Introduction Celebrated the day after Diwali, this festival commemorates the time Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from the rain.

The Story (Vrat Katha) The people of Vrindavan used to perform a grand sacrifice to please Lord Indra (the Rain God). Young Krishna asked his father, Nanda, “Why do we worship Indra?” Nanda replied, “Because he gives us rain.”

Krishna argued, “It is the Govardhan Hill that provides grass for our cows and forests for our livelihood. We should worship the Hill, not a distant God who is proud.”

Convinced, the villagers worshipped Govardhan Hill. Indra was furious at this insult. He sent devastating storms and torrential rain to drown Vrindavan.

To save the people, Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan Hill on his little finger and held it up like an umbrella for seven days and nights. The villagers took shelter under it. Realizing Krishna’s supreme power, Indra surrendered and apologized.

Conclusion This Puja teaches us to respect nature (the mountain/earth) and that true devotion protects us from any storm.