Religious festivals in India are a time for celebration and purification. People will often fast to become purified. The temples are decorated and sumptuous foodstuffs are offered to the deities.
Holidays and festivals normally follow the Indian lunar (Vikramaditya) calendar, and therefore each year they fall on a different day of the Western or solar calendar. A few festivals fall on a solar day, such as Makara Sankranti, which falls on the 14th of January. The normal Indian calendar is based on lunar months, which begin with the full moon. This system is 57 or 58 years ahead of the Christian calendar.
In Braja they use the punimanta system, where the months ends on the full Moon day (purnima). In the South Indian system the month ends on the new Moon day (amavasya). The year actually begins on the first day of the dark half of Chaitra (Shukla Paksha).
Sometimes calendars will indicate two difference dates for the same festival. This is because there is a Vaishnava and a Smarta calendar. The Vaishnava date will usually be one day after the Smarta date.
Lunar and Solar Year and Month
There are twelve lunar (“Moon”) months in a year. A lunar month is calculated by the time it takes the Moon to travel through all twelve signs of the zodiac, or from full Moon to full Moon. The Moon is the fastest moving planet. A solar (“Sun”) month lasts thirty to thirty-one days, and is calculated by the time it takes the Sun to move through one sign of the zodiac.
There are thirty lunar days, or tithis, in a lunar month. The average lunar month lasts twenty-nine days, twelve hours, and forty-four minutes. A tithi is a lunar day. The period extending from the new Moon to the full Moon is called Shukla Paksha, the bright fortnight of the lunar month or the waxing period (when the Moon is getting bigger). It lasts fourteen days. The fifteenth tithi is called Purnima, full moon. The period that extends from the full Moon to the new Moon is called Krishna Paksha, the dark fortnight of the lunar month or the waning period (when the Moon is getting smaller), and it also last fourteen days. The thirtieth tithi is called Amavasya, the new or dark Moon. The first day of Krishna Paksha is the first day after the full Moon. This is the first day of the month by the North Indian system, which is the system that Gaudiya Vaishnavas use.
The fourteen names for lunar days are listed below. They are used both for dark and bright halves of the lunar month. Since the fourteen names are used for both halves of the lunar month, each tithi is also labeled with “Shukla” or “Krishna.” Shukla Pratipat for the first day of the bright half of the month, and Krishna Pratipat for the first day of the dark half of the month.
When the Moon waxes, it becomes fuller, and when it wanes, it becomes dark. Therefore the period of the waxing Moon happens when the Moon grows from new Moon to full moon. Similarly, the period of the waning Moon takes place when the full moon gradually shrinks to the new moon.
The lunar year lasts about 354 days, and the sidereal year lasts about 365 days, 6 hours. Because there is a difference between the two years, the lunar calendar adds a thirteenth month every thirty months to make sure the months stay the same as the seasons. This extra month is known as Adhika-masa.
Hindu Tithis (Days)
1. Pratipat
2. Dwitiya
3. Tritiya
4. Chaturthi
5. Panchami
6. Shashthi
7. Saptami
8. Ashtami
9. Navami
10. Dashami
11. Ekadashi
12. Dwadasi
13. Trayodashi
14. Chaturdashi
Months
The Indian lunar months and the western equivalents (Indian Calendar)
Magha January-February
Phalguna February-March
Chaitra March-April
Vaishaka April-May
Jyaistha May-June
Ashadha June-July
Shravana July-August
Bhadra August-September
Ashvina September-October
Karttik October-November
Aghan November-December
Pausha December-January
Chaitra (March/April)
Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight)
1-5 – Jat women in Mukarai, Rampur, and neighboring villages perform carkula dance (balancing pots, etc. on their head).
2 – Holi Festival at Dauji (Baldeo) and Jao.
3-13– Brahmotsava Festival of Sri Ranganatha. This is a ten-day festival at the Sri Ranganatha temple, during which time the golden cart festival takes place. There are fire-works during this festival. Over a hundred thousand people come to the cart festival. The Main Cart Procession day is known as Ratha Ka Mela. The Deities are taken out on a 15m (45 ft) high chariot. The Deities are pulled by devotees from the Ranganatha temple to the Rangji gardens and back.
