Govardhan Puja and Annakut Shringaar: Dressing Govardhandhari Krishna

Govardhan Puja falls on the day after Diwali, on Kartik Shukla Pratipada. It celebrates Krishna lifting Govardhan parvat on his little finger to shelter the people of Braj from Indra's rain. Homes and temples offer Annakut, a mountain of food, and Thakur ji is dressed in his most festive shringaar of the season.

The mood: rich and festive

Coming straight after Diwali, Govardhan Puja shringaar is usually rich in colour. Deep red, maroon, mustard yellow and green all work well, with plenty of gold. If you already dressed Thakur ji for Diwali, you can reuse those pieces and simply change the poshak and haar.

What to put on Thakur ji

1. Mukut: a gold mukut or a mor mukut with a kalangi for height.
2. Haar: layer a choker with a long haar. Our layering guide explains how.
3. Bansi: a festive, stone-studded bansi.
4. Kamarband: a kamarband gives a grand, finished look for darshan.
5. Bangles and payal: small bangles and payal complete the shringaar.

Some families like to show the Govardhan leela directly, placing a small hill made of food or flowers near Thakur ji's raised hand. Keep it light so it never presses on the idol.

Keeping the shringaar safe around Annakut

• Dress Thakur ji before arranging the bhog, so you are not reaching over food.
• Keep ghee lamps and incense a little away from the poshak and jewellery.
• After the festival, wipe each piece with a soft dry cloth before storing. Our care guide has more tips.

Shop the look

Browse our Diwali shringaar collection for festive pieces, or pick a complete shringaar set so everything matches. Orders above ₹1,999 ship free within India.

Frequently asked questions

Is Govardhan Puja shringaar different from Diwali shringaar?

It is usually just as festive. Many families reuse the Diwali jewellery and change only the poshak, haar or mukut so Thakur ji gets a fresh look.

Which deity is worshipped on Govardhan Puja?

Krishna as Govardhandhari, and Govardhan parvat itself. Families following Pushti Marg celebrate it as one of the biggest festivals of the year.