Radha Govinda Jhulana Yatra begins

What is Radha Govinda Jhulana Yatra?

Radha Govinda Jhulana Yatra is the swing festival of Sri Sri Radha and Govinda. The Deities come down from the altar to sit on a decorated swing (jhulana), and the devotees pull it. ISKCON celebrates the festival in Sravana, from Ekadashi until Balarama Purnima, and in 2027 it begins on Thursday, 12 August.

Significance

Srila Krishnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami describes this pastime in his Govinda-lilamrta. Near Lalita Kunda, close to Radha Kunda, the gopis hang a swing from the branches of a bakula tree and take turns pushing it. When the swing goes fast, Srimati Radharani grows fearful and embraces Govinda, and the gopis are delighted to see Them so happy.

As at Ratha Yatra, everyone can serve the Deities with their own hands. Srila Prabhupada asked his disciples to keep the festival, and in a letter from Los Angeles he described what to do:

If you are able to do it, a nice throne may be constructed on which the Deities can be placed. This throne may be swung gently during Kirtan.

Letter to Jayapataka, Los Angeles, 1 August 1969

How to observe it

Srila Prabhupada also asked that the Deities' clothing be changed every day, with nice prasadam distribution and sankirtana. Devotees decorate the swing, sing, offer bhoga and each take a turn at the rope. Because the festival opens on Pavitraropana Ekadashi, the first day is also kept as an Ekadashi fast from grains and beans.