Govardhan Puja

On the fourth day of Diwali, Govardhan Puja holds great significance among the Hindus in north India. In other parts of the country, this day is known as 'Padva' or 'Bali Pratipada',which is celebrated to welcome King Bali on earth.In this pooja, there is a tradition of building cow dung hillocks, which symbolize the Mount Govardhan, the mountain which was once lifted by Lord Krishna.

After making such hillocks people decorate them with flowers and then worship them. They move in a circle all round the cow dung hillocks and offer prayers to Lord Govardhan.

Govardhan Puja Legends 

'Govardhan' is a small hillock situated at 'Braj', near Mathura. The legends in 'Vishnu Puraan' have it that the people of Gokul used to worship and offer prayer to Lord Indra for the rains because they believed that it was he who sent rains for their welfare but Lord Krishna told them that it was Mount Govardhan (Govardhan Paevat) and not Lord Indra who caused rains therefore they should worship the former and not the latter. People did the same and it made Lord Indra so furious that the people of Gokul had to face very heavy rains as a result of his anger. Then Lord Krishna came forward to ensure their security and after performing worship and offering prayers to Mount Govardhan lifted it as an umbrella on the little finger of his right hand so that everyone could take shelter under it. After this event Lord Krishna was also known as Giridhari or Govardhandhari. 

Celebrations

Anna-Koot

Anna-Koot, meaning the 'mountain of food' is celebrated on the second day of Diwali. Observed with ceremonial prayers, devotees prepare 'Bhogs', which comprises of as many as 56 or 108 delicious dishes and offer this to Lord Krishna. On this day, the idols of the deities are bathed in milk, wrapped in gaudy attires and adorned with jewelries. Prayers, community bhajans etc. are conducted and all sorts of dishes, fruits are placed before the deities.

Padwa

On the fourth day of Diwali, Shudh Padwa is celebrated. According to legends, on this day King Bali comes to the earth and visits his kingdom as per the boon bestowed upon him by Lord Vishnu. Therefore, this day has long been celebrated as 'Bali Padyami' to welcome King Bali to earth. 'Padwa' or 'Varshapratipada' is also the day on which King Vikramaditya was coronated. 

Gudi Padwa

On the day of GudiPadwa, women put 'Tilak' on their husbands' foreheads, conduct Aarti and pray for their long life. Husbands, in return, bring presents for their wives. Celebrated since ages, the day of Gudi Padwa holds special significance in Hindu culture. On this day, people meet their in laws over an elaborate meal. 

2017 Date : 20th October.