1. Puranic Legend of Giridhari Krishna
Govardhan Puja (also called Annakut) falls on Kartik Shukla Pratipada, the day immediately following Diwali. The festival celebrates Lord Krishna's divine act of lifting the Govardhan Hill on his left pinky finger for seven continuous days and nights to shelter the residents, gopas, gopis, and cattle of Vrindavan from the wrathful thunderbolts and torrential downpours sent by Lord Indra.
Before this event, the villagers traditionally worshipped Indra for rain. Krishna enlightened the villagers that they should instead worship the local ecosystem — the Govardhan Hill which provided pastures for cows, fresh spring water, and agricultural wood. Worshipping the Govardhan Hill represents the core Vedic philosophy of living in harmony with nature and ecology.
2. The 56 Bhog Annakut & Go Puja Traditions
Because Lord Krishna went without food for 7 days while holding up the mountain, the overjoyed devotees of Gokul prepared 8 meals for each day (7 x 8 = 56 dishes), creating the immortal 56 Bhog Annakut tradition. Cows (Gaumata) are washed, decorated with marigolds and peacocks feathers, anointed with kumkum, and fed fresh grass and sweets during Go Puja.
In many communities, a hill model is constructed out of cow dung inside the courtyard. Offerings of wheat, sugarcane, and curd are placed on the dung model, and family members perform pradakshina (circumambulation) chanting spiritual songs in praise of Lord Krishna.
3. Powerful Govardhan Dharan Mantra
गोवर्धनधराधार गोकुलत्राणकारक।
विष्णुबाहुकृतोच्छ्राय गवां कोटिप्रदो भव॥
"O Lord of Govardhan Hill, protector of Gokul! Held high by the hand of Lord Vishnu, grant us the supreme wealth of righteousness, cattle protection, and peace."