Govardhan Puja, also known as the Annakut festival, is celebrated a day after Diwali, mainly in the northern and western parts of India. Annakut Puja 2024, to be celebrated on the 2nd of November 2024, holds great significance. Historically, Govardhan Puja is held to mark the cultural tale of Lord Krishna picking up the huge Govardhan Parvat on his pinky finger to offer shade to the villagers amidst thunderstorms.
Annakut, which literally translates to a mountain of food, features an elaborate festive spread. Symbolising abundance and gratitude, the Annakut festival is celebrated by preparing dishes with seasonal ingredients and offering them to Lord Krishna. While the festive feast differs from region to region, there’s one staple that’s made across the country – kadhi chawal. Read on to know the significance of why kadhi is traditionally made for Annakut Puja.
The Story Behind Govardhan Puja
As per the Hindu literature, the origins of Govardhan Puja are rooted in ancient mythology. In one of the tales in the scriptures, it is said that Lord Krishna urged the villagers of Vrindavan to avoid worshipping Lord Indra, the god of rain and instead worship the Govardhan Parvat, which provides them with shelter, water, and food. On doing so, Lord Indra wasn’t pleased, and Vrindavan was met with a furious storm. To protect the villagers from the thunderstorm, Lord Krishna picked up the Govardhan mountain on his pinky finger, and thereon, the miraculous event is celebrated as Govardhan Puja.
The bhog prepared to offer Lord Krishna on Govardhan Puja is all about picking seasonal and abundant ingredients. While the Annakut feast features a variety of dishes made with grains, vegetables, milk-based sweets, and other dairy products, kadhi chawal remains a staple.
Significance Of Kadhi Chawal For Annakut Puja
Kadhi chawal has two components: a spiced curd-based curry and chawal, or rice. Since the Annakut Puja is all about being grateful for nature, kadhi chawal, which encompasses almost every part of nature’s offering, is traditionally made in every Indian household as well as in temples. Here are more reasons why kadhi chawal is a staple for Govardhan Puja.
Satvik Food
In Hindu tradition, satvik food—considered pure, light, and wholesome—is often prepared for religious occasions. Kadhi chawal aligns with satvik principles as it is made without garlic or onions, ingredients that are generally avoided during pujas. Thus, it is not only suitable to offer Lord Krishna but it is also served to devotees on Govardhan Puja.
Healthy And Complete Meal
Even though kadhi chawal is a humble meal, it is highly nutritious. Curd, being one of the major ingredients, is a treasured source of probiotics and calcium. Besan, or chickpea flour, is the other main ingredient, which is prized for its protein content. Collectively, kadhi chawal is known to be an impeccable source of energy.
Perfect For The Seasonal Change
Since Govardhan Puja falls in the autumn season, the weather is usually cooler at night, and the days to come are to witness the seasonal change. Kadhi, with its warm spices like haldi, jeera, and hing, creates a warming effect on the human body, which makes it easier to adapt to the weather. The slightly sour flavour of kadhi is also known to help ease the digestive processes, making it a great part of the festive feast.