Festival Overview
Calendar: Celebrated for five days in the waxing phase of Shravana month (July/August), starting on Pavitropana Ekadashi and ending on Balarama Purnima.
Significance: Celebrates the sweet pastime of Srimati Radharani and Lord Krishna swinging on a flower-bedecked swing.
Observance: Deities are placed on a beautifully decorated swing. Devotees offer prayers and pull the swing during ecstatic kirtan.
Observance: Held on the scheduled event date. Please check the Vaishnava Calendar for the exact day this year.
Jhulan Yatra is among the most auspicious festivals celebrated in Vrindavana. Also known as the Swing Festival, this beautiful pastime lasts for thirteen days in the sacred town of Vrindavana, celebrating Radha-Krishna's pastimes of swinging on a golden swing every day until Balarama-purnima.
In accordance with Srila Prabhupada's instructions, ISKCON temples worldwide observe this festival for 5 days, starting on the Pavitropana Ekadashi in the waxing phase of the moon and continuing until Sawan Purnima (the Full Moon day).
The Swing Festival Celebrations
During these five days, the small deities of Radha and Krishna are placed on a beautifully decorated swing in the temple hall. After receiving traditional arati worship, the deities are gently pushed on their swing. The swing is decorated with all types of colorful flowers, creepers, and leaves, giving the feel as if the swing has appeared directly from the groves of Vrindavana. Devotees work hard and put their heart and soul into making this festival a blissful sight for visitors.
"In the evening, members of the congregation come to the temple to participate. Each person offers personal prayers and then pushes the swing several times while ecstatic kirtan is going on simultaneously. The atmosphere is exciting and jubilant, offering an intimate, practical service to Radha and Krishna."
Cooling the Lordships in the Monsoon Heat
Like every festival, Jhulan Yatra is a meaningful way to offer practical service to the Lord. In Vrindavan, the monsoon season is very sticky and the temperature remains hot despite the cooling rains. Heavy humidity makes finding a cool breeze a true luxury. Devotees, therefore, place Radha and Krishna on a swing (Jhulan) to create a pleasant breeze from its own motion, providing satisfaction and comfort to Their Lordships.
The final day of Jhulan Yatra falls on the full moon, which also marks Balarama Purnima, the appearance day of Lord Balarama. Be a part of this Jhulan Yatra with us this year and offer your loving spiritual services to Lord Krishna and Srimati Radharani.
Historical Background
Jhulan Yatra is celebrated during the month of Sravana (July-August) when devotees place the deities of Radha and Krishna on a beautifully decorated swing (jhulan). This festival is especially associated with the pastimes of Radha-Krishna in Vrindavan during the monsoon season.
Spiritual Significance
The swinging pastimes of Radha and Krishna represent the intimate, loving exchanges between the Supreme Lord and His consort. Participating in this festival helps devotees develop a personal relationship with the divine couple.
Blessings & Benefits
Sponsoring the decoration of the swing, offerings of cool drinks, and special prasadam during Jhulan Yatra brings the loving blessings of Radha and Krishna. It is an opportunity to participate in their intimate pastimes.
Jhulan Yatra
Support this sacred occasion by offering your contribution. Every donation, no matter how small, is a cherished offering to the Lord.
Offer Jhulan Yatra Seva