3 – Holi at Kotavana and Bathain.
8 – Appearance Srivasa Pandita observed in Gaudiya temple.
9 – Ratha ka Mela at Ranganatha Temple. This is the main day.
11 – Papamocani Ekadasi.
15 – Special darshan at Dauji (Baldeo).
Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)
1 – Phul Del (Ful Dol): The Deities in the temples are decorated with a variety of the choicest flowers and roses. The dresses of the Deities are made of flowers on this day. Different temples observe this festival at different times.
New Year day of Vikramaditya Era.
1-9 – Navaratri (Nine nights) is nine days of Durga worship.
6 – Yamuna Sasthi: Yamuna deities dressed in flowers. It is celebrated as the appearance of the Yamuna in Mathura. Special festival at Vishram Ghat.
7 – Beginning of Keshava-vrata.
9 – Rama-naumi is the appearance day of Lord Rama. Observed in temples all over Braja. In Rambag of the Ranganatha temple there is a special ceremony. On this day devotees read the Ramayana, which glorifies Lord Rama. The temples are decorated with flower, lights and other auspicious items. Devotees fast on this day and constantly chant the names of Lord Rama.
11 – Kamada Ekadashi. Phul Dol (Flower festival) in some temples.
15 – Rasayatra of Lord Balarama and Vasanta Rasayatra of Lord Krishna. Purnima day.
Hanuman Jayanti. This popular festival celebrates the birth of Hanuman. The deity of Hanuman in temples is given a new coat of paint mixed with ghee (clarified butter). The glories of Hanuman are read from the Ramayana. Fasting is done and the temples are decorated.
Vaisakha (April/May)
Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight)
11 – Varuthini Ekadasi. Appearance of Vallabha Acarya celebrated at Pushtimarg temples.
Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)
1 – Gadadhara Pandit Appearance.
3 – Akshaya Tritiya (Chandan Darshan): This is said to be the first day of the creation of the world. This is one of the most crowded days of the year in Vrindavana.
This is the day when the lotus feet of Banke Bihari are seen. This is the only day of the years when it is possible to see the feet of the Deity of Banke Bihari. Large crowds of people come on this day to the Banke Bihari Temple.
In the many other temples in Vrindavana, the Deities are decorated with sandalwood paste, including the Krishna Balarama Mandir and Radha Damodara Temple. On this day the dress of Radha-Raman is made completely of sandalwood paste.
At the Garuda Govinda temple, the 12-handed Deity of Govinda is seen mounted on His bird carrier, Garuda.
Many people do circumambulation of Mathura and Vrindavan on this day.
7 – Jahnu Saptami (Ganga Saptami): The day the Ganga descended to earth. Birth of Jahnavi (wife of Nityananda Prabhu) celebrated at Radha Kund.
8 – End of Kesava-vrata.
9 – Janaki Navami is the appearance day of Sitadevi, the wife of Lord Ramachandra. Disappearance of Madhu Pandita celebrated at Radha Gopinatha Temple. Appearance of Jahnavi (wife of Nityananda Prabhu).
11 – Mohini Ekadasi. Appearance day of Hit Harivamsha celebrated at Radhaballabha Temple. On the previous night there is music and dance at the Rasa Mandala in Vrindavana.
12 – Rukmini Dwadasi: Appearance day of Rukmini. Special festival at the Dwarkadish Temple in Mathura.
14 – Narasimha Chaturdashi (Narasimha’s Appearance Day) celebrates the appearance of Lord Narasimha and the killing of the demon Hiranyakasipu. People fast on this day, usually until dusk, because this is when Lord Narasimha appeared. Devotees meditate on Lord Narasimha, read stories about Him, and pray to receive the good qualities of devotion, which were exhibited by Prahlada Maharaja.
