What is Govardhan Puja and Chappan Bhog?
Soon after Diwali, the next day is observed as “Annakoota”, the day of Govardhan Puja. People worship Lord Krishna and offer a variety of food as Prasad.
The Significance of Govardhan Puja.
It is said that the people of Vrindavan used to offer a lot of food, grains, etc to Lord Indra for him to bless their land with ample rain. However, Lord Krishna thought it is very unfair of Lord Indra to do so. And he insisted and convinced the residents of Vrindavan to not give in to the demands.
Lord Indra got furious and initiated nonstop heavy rains. Lord Krishna came to the rescue and pulled the Govardhan Parvat with one finger and made it a shelter for all the beings who lived there.
This continued for 7 long days. However, Lord Indra finally lost to the determination of Krishna and gave in.
Significance of Chappan Bhog
It is believed that Krishna used to have 8 meals in the day. And the rain crisis went on for 7 days. Thus 56 types of food, fruits, grains, cereals, vegetables, etc were offered to him. And since then, it is continued to be done that way.
People prepare Prasad and offer it to Lord Krishna and then after have that as their own meals after the “BHOG”
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