Mathura Vrindavan Festivals
Mathura and Vrindavan, the sacred lands of Lord Krishna’s leelas, come alive throughout the year with vibrant festivals steeped in devotion, tradition, and divine joy. From the playful colors of Holi in Barsana to the midnight celebrations of Janmashtami in Mathura, every festival here is a spiritual experience that draws millions of pilgrims and travelers. Discover the timeless celebrations that make Braj the eternal heart of Indian culture.
List of Fair and Festivals in Mathura & Vrindavan
Mathura and Vrindavan, the sacred twin cities in Uttar Pradesh, India, are steeped in the divine legacy of Lord Krishna. Known as the heart of Krishna devotion, these towns come alive with vibrant festivals that blend spirituality, culture, and tradition. From colorful celebrations to soulful rituals, Mathura Vrindavan festivals offer an unforgettable experience for devotees and travelers alike. In this guide, we uncover the most iconic festivals, their unique charm, and why these celebrations make Mathura and Vrindavan must-visit destinations.
| No. | Festival | Description | Time of Year | Main Location / Temple |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Janmashtami | Birth of Lord Krishna, celebrated with bhajans and midnight arti. | August / September | Krishna Janmabhoomi (Mathura), ISKCON Vrindavan |
| 2 | Nandotsav | Celebration of Krishna's joyful childhood in Nandgaon. | Day after Janmashtami | Nandgaon |
| 3 | Radhashtami | Birth of Radha Rani with temple processions and prayers. | 15 days after Janmashtami | Barsana, Shri Radha Rani Mandir |
| 4 | Holi (Braj Holi) | Colorful celebration with bhajans and Krishna leelas. | Feb / March | Entire Braj region (Mathura, Vrindavan) |
| 5 | Lathmar Holi | Women playfully beat men with sticks in a unique tradition. | 1 week before Holi | Barsana, Nandgaon |
| 6 | Phoolon Wali Holi | Holi played with flowers, especially at Banke Bihari Temple. | A few days before Holi | Banke Bihari Temple (Vrindavan) |
| 7 | Widow’s Holi | Widows play Holi with colors to celebrate life and freedom. | Pre-Holi | Pagal Baba Widow Ashram (Vrindavan) |
| 8 | Chhadi Mar Holi | Playful Holi celebration with sticks and shields. | Holi week | Gokul |
| 9 | Huranga Holi | Women splash colors on men; joyful and traditional festivity. | 1–2 days after Holi | Dauji Temple (Baldeo) |
| 10 | Latthathmar Holi | Street play Holi with dramatic enactments and leelas. | Holi week | Mathura |
| 11 | Diwali | Festival of lights with temples illuminated with diyas. | October / November | All major temples |
| 12 | Govardhan Puja | Celebrates Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill; Annakut feast. | Day after Diwali | Govardhan Hill |
| 13 | Yam Dwitiya (Bhai Dooj) | Festival celebrating sibling bond; Yamuna and Yama legend. | 2 days after Diwali | Vishram Ghat (Mathura) |
| 14 | Kartika Purnima | Yamuna snan, Deepdaan and full moon rituals in Kartik month. | Kartik Purnima | Yamuna Ghats (Vrindavan, Mathura) |
| 15 | Jhulan Yatra | Radha-Krishna idols placed on swings; devotional celebrations. | July / August | Banke Bihari Temple, ISKCON |
| 16 | Hariyali Teej | Monsoon swing festival with women singing and dancing. | July / August | Vrindavan temples |
| 17 | Gopashtami | Marks Krishna's first day as a cowherd boy. | Kartik Shukla Ashtami | Gokul, Vrindavan, Mathura |
| 18 | Basant Panchami | Spring festival honoring Saraswati with yellow offerings. | January / February | All temples |
| 19 | Akshaya Tritiya | Highly auspicious day for charity and Chandan Yatra start. | April / May | Vrindavan temples |
| 20 | Chandan Yatra | Deities anointed with sandalwood to cool in summer. | Begins on Akshaya Tritiya | ISKCON, Banke Bihari Temple |
| 21 | Ratha Yatra (Vrindavan) | Jagannath chariot procession celebrated with devotion and kirtans. | June / July | ISKCON Vrindavan |
Details On Festivals of Mathura Vrindavan
Here is a complete details about the festivals celebration in Mathura Vrindavan
1. Krishna Janmashtami - The Birth of Lord Krishna
When is Janmashtami Celebrated?
