical ceremonies, called bhajans, fill the air, attracting large crowds to these temples. The celebrations extend to Lord Krishna temples nationwide, where everyone is treated to the distribution of Prasad, a blessed offering.
Devotees perform elaborate puja ceremonies on Diwali, Padwa/ Govardhan Puja. This includes the worship of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, followed by rituals dedicated to Lord Krishna for his divine deeds.
As per Drik Panchang,
On the 22nd of October 2025,
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"Govardhan Puja" is also very well-known by the name "Annakut Puja" in many regions.
Actually, the heart of Govardhan Puja lies in the preparation of 'Annakoot', the 'mountain of food.' The devotees prepare 56 even108 different delicious dishes made from grains like wheat and rice. Many also prepare curries made with gram flour and leafy vegetables. They offer these as "Bhog" to Lord Krishna on this auspicious day. Lord Krishna's ardent devotees offer milk abhishekam, adorn him with beautiful garments, and glittering jewellery. To worship the divine, people perform traditional rituals like aarti (ritualistic prayer with ghee lamps).
Following the worship, the 'Annakoot' Prasad, consisting of a diverse array of prepared dishes, is joyfully shared among family members and friends. This act of distributing the Prasad is a true symbol of the spirit of sharing and communal harmony.
Overall, Govardhan Puja, celebrated as Diwali Padwa or Annakoot Puja, honours the divine protection of Lord Krishna and the sacred Govardhan Hill. The devotees prepare Annakoot, perform rituals, and offer Prasad to the Almighty on this day. This observance is a symbol of gratitude, prosperity, and communal harmony. This auspicious day inspires spiritual devotion, family bonding, and festive joy across India.
1. When will we be celebrating Diwali Padwa & Govardhan Puja in 2025?
This year, Diwali Padwa & Govardhan Puja is on the 22nd of October 2025.
2. How is Govardhan Puja related to Diwali?
The fourth day of the five-day Diwali celebrations is observed as Govardhan Puja. Similar to other days of Deepawali, people worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on this sacred day.
3. What is so special about the festival of Govardhan Puja?
On this day, Lord Krishna saved the villagers of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra by lifting Govardhan Parvat with his little finger. That’s why it’s a very significant festival for Hindus.
4. How do we celebrate Govardhan Puja?
On the day of Govardhan Puja, we build small mounds of cow dung or clay to represent Govardhan Hill, offer prayers, decorate them with flowers and food, and prepare Annakoot Prasad.
5. What is Annakoot made on Govardhan Puja composed of?
On Govardhan Puja, the devotees prepare Annakoot, a large variety of 108 or 56 different delicious vegetarian dishes and sweets, made from grains like wheat and rice. Many people also make curries made with gram flour and leafy vegetables. These are offered to Lord Krishna as a symbol of gratitude for his protection and blessings.
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