Jhulana Yatra: The Divine Swing Festival

As the monsoon rains bless the holy land of Puri in the month of Shravana, a special festival fills the air with divine romance and joy. This is the Jhulana Yatra, the beautiful swing festival of the Lord. For seven enchanting days, the Srimandir and the entire town celebrate one of the most beloved pastimes of Radha and Krishna.

The Rains of Vrindavan

The origins of this festival lie in the lush, green bowers of Vrindavan. The Puranas describe how, during the rainy season, the Gopis would lovingly place Sri Radha and Sri Krishna on a swing (jhulana) adorned with flowers and vines. They would then gently swing the divine couple, singing songs of love and devotion. This romantic pastime, filled with sweetness, is known as Prabruta Ras. The Jhulana Yatra in Puri is a beautiful re-enactment of this divine play.

The Celebration in Srimandir

While it’s considered a minor festival (Upayatra), the celebration in the Srimandir is a sight to behold.

For these seven days, the area around the Mukti Mandap is transformed into a beautiful Jhulana Kunja, a decorative bower. Each evening, the representative deities of the Lord—Sri Madanmohan (representing Sri Krishna), along with Sridevi and Bhudevi—receive the garland of command (Agyamala) from Lord Jagannath.

They are then brought in a grand procession to a lavishly decorated silver swing. Here, amidst the chanting of hymns and the offering of special cool foods (Sitala Bhoga), the deities are gently swung, allowing devotees to immerse themselves in the sweet mood of the Vrindavan leela.

A Festival for All of Puri

The joy of Jhulana Yatra spills out from the main temple into the historic monasteries (Mathas) of Puri. Famed institutions like the Jagannath Ballabh Matha and Radhaballabh Matha also erect magnificent swings, conduct special pujas, and celebrate with great fervor, making the entire holy city festive.

This beautiful tradition of celebrating the divine couple’s swing pastimes fills the air of Puri with romance and devotion. To bring this festive spirit into your own home, many devotees place their deities on a small, beautifully decorated puja jhula or swing during these seven days, participating in the Lord’s divine play.

The Jhulana Yatra is a cherished opportunity for devotees to connect with the sweet, playful, and romantic side of the Supreme Lord, reminding us of the loving bond He shares with His devotees.

Jai Jagannath!