Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation on Govardhan Puja, Tuesday 10 November 2026, praying for peace, happiness and abundance in every life. He posted on Instagram and on X, where he also shared a Sanskrit verse in praise of Lord Krishna as Govardhan-dhari, the lifter of Govardhan Hill.

PM Modi's Govardhan Puja message on Instagram

On the auspicious occasion of Govardhan Puja, may everyone be blessed with peace, happiness and abundance.

According to ANI, the Instagram post showed the Prime Minister feeding cows, a fitting image for a festival that honours Gau Mata alongside Govardhan.

PM Modi's message on X

On X (formerly Twitter) the Prime Minister wrote in Hindi:

सभी देशवासियों को गोवर्धन पूजा की बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं। यह पावन पर्व आप सभी के जीवन में नई ऊर्जा और नए उत्साह का संचार करे। सभी के सुख, सौभाग्य और समृद्धि का विस्तार हो, यही मंगलकामना है।
आभीरनगरीप्राणप्रियं सत्यपराक्रमम् । स्वभृत्यभयभेत्तारं गोवर्धनधरं भजे ॥

Translation: "Heartiest greetings to all my fellow countrymen on the occasion of Govardhan Puja. May this sacred festival infuse new energy and enthusiasm into all your lives. I pray for the well-being, good fortune and prosperity of everyone."

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The verse, from the Shri Govardhanadharashtakam, means: "I worship Govardhan-dhari, who is dearer than life to the people of Braj, whose valour is true, and who destroys the fears of his devotees."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also shared Govardhan Puja greetings on the day.

Significance of Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja, also called Annakut, is celebrated on Kartik Shukla Pratipada. In 2026 it falls on Tuesday 10 November, two days after Lakshmi Puja: Amavasya was still running at sunrise on 9 November, so Pratipada begins the next day. Full dates, muhurat and vidhi are in our Govardhan Puja and Annakut 2026 guide.

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The festival recalls how Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger to shelter the people and cattle of Braj from Indra's storms. Devotees prepare a mountain of food offerings, often the Chappan Bhog of 56 dishes, worship Govardhan Maharaj and honour cows; read why cows are decorated and worshipped on Govardhan Puja.

Govardhan Puja across India in 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What did PM Modi say on Govardhan Puja 2026?

On Instagram he wrote: "On the auspicious occasion of Govardhan Puja, may everyone be blessed with peace, happiness and abundance." On X he wished that the festival would infuse new energy and enthusiasm into everyone's lives and bring well-being, good fortune and prosperity, and shared a Sanskrit verse praising Krishna as Govardhan-dhari.

Which verse did PM Modi share for Govardhan Puja?

He shared "Abhiranagari-prana-priyam satya-parakramam, svabhrtya-bhaya-bhettaram govardhana-dharam bhaje", a verse from the Shri Govardhanadharashtakam that praises Krishna, the lifter of Govardhan Hill, as dear to the people of Braj, truly valiant and the remover of his devotees' fears.

When is Govardhan Puja in 2026?

Govardhan Puja and Annakut fall on Tuesday 10 November 2026 (Kartik Shukla Pratipada), per Drik Panchang. This year it comes two days after Lakshmi Puja on 8 November, because Amavasya was still running at sunrise on 9 November.

Why is Govardhan Puja celebrated?

It commemorates Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to shelter the people and cattle of Braj from Indra's storms. Devotees offer Annakut, a mountain of food, worship Govardhan and honour cows, giving thanks for nature's abundance and Krishna's protection.

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Jai Shri Krishna! Jai Govardhan Maharaj!