Every year, the villagers of Vrindavan prepared a great festival to worship Indra, the god of rain. Young Krishna questioned this: "Why do you worship Indra out of fear? He sends rain because it is his duty and nature — not out of special favour. Let us honour Govardhan, the mountain that shelters us and nourishes our cattle."
The villagers, trusting Krishna, performed a grand puja for Govardhan instead. Indra, furious at the perceived insult, unleashed his most devastating storm upon Vrindavan — fierce winds, thunder, lightning, and torrential rain that threatened to drown the entire village and destroy all crops and cattle.
As the storm raged and the people panicked, Krishna walked calmly to Govardhan mountain. He placed his little finger under the mountain and lifted it entire — holding it aloft like an enormous umbrella over all of Vrindavan. For seven days and seven nights, the villagers, their cattle, and all living beings sheltered beneath the raised mountain while Indra's fury poured harmlessly around them.
On the seventh day, Indra's pride was broken. He descended from heaven to bow before Krishna, acknowledging the Supreme Lord. Krishna embraced him warmly, showing neither anger nor triumph — only grace.
This story is celebrated as Govardhan Puja or Annakut — the festival of the mountain of food — observed the day after Diwali. It teaches that true devotion is not born of fear but of love — the one who lives in righteousness needs no elaborate rituals; the Lord himself becomes the shelter and the mountain of protection.