Hyderabad:  Hyderabad’s Hare Krishna Golden Temple witnessed grand celebrations of Sri Govardhana Puja and Karthika Deepotsavam on Wednesday, attracting devotees for a day filled with devotion, rituals, and festive cheer. The centerpiece of the celebrations was a magnificent replica of Govardhan Hill, accompanied by an Annakuta offering of 56 varieties of sweets, savories, and fruits, beautifully arranged in traditional earthen pots and patras.

The festivities commenced with the sacred Gau Puja, during which Krishna Prasadam was ceremoniously offered to cows and calves in the temple goshala. In the afternoon, the Govardhan Hill replica was unveiled, and devotees performed darshan and parikrama after presenting the elaborate Annakuta offerings to Lord Sri Radha Govinda.

Evening rituals included melodious kirtans, a “Pallaki Utsavam” honoring Srila Prabhupada and Sri Radha Govinda, followed by Darshan and Arati. The Karthika Deepotsavam featured lighting of ghee lamps, a grand Damodara Arati, and circumambulation of the Govardhan Hill, creating a serene and devotional atmosphere.

Speaking at the occasion, Sri Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa Prabhuji, President of the Hare Krishna Movement Hyderabad, said: “The divine pastime of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to shield Vrindavan's inhabitants from Indra's wrath stands as a beacon of His boundless mercy. This mercy is available to all through sincere devotion and chanting His Holy Names, irrespective of caste, race, religion, or nationality.”

The celebrations concluded with serving sumptuous Annakuta prasadam, along with elaborate arrangements for devotees’ comfort, making the day a memorable spiritual experience for all attendees.