Devotees Flock to Govardhan Hill for Grand Milk Abhishek Ceremony

Mathura, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : Thousands of devotees gathered at the foothills of Govardhan on November 10 to celebrate Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut Mahotsav. The event began early in the morning with a grand milk abhishek dedicated to Giriraj Maharaj. Starting at 4 AM, a continuous stream of milk flowed over the deity, a ritual that lasted well into the night.

The 21-kilometer circumambulation route saw a massive influx of pilgrims. Chanting devotional songs like “Teri kat jaayein baadha jeevan ki, kar parikrama Govardhan ki,” men and women walked in reverence. The atmosphere was filled with the sounds of “Hare Krishna, Hare Ram,” creating a spiritually uplifting environment. Along the circumambulation route, colorful flower decorations, displays, and food stalls welcomed the devotees.

Many participants carried baskets filled with offerings, dedicating them to Giriraj. Alongside Indian devotees from ISKCON and the Gaudiya sect, over 10,000 international visitors from 40 countries joined the celebrations.

Foreign devotees were seen dancing to the beats of drums and singing hymns. Groups of worshippers departed from the Gaudiya Math on Radha Kund Road, carrying offerings for the festivities. Giriraj was bathed in Panchamrit and offered 56 varieties of food as part of the ceremony. The celebrations in Barsana also reflected the same fervor, with temples echoing with chants at dawn.

As evening fell, homes and temples were illuminated with lamps, and devotees created a symbolic representation of Govardhan Hill using cow dung, adorning it with milk, yogurt, and sweets. Special rituals took place at the Radha Rani Temple, Rangili Mahal, and Mangarh Dham.

In Mathura, the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi and the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan also hosted grand Annakut celebrations. Long queues of devotees stretched for three kilometers outside the Banke Bihari Temple. Mathura Das Kaushik, a priest at the Daan Ghati Temple, explained that this festival commemorates Lord Krishna’s defiance of Indra’s worship and his lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers.

The Yogi government implemented strict security measures to manage the large crowds. “Govardhan Puja holds significant importance in our lives after Diwali. I come here every year for the parikrama. The peace that follows the milk abhishek is indescribable,” said Suman Sharma, a devotee from Noida.

Gauri Mani Devi Dasi, a visitor from America, expressed her joy at experiencing Govardhan Puja for the first time. “The atmosphere, the faith of the people, and the energy of the kirtan are incredible. For foreign devotees, coming to Braj feels like a dream come true,” she said, enjoying hours of devotional singing.

Tens of thousands of devotees celebrated their faith in a vibrant display of spirituality and devotion at this year’s Govardhan Puja.