Lucknow: Lakhs of devotees thronged Govardhan in Mathura on Tuesday for Govardhan Puja and Annakoot Mahotsav, with the 21-km parikrama route witnessing massive footfall and temples across the Braj region hosting special rituals.The ceremonial milk abhishek of Giriraj Maharaj began before dawn at major shrines, including Daan Ghati, Mukut Mukharvind and Jatipura Mukharvind and continued through the day. Devotees undertook the traditional seven-kos parikrama, while community feasts, cultural programmes and Annakoot offerings marked the celebrations.A major attraction this year was the participation of over 10,000 foreign devotees from nearly 40 countries, many of whom joined kirtans and religious processions organised by ISKCON and Gaudiya groups. Giriraj Maharaj was offered Panchamrit and Chhappan Bhog as part of the rituals.Festivities were also held in Barsana, where devotees offered prayers at the Radha Rani temple and performed traditional Govardhan Puja rituals. Temples and homes were illuminated, while special programmes were organised at Rangeeli Mahal and Maan Garh Dham.Grand Annakoot celebrations were held at Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, Banke Bihari Temple and ISKCON temples. The Banke Bihari Temple witnessed an exceptionally heavy rush, with devotee queues stretching nearly three kilometres. At an ISKCON cowshed, a symbolic Govardhan Hill was created using around 2,000 kg of semolina halwa.