15 – Appearance Day of Radha-Raman is celebrated by bathing the Deity with over 300 litres of milk and other auspicious items. The remnants of this abhiseka (bathing) are then distributed to the public. This day falls on the full moon day (Purnima).
Sri Krishna’s Water and Swing Pastimes.
Ban Bihar or circumambulation of Mathura at night.
Srinivasa Acarya Appearance. Madhavendra Puri Appearance.
Jyaistha (May-June)
Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight)
2 – Ban Bihar Parikrama is celebrated at night. Devotees do parikrama of Vrindavana at night.
5 – Disappearance Ramananda Raya.
11 – Apara Ekadasi. Appearance Vrindavana Dasa Thakur.
15 – Jal Yatra: Special fountains and decorations in temples.
Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)
10 – Ganga Dashami is appearance day of Ganga Devi. Special festival at Varsana. Appearance of Baladeva Vidyabhusana. Appearance of Gangamati Goswamini. Kite flying.
11 – Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi. On this day many devotees take neither food nor water. It is said that if you do nirjala (no food or water) on this day that it makes up for any ekadasis missed during the year.
15 – Jal Yatra (Jyestha Snana) is a special day of bathing the Deities with Yamuna water in Mathura.
Asadha (June-July)
Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight)
1 – Disappearance Syamananda Prabhu celebrated at the Radha Shyamasundara Temple.
10 – Disappearance Srivasa Pandit.
11 – Yogini Ekadasi.
15 – Amavasya. Disappearance Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur. Disappearance Gadadhara Pandit.
Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)
2 – Jagannatha Ratha-yatra at Jagannatha Puri. Some temples, such as Madana- Mohan, Govindaji and Gopinatha take chariots carrying Deities of Krishna on procession to Gyan Gudri. Disappearance Swarupa Damodara.
11 – Sayani Ekadasi. Vanabihar or parikrama of Vrindavana and Mathura. Beginning of Caturmasya vrata, if beginning on ekadasi. This is when Lord Vishnu goes to sleep. Caturmasya is begun at different times by different devotees.
15 – Guru Purnima: It is customary to worship the spiritual master on this day, because it is the appearance day of Vyasadeva. On this, day many devotees gather at Manasi Ganga and do Govardhana parikrama.
Sanatana Gosvami Disappearance. He left his body on Guru Purnima, at Manasa Ganga, on the full moon day in the month of Asadha, in 1558. Celebrated at Chakreswar Mahadeva temple where he left his body and at Madana-Mohan Temple.
Beginning of Caturmasya vrata, if beginning on purnima (the full Moon). Vaishnavas do not eat spinach this month.
Sravana (July-August)
Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight)
Many temples decorate the Deities with special dresses and decorations during this month. Vaishnavas do not eat spinach this month while observing caturmasya.
During this month there is special worship of Shanichar (Saturn) on Saturdays at the temple in Kokilavana, near Nandagram.
1 – Disappearance Prabhodananda Sarasvati celebrated at his samadhi at Kaliya Ghata.
5 – Disappearance Gopal Bhatta Goswami celebrated at Radha-Raman Temple.
8 – Disappearance Lokanatha Gosvami at Radha Gokulananda.
11 – Kamika Ekadasi
12 – Paksha-vardhini Maha-Dwadasi (observed as ekadasi).
Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)
3 – Jhulan Yatra Mahotsava (Swing Festival): During this festival, the Radha-Krishna Deities in the temples are swung on a swing (hindolas). This festival lasts for 13 days. It starts on the Tritya (third day) of the bright fortnight of Sravana (July-Aug) and lasts until the full moon night of the month. This is one of the biggest festivals of the year and Vrindavana is very crowded at this time. Often the swings are gold and silver. Some of the main temples that this festival is celebrated at are the Banke Bihari Temple and the Radha-Raman Temple in Vrindavana, the Dwarkadish temple in Mathura, and the Larily Lal Temple in Varsana. Hariyali Teej is a major swing day at Banke Bihari Temple.
Beginning of the rainy season and Deities wear green.
