The Jhulan Festival is celebrated in the month of Shravana (August), from the eleventh day of the bright fortnight (Ekadashi) to the full-moon day (Purnima). This festival commemorates the childhood pastimes of Sri Krishna with His friends, the young cowherd boys and girls, swinging underneath the trees.
Every day, the Deities of Sri Radha Madhava are adorned with various jewelries and gently swayed on a swing decorated profusely with flowers. The main temple hall is beautifully decorated with flowers and festoons. The Deities of Sri Madhava and Srimati Radharani are adorned in brilliance and placed in a Jhulan (swing) adorned with a variety of beautiful flowers. A special arati is offered to the Deities, accompanied by sweet kirtans sung by devotees. After the arati, devotees get an opportunity to sway the swing and offer direct personal service to Their Lordships.
Jhulan Yatra Pastimes by HH Jayapataka Swami:
In India, the Jhulan Yatra is observed in the rainy season, when the air is humid and sticky. At such a time, the gentle swinging of Radha and Krishna is believed to bring a soothing breeze. In various parts of Vrindavan, this festival is celebrated differently—some for thirteen days, others for four. Following Srila Prabhupada’s instruction, we begin on Ekadashi and continue until Purnima.
The roads to the Jhulan site are lit up spectacularly, resembling a wedding celebration—but it is all in honor of Sri Sri Radha Madhava. Radha Madhava Ki Jai!
His Holiness Jayapataka Swami narrates that Radharani, during this time, goes to visit Her parents—King Vrsabhanu and Queen Kirtida—at Varsana Hill. Her brother, Sridama, brings her home. But in the lila where She is in parakiya rasa, Radharani is married and has a mother-in-law named Jotila, who initially forbids Her from leaving. Crying to go see Her parents, She wins Jotila’s favor with the gifts sent by Vrsabhanu Maharaja. Jotila relents but warns Her to be cautious of “that black-faced boy of Nandagram, Krishna!”
As no one comes to escort Her, She laments, “Oh, they forgot Me, they forgot Me!” Vrsabhanu and Kirtida send Sridama promptly to bring Her home. Overjoyed, Radharani embraces Her parents. Meanwhile, Krishna, in disguise, finds Her alone on the swing and begins pushing it vigorously. Frightened, She calls out, “Krishna! Krishna save Me!” Hearing Her cry, Krishna reveals Himself and sits beside Her. Radharani, overwhelmed with relief, embraces Him. This moment is especially dear to Krishna, as She embraces Him willingly—without His needing to perform any tricks.
This is why Krishna loves Jhulan Yatra so much—it’s a time when Radharani naturally expresses Her love. Every swing is a personal service, a breeze of divine affection, and a sweet opportunity for every devotee to offer their love to the Lord.
The final day of the festival coincides with Balarama Purnima, the auspicious appearance day of Lord Balarama. Devotees are decorated with colorful powders and joyfully engage in breaking clay pots filled with honey, jaggery, and various sweets. Balarama’s favorite varuni drink is offered throughout the evening.
As night falls, Sri Sri Radha Madhava are mounted on Their magnificently decorated palanquin and taken to a small pukur (pond) near Their kunja. A beautiful light display reflects over the water. When the show concludes, the Lord returns to the temple through a road lit with more glowing displays and is greeted with dramatic exhibitions such as devotees breathing fire. The entire procession resounds with ecstatic tumult heard in all directions.
During the Jhulan Yatra festival, Their Lordships shower Their mercy upon the devotees, engaging in loving pastimes and allowing devotees to serve Them intimately through prayers, home-cooked offerings, songs, lamp offerings, dances, and showers of flowers.
So this is the Jhulan festival—a festival of devotion, celebration, and the rare chance to personally pull the swing of the Lord every day.
Read More https://www.mayapur.com/en/blog/jhulan-yatra-festiva---balaram-purnima
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