It was BIG DAY yesterday on 24^th October at Nathdwara, the city of Srinath Ji, as the famous Mandir campus was crowded with hundreds of people who came there to witness, the annual Goverdhan Pooja. The Pooja is carried out a day after Diwali, also known as Khekhra.

The show stealers were Gwalas and their bejeweled cows. Hoards of people standing in the by-lanes and terrace of the Mandir compound cheered on as the Gwalas induced the cows to run towards them.

Govardhan Pooja is celebrated a day after Diwali to commemorate the lifting of Govardhan Parbat by Lord Krishna to save the villagers from the anger of Lord Indra who assailed the village with flood and heavy rainfall. Khekra celebration is a very old traditional activity performed to worship cows and hills.

After Goverdhan Pooja, the devotees also conducted Annakot Mahotsav. Like Goverdhan Pooja, Annakoot also has an unusual ritual of ‘looting’ the food prepared by Mandir Administration. The Gwalas and other community people attempt to loot as much food they can. It is believed that the one who loots more food will be highly blessed.

UT Photo journalist Ayush Devpura witnessed the exciting event and got an opportunity to click some of the exciting actions and emotions through his camera.