Jhulana Yatra ends

What is the end of Jhulana Yatra?

Jhulana Yatra, the swing festival of Sri Sri Radha and Govinda, reaches its last day on the full moon of Sravana, Balarama Purnima. The festival opened with Pavitraropana Ekadashi on 12 August. In 2027 the closing day is Tuesday, 17 August, which is also the appearance day of Lord Balarama.

Significance

In his Govinda-lilamrta, Srila Krishnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami writes that after a hot, humid day in the rainy season the swift breeze of the swing takes away the tiredness of Radha and Govinda. Devotees pull the swing with love, trying to give Them the same relief. In Puri the Deities Madan Mohan, Lakshmi and Vishwadhatri are swung for seven days, so the length of the festival differs from place to place.

When the swing is put away, the Deities return to the altar, but the worship goes on. Lord Krishna's standing instruction in the Bhagavad-gita is this:

Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me.

Bhagavad-gita 18.65

How to observe it

On the last day devotees take one more turn at the swing, offer a final arati and bhoga, and sing the jhulana songs. Some temples hold a pot-breaking festival on the evening of Balarama Purnima. It is Lord Balarama's appearance day as well, so remember Him too.