Govardhan Puja & Bhai Dooj 2025: Significance, Rituals and Traditions of the Final Days of the Lakshmi Festival
The grand Festival of Lights, or Deepotsav, marks one of the most celebrated times in the Hindu calendar. While Dhanteras and Diwali often take the spotlight, the final two days - Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj - hold deep spiritual significance. These days not only conclude the Lakshmi Festival but also symbolise devotion, humility, prosperity, and the sacred bond between siblings. Let’s explore the traditions, legends, and rituals that make these two days so special.
Govardhan Puja 2025 : A Day of Devotion and Gratitude
Date and Significance
Govardhan Puja, observed a day after Diwali, will be celebrated on October 22, 2025. According to the Hindu calendar, it falls on the Pratipada Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in Kartik month. This day celebrates Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill, symbolising the triumph of faith and humility over arrogance and pride.
The Legend of Lord Krishna and Indra
In ancient Gokul, the people once worshipped Lord Indra, the god of rain, with a grand feast known as Annakoot. But Lord Krishna urged them to honour Mount Govardhan instead, as it nourished their cattle and sustained life. Offended, Indra unleashed torrential rains to punish them. To protect the people of Braj, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger for seven days. Realising his mistake, Indra bowed before Krishna, and from that day, the Govardhan Puja replaced the Annakoot festival, marking the victory of humility and devotion.
The Spiritual Connection Between Govardhan Puja and Goddess Lakshmi
Although centred around Lord Krishna, Govardhan Puja remains an integral part of the Lakshmi Festival, symbolising abundance and prosperity. During the Vedic era, cows represented Goddess Lakshmi — the harbinger of wealth. Worshipping Govardhan is thus believed to invoke her divine blessings for material and spiritual growth.
Traditional Govardhan Puja Rituals
Preparation: Begin by purifying the space and placing the same coin used during Diwali in your worship plate. Sprinkle water and offer roli, moli, rice, turmeric, and henna.
Offerings: Present five red flowers, raw turmeric, lotus seeds, amarbel, and sweets made from milk or ghee.
Lighting of Lamps: Light five diyas (ghee lamps) and perform aarti to Goddess Lakshmi, praying for prosperity and peace in your household.
Placement of Lamps:
These rituals, rooted in the Puranas, are said to attract Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings and keep the home filled with abundance and light.
Bhai Dooj 2025 : Celebrating the Eternal Bond of Siblings
Date and Meaning
The festival of Bhai Dooj, also known as Yama Dwitiya, concludes the five-day Lakshmi Festival. In 2025, it will be celebrated on October 23, coinciding with the Dwitiya Tithi of the Kartik month’s bright fortnight.
This sacred day celebrates the loving bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Raksha Bandhan, but rooted in different legends and rituals.
The Legends of Bhai Dooj
1. Yama and Yamuna’s Divine Reunion
According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Yama, the god of death, was invited by his sister Yamuna for a meal. After many refusals, Yama finally visited her on this day. Overwhelmed with joy, Yamuna welcomed him with aarti and a sacred tilak. Pleased with her affection, Yama granted her the boon that any sister who honours her brother on this day will be blessed with his protection. Hence, Bhai Dooj is also known as Yama Dwitiya.
2. Lord Krishna and Subhadra
Another legend ties Bhai Dooj to Lord Krishna’s visit to his sister Subhadra after defeating the demon Narakasura. Subhadra greeted him with sweets, flowers, and a tilak, symbolising her love and relief at his safe return. Since then, this ritual has been observed as a token of sisterly affection and divine protection.
Bhai Dooj Puja Vidhi: Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi for Prosperity
As Bhai Dooj marks the final day of the Lakshmi Festival, it is customary to perform Lakshmi Puja for lasting prosperity.
Steps for the Ritual:
Lamp Placement After Worship:
Finish the ritual by sprinkling yellow rice at your doorway to invite Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings into your home.
From Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, every day of the Lakshmi Festival holds deep symbolic meaning - from invoking wealth and health to celebrating divine relationships. Govardhan Puja reminds us to stay humble and grateful, while Bhai Dooj strengthens family bonds. Together, they bring the festival to a graceful and auspicious close.