11 – Pavitra Ekadasi. Jhulan Yatra of Radha Gopal Temple. Sacred thread offered to Deities.
12 – Disappearance Rupa Goswami.
13 – Vasanti Kamra Room open at Shahji Temple. Two days before Balarama’s Appearance Day, during the Jhulan Yatra swing festival, the Vasanti Kamra room in the Shahji Temple is open. The Deities in this temple are brought to this room. This is a crowded event.
15 – Balarama’s Appearance Day is the day Lord Balarama appeared in Gokula. Special festivals at Krishna Balarama Temple, Dauji and Mahavana. Jhulan Yatra ends.
Raksha Bandhan It is said that during a battle between the demigods and demons the demigods lost their heavenly kingdom. Then the consort of Indra tied a Rakhi on his wrist and because of this the demigods were able to win back their kingdom.
During this festival a sister ties a Rakhi, which is a handspun cotton (or silk) thread dyed yellow with turmeric, around the wrist of her brother. The brother then gives her presents, and promises to be responsible for her safety. The Rakhi can be given to any one, but is usually given to one’s brother. This celebration symbolizes the protection of women. The person on whose wrist the Rakhi is tied is duty bound to protect the person who ties it on.
Bhadra (Aug-Sept)
Second month of caturmasya. Vaishnavas refrain from eating yogurt.
Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight)
1 – Special Darshan All Gaudiya Temples. This is the day after Balarama’s Appearance Day. Some of the special darshans are: Madana Mohana Temple (Rairaja), Radha Damodara (Syama Sakhi), Shyamasundara (Naukar Bihar), Gokulananda (Raval Raja), Gopinatha (Van Bihar), and Govindaji (Subal Vesh).
8 – Krishna Janmastami celebrates the appearance day of Lord Krishna in Mathura. It is celebrated in an elaborate way in Vrindavana. Rasa-lila plays are performed, which shows different pastimes of Lord Krishna. He appeared in Mathura about 5,000 years ago. As part of the celebration devotees fast until 12 midnight, because this is the time Krishna appeared. The temples are decorated and special dresses are usually offered to the Deities. They will also usually have a special public bathing of the Deity of Krishna (called abhishek). The Deity is bathed with various items such as milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, flowers and water from a holy river, such as the Yamuna or the Ganges.
This is usually the most crowded day of the year in Krishna temples. Temples will usually organize plays and dances depicting different pastimes of Lord Krishna. There is a huge arati at 12 midnight in Krishna temples in Vrindavana and Braja.
9 – Nandotsava Festival is the day after Janmastami. This celebrates the birth celebration performed by Nanda Maharaja after Krishna was born. At Banke Bihari Temple devotees give free gifts.
Appearance Day of A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. This is the appearance day of Srila Prabhupada, who is the Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. There is a festival held in the morning at the Krishna Balarama Temple. This event is celebrated at some other Gaudiya temples in Vrindavana.
Latha Ka Mela at Ranganatha Temple in Vrindavana. Men try to climb to the top of a 10m (30 ft) greased wooden pole erected near the front gate of the Ranganatha temple to get prizes at the top. Mustard oil is regularly poured down the post to make it very slippery.
11 – Ananda (Aja) Ekadasi
Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)
Appearance day of Haridas Goswami is celebrated at Banke Bihari Temple and at Nidhivana.
4 – Ganesh Chaturthi is the birth of Ganesh. A statue of Ganesh, sometimes 10 metres (33 feet) high, is made of clay, cloth or other substances. It is worshiped for seven to ten days and is then submerged in the sea or in a lake. Sweet-rice pudding, laddoos (sweet flour balls), and coconuts are offered to Ganesh during this festival.
5 – Appearance day of Sita Devi, the wife of Advaita Acarya.
6 – Appearance of Lalita Devi. Special festival at Dauji in honor of Lord Balarama
7 – Appearance of Banke-Bihari at Nidhivana.
