# Govardhana-pūjā > Worship of Govardhana Hill **Observed:** The day after Dīpāvalī (October-November) --- ## Significance Govardhana-pūjā commemorates Lord Kṛṣṇa's lifting of Govardhana Hill to protect the residents of Vṛndāvana from the devastating rains sent by the demigod Indra. This pastime demonstrates that Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, superior to all demigods. --- ## The Pastime When Nanda Mahārāja and the residents of Vṛndāvana were preparing to worship Indra for the rains, young Kṛṣṇa advised them to instead worship Govardhana Hill, which provided grass for the cows and water from its streams. Angered by being neglected, Indra sent devastating rains to destroy Vṛndāvana. Kṛṣṇa then lifted Govardhana Hill with the little finger of His left hand and held it for seven days, providing shelter for all the inhabitants and their animals. > The Lord said, I shall lift this Govardhana Hill, and you all just come and take shelter under it. > > — [[sb/10/25|SB 10.25]] Summary --- ## Annakūṭa Festival Govardhana-pūjā is also called Annakūṭa ("hill of food"). Devotees prepare a "mountain" of various food preparations to offer to the Lord, recreating the original worship that Kṛṣṇa asked the Vrajavāsīs to perform. --- ## Observance - **Annakūṭa:** Mountain of food offered to Govardhana/Kṛṣṇa - **Parikramā:** Circumambulation of Govardhana Hill (in Vṛndāvana) - **Go-pūjā:** Worship and decoration of cows - **Feast:** Grand prasādam distribution --- ## Govardhana Śilā Small stones from Govardhana Hill (*śilā*) are worshiped as non-different from Kṛṣṇa Himself. Many Vaiṣṇavas keep Govardhana-śilās on their altars. --- ## Related - [[sb/10/24|SB Canto 10, Chapter 24]] — Worshiping Govardhana Hill - [[sb/10/25|SB Canto 10, Chapter 25]] — Lord Kṛṣṇa Lifts Govardhana Hill - [[wiki/events/kartika|Kārtika Month]] --- *See [[wiki/events/events|Vaiṣṇava Calendar]] for this year's date.*