by Dr Reeta Mahesh (N 120, GK I, 9810157336)
The ongoing festival season brings with it fervour and vigour for festivities after a long lull because of covid.
Soon after Diwali, Govardhan puja was celebrated in the mandir on the 26 Oct.
While the first three days of Diwali are days of prayer to sanctify wealth and invite greater wealth into the devotee’s life, the Annakut day is for offering gratitude for Krishna beneficence.
Govardhan puja is a principal ritual performed during Annakut. Lord Krishna is made out of cow dung in a horizontal position. After completing the structure, it is decorated with earthen lamps, seenkh and candles. After worshipping, the structure of the Lord is fed by the worshipers and the ladies. Prayers are made to Lord Govardhan.
Govardhan puja is chiefly identified with Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill on his finger to protect those who sought his refuge from Indra’s torrential rage.
Preparations begin very early in the morning as Chappan bhog is prepared to offer to Lord Krishna.
All the devotees send vegetables and grains etc to the temple, which are then cooked by professional cooks.
The puja consists of bhajans sung by the local ladies followed by Aarti conducted by the priest of the temple. All the devotees do a parikrama of the idol.
The food which consists of karhi, rice, mix vegetables, bajra khichdi, halwa, puri and ladoo was served near the yagyashaala.
Chhat is celebrated on the 6th day of Diwali. It was a four day festival (28 to 31 Oct) organised by Ram Janaki Sewa Samiti (RJSS) in Atal Park adjacent to the mandir. Prayers were offered to Surya devta.
Area MLA, Saurabh Bharadwaj and ex councillor, Shikha Rai graced the occasion on the 30th. Contributions from local residents poured in to assist in the organization of the function. Any shortfall of funds is met by collective contribution of the active members of RJSS.
The mandir provided space for cooking Prasad etc. electricity connection and passage for the function. Tulsi vivah was celebrated in the mandir on the 5 Nov by Healthy & Happy Buddies of Krishna ji Foundation.
Prasad of poori, halwa and aloo sabzi was distributed to all the attendees. Some of the ladies had brought home made delicacies to serve as Prasad.
