Harda women make Govardhan from cow dung, offer collective prayers at Golapura

Govardhan Puja was celebrated in Harda district on Tuesday with traditional customs and devotion. Preparations began early in the morning, from the town to rural areas. Women worshipped Govardhan hill and prayed for the happiness and prosperity of their families.

In the Golapura neighbourhood of the town, women made a Govardhan hill and an image of Lord Shri Krishna from cow dung at the main doors of their homes. Both were then decorated in the traditional manner. All the women then performed the worship together and circumambulated the Govardhan hill. Flowers, roli, rice and other worship items were offered during the puja.

The tradition of Govardhan Puja was also observed in rural areas. On Padwa, which fell on Tuesday, villagers bathed their cattle, stamped colourful marks on their bodies and decorated them. The animals were also worshipped. A fire was then lit at the threshold of the house and the cattle were led over it.

Villagers believe that this keeps the cattle healthy through the year and free of disease. In the villages, the tradition has been followed from generation to generation.

Govardhan Puja is regarded as a festival of gratitude to nature, cattle and grain. In rural areas, worship was also held inside homes according to traditional customs. The tradition of awakening Lord Govardhan will also be observed in the evening.