PADWA (the Fourth day of Diwali)

The Fourth day is called Padwa or Varsh Pratipada that marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya and Vikram-Samvat was started from this Padwa day. Govardhan-Puja is also performed in the North on this day. As per Vishnu-Puran, the people of Gokul used to celebrate a festival in honour of Lord Indra and worshipped him after the end of every monsoon season. But one particular year, the young Krishna stopped them from offering prayers to Lord Indra. Lord Indra, the king of heavens, in terrific anger sent a deluge to submerge Gokul. Krishna saved the people of His Gokul by lifting up the Govardhan Mountain and holding it over the people as an umbrella. This day is also observed as Annakoot and prayers are offered in the temples.