Govardhan Puja: Why are curry and Annakut curries made? Learn about the religious and spiritual significance of these dishes..

Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is celebrated the day after Diwali. This day commemorates Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan to save people and animals from the wrath of Lord Indra. On this day, special prayers are offered to Lord Krishna, and a variety of dishes are served before him. Among these dishes, Kadhi and Annakut curry hold a special place. These are not just food items, but also hold a deep religious and cultural significance. Let's learn why Kadhi and Annakut curry are prepared during Govardhan Puja and their significance. Astrologer Anshul Tripathi explains this.

Meaning and Tradition of Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja is also known as Annakut festival, which means mountain of food. This festival symbolizes expressing gratitude to nature, agriculture, and food. Lord Krishna himself explained to the people of Braj that instead of worshipping Lord Indra, we should respect nature and the provider of food, Mother Earth. In this spirit, different types of grains, pulses, vegetables, and sweets are prepared and offered to God on this day. Making Kadhi and Annakut Sabzi on this day is part of this Annakut tradition.

The Significance of Annakut Sabzi
Annakut means a mixture of various vegetables. Seasonal vegetables such as eggplant, potatoes, bottle gourd, tinda, peas, okra, seasonal beans, etc., are used in the Annakut Sabzi prepared on this day. This Sabzi is prepared very simply but deliciously, without onion or garlic.

It is said that the purpose of preparing Annakut Sabzi is to respect the diversity of nature. Just as every vegetable has a different taste and quality, every experience in life has its own significance. This Sabzi conveys the message of unity, harmony, and balance: that true taste and prosperity are achieved only when all things come together.

The Religious and Scientific Significance of Kadhi
The tradition of making Kadhi on Govardhan Puja is very old. This dish is believed to symbolize balance and purity. Kadhi, made with yogurt and gram flour, is considered a sattvic food. It is not only easy to digest but also extremely beneficial for the body after fasting on the day of the puja.

Kadhi is said to have been very dear to Lord Krishna. For this reason, it is specially prepared for Govardhan Puja. Furthermore, the combination of gram flour and yogurt symbolizes both prosperity and purity—gram flour represents the earth's produce, and yogurt represents the freshness of life.

Why is Kadhi and Annakut prepared together special?

Preparing these two dishes together has religious and symbolic meaning. The Annakut curry symbolizes nature's diversity, while the kadhi symbolizes balance and purity. When these two dishes are prepared together, it symbolizes maintaining both diversity and balance in life.

Furthermore, in rural traditions, Govardhan Puja is also seen as a "food thanksgiving day." Farmers thank God before the new harvest arrives from the fields. A little bit of every crop from the fields is included in the vegetables and dishes prepared on this day to honor Mother Earth.

Celebration and Offerings of Annakut Puja
On the day of Govardhan Puja, a symbol of Mount Govardhan is created in homes and temples – it is usually made from cow dung, clay, or flour. Various dishes are then offered to it. Especially, curry and Annakut vegetables are placed on a large plate and offered to Lord Krishna. After the puja, these offerings are distributed as prasad to everyone.

In some places, 56 types of dishes are also prepared, known as Chhappan Bhog. However, it is most important that the food is sattvic, meaning without onion and garlic, as this day is completely dedicated to devotion and purity.

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