In Braj Bhoomi lies a holy town by name Vrindavan. It is home to some of the world’s most sacred sites. According to legend, it was here that Lord Krishna spent His childhood 5000 years ago, engaging in divine pastimes. Lord Krishna’s pastimes like stealing butter, killing various demons, lifting Govardhan, dancing with the gopis under the moonlight are etched in folklore.
There are many ancient temples in Vrindavan. The Yamuna River that Krishna sported in, is a witness to His eternal love for the residents of Braj. For Vedic followers, Vrindavan represents the pinnacle of devotion where millions flock annually to soak in the spiritual ambience and visit temples like Banke Bihariji Mandir, Radha Damodar and Radha Raman temple.
Every day, in Vrindavan is known to be a festival. Here are a few festivals commonly celebrated in Vrindavan across all temples,
Janmashtami is the festival celebrating the appearance day of Lord Krishna. It is one of the most important festivals in Vrindavan. Devotees observe a day-long fast and throng temples throughout the night. During the celebration a ceremony known as ‘Abhishek’ where the Lord is bathed with various items like honey, milk, curd, fruit juices and scented waters. Krishna is kept on a beautifully decorated swing and all the devotees take turns to swing him.
At midnight, ecstatic crowds participate in the arati of Krishna's appearance by participating in kirtans by singing and dancing. After the ceremony, prasad is distributed to devotees who then break their fast, immersed in feelings of divine joy. The celebrations reflect Vrindavan's eternal devotion to their most beloved Krishna.
Sharad Purnima is one of the important festivals celebrated in Sridham Vrindavan. It is a harvest festival that marks the end of the monsoon and the beginning of Kartik month. The Deities in all the temples of Vrindavan are decorated in moon-white coloured robes on this auspicious day. Devotees sing melodious bhajans composed by great Acharyas on rasa lila and other intimate pastimes of Srimati Radharani and Sri Krishna.
This is the day when Lord Krishna’s eternal consort, Srimati Radharani appeared on this Earth.
This important festival is celebrated with great fervor in Vrindavan. The Deities of Sri Sri Radha Krishna are given a festive bath with milk, yogurt, honey and rose water amidst Kirtans and Vedic chants. Their clothing and ornaments are carefully decorated with fresh flowers. Throughout the day, melodious kirtans glorifying Their divine pastimes.
This is the auspicious day when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhana Hill to protect the residents of Braj from the wrath of Lord Indra. Lakhs of people come to do parikrama (circumambulation) of Govardhan on this day.
In the evening, a replica of Govardhan Hill is made out of various delicious eatables. After the puja, arati and parikrama, the prasadam is distributed to all. The festivities culminate in kirtans and a feast served to all devotees.
During this holy month, evening aartis with thousands of flickering lamps dazzle onlookers. A special prayer known as the “Damodarastakam” is offered to Lord Damodara (baby Krishna) throughout the month. Special plays are performed in the temples showcasing Krishna's childhood pastimes. In the evenings, cultural programs like kirtans are held on street corners and temple grounds.
Every year during Kartik, Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir celebrates a boat festival on the river Yamuna. Where the Lord is taken on a boat on river Yamuna surrounded by all His devotees in various boats. They offer prayers, sing bhajans and offer ghee lamps to the Lord.
Lord Krishna’s pastimes have inspired classical Indian dance forms like Kathak, Odissi and other unique dance forms.
Bhajans and kirtans glorifying Krishna's pastimes are integral to the festivals.
Traditional musical instruments like the kartals, drums, flute, and mridanga add to the divine cultural experience.
As Lord Krishna is fond of milk based products like butter and milk, The Mathura region is also most famous for its milk sweets like peda.
Milk-based delicacies like ghewar, makhan misri, lassi, malpua, and chhena jalebi are also famous.
Samosa, Kachori, Tikki and other snacks definitely are very popular in Braj.
Together, the music, dance, and cuisine traditions keep the cultural heritage of Krishna's pastimes in Vrindavan alive through generations.
Visit during major festivals like Janmashtami and Holi and participate in the festivals.
Volunteer for community service initiatives of temples.
Attend discourses and cultural programs introducing Krishna's science and philosophy.
Participate in bhajans, kirtans, and aratis held daily at temples.
Donate or contribute to the construction of temples that preserve Vrindavan's heritage, like the Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir.
Vrindavan is a holy land, made vibrant and colourful by the festival celebrations that take place throughout the year in honour of Lord Krishna.
By participating in the festivities in temples like Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir, one can immerse in the joyous spirit of celebration that defines this holy place of Sridham Vrindavan - the eternal home of Lord Krishna.