"Diwali Padwa/Govardhan Puja"- Krishna's grace, Diwali's embrace

"Diwali Padwa", also known as "Govardhan Puja", is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in various parts of India. In some places, it is known as 'Bali Pratipada', 'Annakut Puja', 'Padwa' or even 'Gujarati New Year.'

This day marks the fourth day of Diwali, which usually falls on the first lunar day called as 'Ekam' of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight of moon) in the month of Kartik as per 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 2nd of November ‘24.

The observance of "Govardhan Puja" typically follows Diwali Puja, occurring on the subsequent day, although occasionally, there may be a one-day gap. 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 ‘24 is as follows:

Govardhan Puja on Saturday, 2nd of November ‘24

Pratipada Tithi Begins - 18:16 on 1st of November ‘24

Pratipada Tithi Ends - 20:21 on 2nd of November ‘24

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Significance of “Govardhan Puja”:

The festival of "Diwali Padwa"/ "Govardhan Puja" is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna had 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. After that, people started worshipping Mount Govardhan with love and 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 of their husbands and applying tilak on their foreheads. This ensures prayers for good health, long-life, prosperity and abundance for their spouse. In return, men shower love in the form of gifts for their wives.

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, 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 Gujarati New Year.

In some places, the day after Diwali is 'Vishwakarma Day,' dedicated to..........

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https://www.ekohumm.com/article/diwali-padwa-govardhan-puja-krishna-s-grace-diwali-s-embrace