Jhulana Yatra: The Monsoon Swing Festival

Published on 10/21/2024

The Monsoon Romance

Celebrated in the rainy month of Shravana, the Jhulana Yatra is a festival deeply imbued with the Madhurya Rasa—the sweet, romantic love between Radha and Krishna. It is celebrated to give joy to the deities during the pleasant monsoon rains.

The Swings

The representative deity of Lord Jagannath, Madan Mohan, along with Goddess Sridevi and Bhudevi, are placed on an intricately decorated wooden swing (Jhula) in the Mukti Mandapa area of the temple.

"The swings are adorned with fragrant Kadamba flowers, trailing vines, and glittering ornaments, creating an ethereal atmosphere."

Devotees and servitors take turns gently pushing the swing, accompanied by classical Odissi music and the singing of devotional poems. The festival lasts for a week, culminating on the day of Gamha Purnima (Raksha Bandhan).