A majestic liturgical guide for the day after Diwali covering the creation of the cow dung deity of Giriraj Govardhan, preparation and offering of the mountain of grains (Annakut / Chhappan Bhog), sacred cow (Gau Mata) worship, and the 7-circuit milk parikrama.
Clean the courtyard or verandah. Using fresh, pure cow dung, sculpt the reclining divine form of Lord Govardhan. Shape His head, eyes, long arms, and legs. Form an elevated naval hollow to hold a clay lamp. Adorn His crown with flowers and place sugarcane stalks around Him as trees.
Light a cow ghee lamp in the naval hollow of Govardhan Ji. Offer holy water with Kusha grass, apply red vermilion (sindoor) and fragrant chandan. Offer raw unbroken rice, yellow marigolds, and sacred Moli thread as clothes.
Arrange the grand Annakut offering: traditional Kadhi, bajra khichdi, poori, kheer, makhan-mishri, and the sacred 'Annakut Subzi' made by simmering dozens of fresh seasonal vegetables together. Offer each dish with sacred Tulsi leaves placed on top.
Govardhan Puja is incomplete without worshiping Gau Mata. Bathe the cow and calf, apply turmeric-kumkum tilak on their foreheads, adorn their horns with oil/color, and place a flower garland around their necks. Feed them fresh green grass, soaked flour dough balls (peda) with jaggery, and Annakut prasad.
Fill a small earthen pot or brass pitcher with raw cow milk and water. Walk clockwise around the sculpted Govardhan deity seven times, pouring a continuous, unbroken thin stream (Dugdhadhara) of milk while dropping batashas and flowers on the path.
Light camphor and sing the traditional Govardhan Aarti ('Shri Govardhan Maharaj, O Maharaj, Tere Mathe Mukut Viraj Raho'). Conclude by partaking in the Annakut prasad with family and distributing it to neighbors and the needy.
