Jhulan Yatra
The swing festival of Shri Radha Vallabh and Braj, celebrated in the monsoon month of Shravan.
Historical Roots & Origin
Jhulan Yatra is one of the most beautiful festivals of Vrindavan, originating from the ancient pastimes of Shri Radha and Krishna swinging in the monsoon forests of Nidhivan and Seva Kunj. In the Radhavallabh and Haridasi traditions, the deity is dressed in exquisite green garments (Hariyali Teej) and placed on a swing decorated with jasmine and gold threads.
Spiritual & Theological Meaning
The swinging action represents the dynamic movement of divine love, where the swings rise high in ecstasies of union and fall back in anticipation of closeness. It is the celebration of the monsoon season, where clouds, peacocks, and raindrops participate in the divine aesthetics of Nikunj Vihar.
Traditional Celebration & Rituals
In Vrindavan, swings made of silver, gold, and wood are decorated with fresh flowers. Devotees sing special monsoon songs (Hori, Jhulan pads) in Raga Malhar and Raga Sarang while swinging the deities. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims perform parikrama around the holy town.