The festival of Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the next day of Diwali, which is also called Annakoot in some places. This year, Govardhan Puja is being celebrated on 2 November. On this day, the shape of Govardhan mountain is made from cow dung and worshipped, and cows are considered especially revered in Hinduism. This festival is associated with Lord Shri Krishna, who protected the people by lifting the Govardhan mountain with his little finger.
Importance of Govardhan Puja:Â On the day of Govardhan Puja, people circumambulate the Govardhan mountain, and it is believed that wishes are fulfilled by this circumambulation. Also, it is also said that circumambulating the Govardhan mountain gives the virtue of the Char Dham Yatra. If you are planning to do the parikrama on this Govardhan Puja, then you can also enjoy a trip to Mathura and Vrindavan.
Mathura-Vrindavan Darshan:Â You can start the journey from Mathura, the city of Shri Krishna. The distance from Delhi to Mathura is about 162 km, and this journey can be completed in about 3 hours. If you leave at night or early in the morning, you can reach Mathura and attend the morning aarti. After Mathura, you can also visit Vrindavan and Gokul, Barsana. Bathing at the ghat of the Yamuna River can also be a holy experience.
Places to visit in Mathura-Vrindavan: You can visit Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura. Apart from this, Dwarkadhish Temple is also a major attraction. In Vrindavan, you can visit religious places like Radharaman Temple, Radha Damodar Temple, Prem Mandir, Shri Krishna Balram Temple, and Nidhivan. Do not forget to circumambulate Govardhan Mountain and also visit Daan Ghati Temple.
Budget Trip of Mathura-Vrindavan: The bus fare from Delhi to Mathura-Vrindavan can be around Rs 300. If you want to travel by private taxi, then it can cost from Rs 3000 to Rs 5000. You will get a hotel for Rs 1000–1200 to stay in Mathura. You can book an autorickshaw to roam here, which can cost Rs 400-500 per day. If you prefer to travel by taxi, then a whole day's journey can be done for Rs 1500-1800. If you want to take a tour package, then a package of 2 nights and 3 days can be found for around Rs 7,000 per person. A trip to Mathura-Vrindavan on this Govardhan Puja can be a great and religious experience, and you can easily plan it in the budget.