The sacred Jhulan Yatra, the monsoon-season Raas festival of Lord Jagannath, commenced with great devotion in Srikhetra on Sunday, marking the start of Shravana Shukla Paksha Ekadashi.
Across the Srimandir and numerous maths and temples in Puri, elaborately decorated Jhulan Kunjas have come alive, drawing throngs of devotees and filling the holy city with spiritual fervour.
At the Muktimandap of the Srimandir, Lord Madanmohan, along with Sridevi and Bhudevi, was ceremonially placed in a beautifully adorned swing pavilion. Following the midday dhupa, the deities received full besha and decorations. Mahajana servitors carefully brought Sridevi and Bhudevi from the Simhasana and Madanmohan from the Dakshina Ghara, seating them on a special cot. After Mandua Bhoga offered by the Puja Panda Samanta, and upon completion of the evening aarti in the three chambers, the deities received the Agyanmala and proceeded to the Jhulan Mandap. There, they were worshipped with Panchopachara, offered bhoga, and presented with pan and bidia before the evening dhupa rituals concluded in the temple.
Artisans begin crafting these exquisite Jhulan Kunjas nearly a month in advance, using pure materials such as jari, jambura, sola, vibrant colours, and fresh fabrics. The canopies feature intricate depictions of sakhis, animals, birds, trees, creepers, and fragrant flowers, creating a captivating Vrindavan-like atmosphere that draws large crowds of devotees eager for darshan.
The celebrations are not limited to the Srimandir. Maths and temples throughout Srikhetra have erected their own distinctive Jhulan Kunjas, many featuring Radha and Krishna swinging gracefully amid ornate decorations of bamboo, jari, jambura, and sola. Locals and visiting pilgrims alike have flocked to witness these serene and joyful scenes.
Traditionally observed for about seven days—from Shravana Shukla Ekadashi until Bhadrapada Krishna Pratipada—the Jhulan Yatra commemorates the Raas Leela of Sri Krishna and Radharani in the Dwapara Yuga. Historical accounts credit its introduction in the Srimandir to the reign of Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb II. Today, this age-old tradition remains an inseparable part of Puri’s rich religious and cultural life, continuing to inspire deep devotion among the faithful.
As the swings gently rock and the air fills with chants and the fragrance of flowers, Srikhetra once again immerses itself in the divine play of the monsoon Raas.