Janmashtami falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in Bhadrapada, typically in August or September.
Significance of Janmashtami
This festival commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, the beloved eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Born in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva under the oppressive rule of King Kansa, Krishna’s arrival signifies the triumph of righteousness. It’s a day of joy, devotion, and reflection for millions.
Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, with immense devotion in Mathura and Vrindavan. Held on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in Bhadrapada (August-September), the festival features fasting, devotional singing, and midnight prayers marking Krishna’s birth hour. Mathura’s Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, believed to be his birthplace, attracts countless devotees, while Vrindavan’s Banke Bihari and ISKCON temples glow with floral decorations and resonate with “Hare Krishna” chants. A highlight is the “Dahi Handi” tradition, where groups form human pyramids to break curd-filled pots, echoing Krishna’s playful youth. The streets come alive with reenactments of his life, known as Raslila, blending spirituality with celebration.
Latest Developments: In 2023, enhanced security measures by the Uttar Pradesh government ensured safety amid massive crowds. Virtual participation surged, with temples live-streaming rituals for global devotees. Eco-friendly initiatives also emerged, including a plastic ban and sustainable decorations, reflecting a commitment to environmental care during the festivities.
When is Janmashtami Celebrated?
Janmashtami falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in Bhadrapada, typically in August or September.
Significance of Janmashtami
This festival commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, the beloved eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Born in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva under the oppressive rule of King Kansa, Krishna’s arrival signifies the triumph of righteousness. It’s a day of joy, devotion, and reflection for millions.
Unique Celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan
Mathura, Krishna’s birthplace, hosts grand festivities at the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, where midnight prayers mark his birth hour. Devotees sing bhajans, and actors reenact scenes from Krishna’s early life. In Vrindavan, temples like Banke Bihari and ISKCON glow with decorations as crowds dance and chant. The playful “Dahi Handi” event—teams breaking curd pots high above—echoes Krishna’s mischievous childhood.
2. Holi - The Festival of Colors
When is Holi Celebrated?
Holi lights up Mathura and Vrindavan on the full moon day of Phalguna, usually in March.
Significance of Holi
Holi welcomes spring and celebrates the victory of good over evil through the tale of Prahlad and Holika. In Krishna’s land, it also reflects his playful bond with Radha, marked by throwing colors.
Holi, the festival of colors, transforms Mathura and Vrindavan into a vibrant spectacle known as “Braj Holi.” Starting with Basant Panchami and peaking on the full moon day of Phalguna (February-March), it features unique traditions like “Lathmar Holi” in Barsana, where women chase men with sticks, symbolizing Krishna’s playful exchanges with the gopis. “Phoolwali Holi” at Vrindavan’s Banke Bihari Temple sees devotees tossing flower petals, offering a gentler celebration. The air fills with laughter, music, and the splash of colors, uniting locals and visitors in joy.
Latest Developments: In 2024, “Holi Safaris” debuted, offering tourists curated, safe experiences of the festivities. Organic, skin-friendly colors gained traction, reducing environmental harm, while the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department’s “Holi in Braj” campaign spotlighted these traditions globally.
3. Radhashtami - Celebrating Radha’s Birth
When is Radhashtami Celebrated?
Radhashtami occurs 15 days after Janmashtami, on the eighth day of the bright fortnight in Bhadrapada.
Significance of Radhashtami
This day honors Radha, Krishna’s eternal companion and a symbol of pure devotion. Her birth is a celebration of love and the spiritual connection she shares with Krishna.
