Govardhan Puja is primarily a festival celebrated by cowherds. In the national census of Bihar, the population of traditional cowherds, belonging to the Yadav community, was found to be the highest at 14 percent. Hence, the question of when Govardhan Puja is celebrated is quite popular in Bihar. Surprisingly, while most parts of the country celebrate Govardhan Puja on Tuesday, the majority of Yadavs in Bihar traditionally perform the puja on Monday, the day after Diwali. Even today, those Yadavs who are involved in cow herding are observing the puja either today or on Monday. Additionally, in politically active Bihar, the politics of Govardhan Puja is also taking place today.
In Bihar, which has the largest population of Yadavs, the Govardhan Puja festival holds great importance. When it was revealed that the rituals experts, or pandits, have designated Tuesday as the day for Govardhan Puja, Amar Ujala spoke to several Yadavs. It was discovered that those who are currently involved in cow herding had some doubt, while those who have been traditionally performing the puja on the day after Diwali have continued to do so on Monday. According to senior journalist Veerendra Yadav, who has been working with the Yadav community for a long time, “It is not appropriate to say that Govardhan Puja is politically important in Bihar, as it is a matter of tradition.”
Pandit Shashikant Mishra explains that the body of the cow is believed to be the abode of many deities. The cow is considered to be the embodiment of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. Therefore, cowherds from any caste perform this puja. Additionally, those who have a weak Jupiter in their horoscope also perform Govardhan Puja, as the rewards of this puja are received from Lord Vishnu, and Krishna is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This is a matter of faith. As for the day, it is observed on Tuesday based on the sunrise time, as the new moon phase lasts until Tuesday. Those who follow the traditional practice of performing the puja on the day after Diwali performed it on Monday. Those who perform it on Tuesday should complete it by 2:37 pm, as the Anuradha Nakshatra and Auspicious Yoga are present at that time. In Bihar, this day is celebrated in gaushalas or the homes of cowherds, instead of temples. The cow dung is used to make the Govardhan