Govardhan Puja 2025 : A Day of Devotion and Gratitude
Date and Significance
Govardhan Puja, observed a day after Diwali, will be celebrated on October 22, 2025. According to the Hindu calendar, it falls on the Pratipada Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in Kartik month. This day celebrates Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill, symbolising the triumph of faith and humility over arrogance and pride. The Legend of Lord Krishna and Indra
In ancient Gokul, the people once worshipped Lord Indra, the god of rain, with a grand feast known as Annakoot. But Lord Krishna urged them to honour Mount Govardhan instead, as it nourished their cattle and sustained life. Offended, Indra unleashed torrential rains to punish them. To protect the people of Braj, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger for seven days. Realising his mistake, Indra bowed before Krishna, and from that day, the Govardhan Puja replaced the Annakoot festival, marking the victory of humility and devotion.The Spiritual Connection Between Govardhan Puja and Goddess Lakshmi
Although centred around Lord Krishna, Govardhan Puja remains an integral part of the Lakshmi Festival, symbolising abundance and prosperity. During the Vedic era, cows represented Goddess Lakshmi — the harbinger of wealth. Worshipping Govardhan is thus believed to invoke her divine blessings for material and spiritual growth.
Traditional Govardhan Puja Rituals
Preparation: Begin by purifying the space and placing the same coin used during Diwali in your worship plate. Sprinkle water and offer roli, moli, rice, turmeric, and henna.
Offerings: Present five red flowers, raw turmeric, lotus seeds, amarbel, and sweets made from milk or ghee.
Lighting of Lamps: Light five diyas (ghee lamps) and perform aarti to Goddess Lakshmi, praying for prosperity and peace in your household.
Placement of Lamps:
- First lamp: near the Govardhan altar
- Second: beside the water pot
- Third: in front of the deity
- Fourth: near the cash box
- Fifth: beside the Tulsi plant
These rituals, rooted in the Puranas, are said to attract Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings and keep the home filled with abundance and light.
Bhai Dooj 2025 : Celebrating the Eternal Bond of Siblings
Date and Meaning
The festival of Bhai Dooj, also known as Yama Dwitiya, concludes the five-day Lakshmi Festival. In 2025, it will be celebrated on October 23, coinciding with the Dwitiya Tithi of the Kartik month’s bright fortnight. This sacred day celebrates the loving bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Raksha Bandhan, but rooted in different legends and rituals.
The Legends of Bhai Dooj
1. Yama and Yamuna’s Divine Reunion
According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Yama, the god of death, was invited by his sister Yamuna for a meal. After many refusals, Yama finally visited her on this day. Overwhelmed with joy, Yamuna welcomed him with aarti and a sacred tilak. Pleased with her affection, Yama granted her the boon that any sister who honours her brother on this day will be blessed with his protection. Hence, Bhai Dooj is also known as Yama Dwitiya.2. Lord Krishna and Subhadra
Another legend ties Bhai Dooj to Lord Krishna’s visit to his sister Subhadra after defeating the demon Narakasura. Subhadra greeted him with sweets, flowers, and a tilak, symbolising her love and relief at his safe return. Since then, this ritual has been observed as a token of sisterly affection and divine protection. Bhai Dooj Puja Vidhi: Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi for Prosperity
As Bhai Dooj marks the final day of the Lakshmi Festival, it is customary to perform Lakshmi Puja for lasting prosperity.
Steps for the Ritual:
- Consult a priest for the most auspicious muhurat.
- Place the Diwali worship coin on the plate and offer turmeric, kumkum, lotus seed, amarbel, and a red flower.
- Light five ghee lamps and perform aarti using camphor while praying for the Goddess to bless your home.
- Wrap the coin, lotus seed, turmeric, and amarbel in a clean cloth and keep it safely in your cash box for good fortune.
Lamp Placement After Worship:
- One in front of the cash box
- One in the home temple
- One near the water pot
- One beside the Tulsi plant
- One in the main hall
Finish the ritual by sprinkling yellow rice at your doorway to invite Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings into your home.
From Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, every day of the Lakshmi Festival holds deep symbolic meaning - from invoking wealth and health to celebrating divine relationships. Govardhan Puja reminds us to stay humble and grateful, while Bhai Dooj strengthens family bonds. Together, they bring the festival to a graceful and auspicious close.
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