Radhashtami honors Radha, Krishna’s divine consort, 15 days after Janmashtami, on the eighth day of Bhadrapada’s bright fortnight. Vrindavan, where Radha’s devotion is legendary, hosts serene celebrations with decorated temples like Radha Raman and Radha Vallabh. Idols of Radha are dressed in finery, and processions with her palanquin wind through streets amid bhajans and kirtans. Fasting and prayers underscore her role as the epitome of love and surrender.
Latest Developments: The 2023 festivities embraced technology with virtual darshan, broadening access. Workshops on Radha-Krishna devotion drew spiritual enthusiasts, and eco-friendly practices, like biodegradable decorations, enhanced the festival’s sanctity.
4. Govardhan Puja - Worship of Govardhan Hill
When is Govardhan Puja Celebrated?
Govardhan Puja takes place the day after Diwali, in the month of Kartik (October or November).
Significance of Govardhan Puja
This festival recalls Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to shield Vrindavan’s people from Indra’s wrathful rains. It’s a tribute to nature’s sanctity and Krishna’s protective grace.
Govardhan Puja, held the day after Diwali, recalls Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to shield Vrindavan’s villagers from Indra’s rains. Devotees craft hill replicas from cow dung, offering prayers and an “Annakut” feast of 56 dishes. The 21-kilometer Govardhan Parikrama around the sacred hill near Vrindavan is a key ritual, promising spiritual blessings.
Latest Developments: In 2024, the parikrama route saw upgrades with rest areas and signage. Guided tours enriched the experience with historical insights, and organic Annakut ingredients highlighted health and sustainability.
5. Jhulan Yatra - The Swing Festival
When is Jhulan Yatra Celebrated?
Jhulan Yatra unfolds in Shravan (July-August), peaking on the full moon day during the monsoon.
Significance of Jhulan Yatra
Celebrating Radha and Krishna’s divine romance, this festival imagines them enjoying swings amid the rains, a poetic depiction of their love.
Jhulan Yatra, the Swing Festival, unfolds in Shravan (July-August), celebrating Radha and Krishna’s divine love. Idols swing on ornate platforms in temples like Banke Bihari, accompanied by devotional songs. The monsoon setting, with floral decorations, creates a magical ambiance, ending with processions on the full moon day.
Latest Developments: In 2023, international participation grew, aided by virtual swing darshans. Eco-friendly decor, using natural dyes, became prominent, aligning tradition with modern values.
6. Sharad Purnima - The Night of Divine Dance
When is Sharad Purnima Celebrated?
Sharad Purnima graces the full moon night of Ashwin, usually in October.
Significance of Sharad Purnima
This night is famed for Krishna’s Raas Leela, a celestial dance with Radha and the gopis under a moon said to shine with healing rays.
Sharad Purnima, on Ashwin’s full moon (October), commemorates Krishna’s Raas Leela dance with Radha and the gopis. Vrindavan hosts reenactments, while devotees prepare kheer under moonlight, believed to gain healing properties. The night blends spirituality with celebration.
Latest Developments: The 2024 “Raas Leela Festival” featured traditional performances, alongside moonlit yoga sessions. Solar-powered lights for decorations underscored sustainability.
7. Kartik Purnima - The Festival of Lamps
When is Kartik Purnima Celebrated?
Kartik Purnima shines on the full moon day of Kartik, typically in November.
Significance of Kartik Purnima
Marking the end of the holy Kartik month, this day ties to tales like the Ganges’ descent and is a time for purification and gratitude.
Kartik Purnima, in November, concludes the sacred Kartik month with river dips in the Yamuna and lamp-lighting in Mathura. The glowing ghats and Braj Parikrama pilgrimage highlight its spiritual weight.
Latest Developments: In 2023, “Kartik Snan Melas” and a Yamuna cleanliness drive enriched the festival, while digital prasad bookings modernized participation.
Have you experienced the magic of Mathura Vrindavan festivals?
