Govardhan Pooja and Nature

Govardhan Pooja is a Hindu festival celebrated after Diwali.It is also known as Annakoot. It commemorates an event in Hindu mythology when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from torrential rains caused by the rain god, Indra.

According to legend, Indra became angry with the villagers for worshipping Govardhan Hill and not him. In response, Krishna urged the villagers to honor the hill as a symbol of nature's bounty and God's presence. When Indra sent down heavy rains, Krishna lifted the hill on his little finger, creating a shelter for the villagers and cattle beneath it.

In honor of Krishna's protective act, devotees on this day prepare a vast array of vegetarian food, known as bhog, and offer it to the deity as a symbol of gratitude for the abundance of nature. This offering is typically arranged in a mountain-like shape to represent Govardhan Hill, and the food is later distributed among the community as prasad. The festival is celebrated with various rituals, including prayers, singing devotional songs, and creating miniature replicas of Govardhan Hill with cow dung or other materials, symbolizing the divine protection and the relationship between nature and humanity.

Govardhan Pooja is widely celebrated in the northern states of India, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan, where Krishna is said to have lived.

This actually signifies respect for nature and the environment. What can we do to convey this in the modern era ?

Respecting nature involves making mindful choices that preserve ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and reduce the environmental impact of human activities. Here are some principles to help:

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Minimizing waste helps reduce the demand for natural resources. Recycling materials and reusing items are simple but impactful ways to avoid excess waste.

2. Conserve Water: Water is a finite resource. By using it mindfully—fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and choosing water-saving appliances—we can help preserve it.

3. Limit Energy Consumption: Reducing electricity and fossil fuel use lowers carbon emissions and the stress on our environment. Using renewable energy sources like solar and wind, and investing in energy-efficient appliances, is a positive step.

4. Choose Sustainable Products: Support products made from sustainably sourced materials. Avoiding single-use plastics and choosing biodegradable or compostable alternatives also reduces harm to the environment.

5. Protect Wildlife: Avoid disturbing natural habitats, especially for endangered species. Consider ethical wildlife experiences over any that exploit animals.

6. Plant Trees and Support Green Spaces: Trees improve air quality, absorb CO₂, and support biodiversity. Participating in or donating to reforestation projects helps restore and preserve ecosystems.

7. Practice Mindful Eating: Opting for locally grown, organic food reduces pollution and supports sustainable farming practices. Reducing meat consumption, particularly beef, also has a substantial impact, as livestock farming significantly contributes to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.

8. Respect Natural Habitats: When outdoors, stay on marked paths to protect vegetation and avoid littering, which can harm wildlife and degrade natural spaces.

9. Educate and Advocate: Learning about environmental issues and sharing that knowledge helps build awareness and encourage others to respect nature too.

10. Support Conservation Efforts: Volunteering with or donating to environmental organizations helps strengthen conservation work and amplifies individual efforts.

Small actions add up, and by making conscious, respectful choices, we help protect and preserve nature for future generations.

By Jamuna Rangachari