Govardhan Puja 2026: Is It on November 9 or 10? Check Correct Date and Shubh Muhurat

New Delhi: The festival of Govardhan Puja celebrated after Diwali is a symbol of faith in Lord Krishna and respect for nature. This festival is celebrated every year on the Pratipada date of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. However, due to Pratipada Tithi being of two days in the year 2026, there is confusion among the people regarding the date of Govardhan Puja. In some calendars the date is given as 9 November and in some as 10 November. In such a situation, let us know when Govardhan Puja will be celebrated this year and which time will be auspicious for the puja.

When will Govardhan Puja be celebrated?

According to the Hindu calendar, the Pratipada Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha will start at 12:31 pm on November 9, 2026 and end at 2 pm on November 10. Based on Udaya Tithi, Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

On this day, there is a tradition to worship Govardhan Mountain and cows along with Lord Krishna. Govardhan Puja is also known as Annakoot festival. 

What is the auspicious time of Govardhan Puja?

According to the Panchang of New Delhi, morning time is considered especially auspicious for Govardhan Puja. The main Muhurats of puja are as follows:

• Govardhan Puja date: 10 November 2026, Tuesday
• Pratipada Tithi Start: November 9, 12:31 pm
• Pratipada date ends: November 10, 2:00 pm
• Morning puja time: 6:40 am to 8:50 am
• Abhijeet Muhurta: 11:43 am to 12:26 pm
• Twilight Muhurta: 5:30 pm to 5:56 pm

Keep in mind that due to differences in calculations of sunrise and calendar according to the city, there may be a slight change in the timing of the puja.

What is the method of Govardhan Puja?

On this day, take bath in the morning and wear clean clothes. After this, make the shape of Govardhan Mountain with cow dung in the courtyard of the house or at the place of worship. Decorate it with flowers, roli and akshat. Then install the idol or picture of Lord Krishna, light a lamp and offer fruits, flowers, sweets and dishes.

According to religious belief, circling Govardhan Mountain seven times also has special significance. At many places, the tradition of carrying water during parikrama is also followed.

Why is Annakoot made on Govardhan Puja?

There is a tradition of offering Annakoot to Lord Krishna on the day of Govardhan Puja. Annakoot means a group of different types of grains and dishes. On this day, many types of dishes are prepared in homes and temples. In some temples, 56 types of dishes i.e. Chhappan Bhog are also offered to the Lord. There is a religious belief that this brings happiness, prosperity and food grains to the house. 

Why is Govardhan Puja celebrated?

According to the legend, in Dwapar era, Brajvasi used to worship Devraj Indra for good rain and harvest. Lord Shri Krishna explained to him that Govardhan Mountain, nature and cows have a special contribution in his life and livelihood. After this the Braj people started worshiping Govardhan Mountain.

Angered by this, Indra Dev started torrential rain in Braj. Then Lord Shri Krishna saved the people of Braj and their animals from the rain by lifting Govardhan Mountain on his little finger. The festival of Govardhan Puja is celebrated every year in memory of this incident.