New Delhi: Continuing India’s timeless festival traditions, Annakut and Govardhan Puja celebrations were held with joy and fervour at Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir, New Delhi. Thousands of devotees and visitors gathered at the temple premises with deep devotion and faith to be part of this divine celebration.
Inspired by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the festivals of Diwali and Annakut were celebrated with devotion and harmony at over 1,800 BAPS Swaminarayan mandirs and centers around the world, just as other Hindu festivals are observed.
At 10:00 a.m., the celebrations at Akshardham Mandir, New Delhi commenced with Govardhan Mahapuja, in which senior swamis of the organization and thousands of devotees had participated. A special replica of Mount Govardhan was created in the temple courtyard, where the swamis performed the traditional Vedic Mahapuja and divine arti of the Deities. The chanting of Vedic hymns and devotional music filled the atmosphere with spirituality and divine joy.
Blessing everyone on this auspicious occasion, H.H. Mahant Swami Maharaj conveyed, “May everyone attain happiness in body, mind, and wealth. In this New Year, let all imbibe the virtues of others and stay away from criticism and faults.”
The festival, celebrated on the first day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Pratipada) after Diwali, offers devotees an opportunity to express their gratitude toward God. In many Indian states, this day is also regarded as the beginning of the New Year.
According to ancient scriptures, around 5,000 years ago during the Dwapar Yuga, when torrential rains were caused by Indra Dev’s wrath, Bhagavan Shri Krishna lifted the mighty Govardhan Hill on his little finger to protect the residents of Gokul. On the seventh day, when the storm subsided, Shri Krishna placed the hill back and instructed everyone to worship Govardhan and celebrate the Annakut Festival; a tradition that continues to this day.
From early morning, large crowds of devotees were present in the Mandir premises. Thousands came for Annakut Darshan, where 1,232 sattvic vegetarian dishes were artistically arranged and offered before the Deities. In preparation for this grand offering, hundreds of dedicated volunteers tirelessly served day and night, exemplifying selfless devotion, love, and service.
The Annakut Darshan remained open to the public till late evening. The festival beautifully reflected the essence of “Tera Tujhko Arpan” the spirit of offering everything back to God. It symbolizes the devotees’ unwavering faith that whatever we possess is by God’s grace, and that true joy and contentment lie in dedicating it back to Him.