8 – Radhastami is the appearance day of Srimati Radharani. This festival falls on the eighth day, of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadra (August-Sept), 15 days after the appearance of Lord Krishna. There is an all-night kirtan held the night before Radhastami at the Larily Lal Temple in Varsana, ending with an ecstatic mangala arati and abhisheka. Many people go to Varsana on this day. This is also a popular day in Vrindavana. Fasting until noon.
11 – Jal Jhulan is the swing festival at the Ranganatha temple. At night the temple tank is lit up. Parivartini (Parsva) Ekadasi.
Bari Yatra is when devotees make vows at Vishram Ghat.
12 – Vamana (Vijaya) Dwadasi: Appearance day of Lord Vamana. Parikrama of Vrindavana. Appearance day of Jiva Goswami. Many people begin Braja Mandala parikrama on this day, beginning in Mathura.
13 – Appearance Bhaktivinoda Thakur. Disappearance of Haridasa Thakura and Kavi Karnapura.
Burhi Lila is when Dan Lila is enacted at Sankari Kori at Varsana.
14 – Ananta Chaturdashi Vrata. Special worship of Balarama and circumambulation of Govardhana Hill.
15 – Purnima.
Asvina (Sept-Oct)
Milk is not drunk this month for Caturmasya.
Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight)
1 – Pitri Paksha: The ten days preceding Dussera is known as Pitra Paksha. During this time Sanjhi motifs are painted on the walls of people’s homes or arranged with dry colors in temples. Sanjhi motifs decorate the floor of the Larliji Temple in Varsana.
This is the fortnight when Sraddha Ceremonies are performed. Sraddha is a time when homage is paid to the dead ancestors. These homages are done to make sure there is peace for the departed souls of the ancestors. During the Sraddha period one does not take part in any kind of celebrations and does not make unnecessary purchases.
11 – Indira Ekadasi. Sanjhi designs decorate temples in Vrindavana until amavasya (new Moon day). Special Darshan in many temples in Vrindavana.
Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)
1 – Navaratri begins. Nine days of Durga worship. Rama-lila is performed at Rama temples. Navaratri is a nine-day festival. Nava means “nine.” During this festival the three main goddesses are worshiped. On the first three days, Durga is worshiped, then Lakshmi and then Saraswati. The last day of this festival is called Dussera or Vijaya Dasami.
Celebrated as Durga puja mainly by Bengalis. It symbolizes victory of good over evil. Durga is the consort of Lord Siva who controls the material energy and punishes the demons.
Sri Radha-Raman Rides a Silver Elephant. On this day Radha-Raman comes off the altar and rides on a silver elephant.
10 – Dussera (Vijaya Dashami or Ramachandra Vijayotsava) celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. Ravana is the demon that kidnapped Rama’s wife Sita. This is a 10-day festival, and on the tenth day a large image of Ravana is shot and killed (usually burnt) by Rama. There is a burning of Ravana in Mathura at the Rama-lila grounds.
Madhvacarya Appearance.
11 – Pasankusha Ekadasi. Celebrated as the day Rama reunited with Bharata.
12 – Some devotees start their Kartika Vrata (Niyama-seva) on this dvadashi day.
Disappearance of Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami, Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami and Krishnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami.
15 – Purnima Sharad Utsava. Krishna Saradiya Rasayatra. This is the full moon night of Asvina. This is the day the rasa dance was performed with Krishna and the gopis. On this day, the Deities in the temples in Vrindavana are dressed completely in white and there are special darshans. Banke Bihari holds a flute on this day.
Sri Lakshmi Puja.
Krishna-lila plays are performed throughout Braja. On this day Brijabasis put a pot of sweet rice on the roof overnight. In the morning it is considered to be amrita (nectar).
Kartika (October-November)
This is a very special month in Vrindavana. Every night, lamps are offered to the Deities in many temples. This month is known as the month of Damodara. There is a special program of temple worship of the Lord in His Damodara form. “Damodara” refers to Krishna’s being bound with rope by His mother, Yasoda. Urja-vrata is observed in the month of Kartika.
Vaishnavas do not eat urad dahl and masura dahl this month.
Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight)
6 – Disappearance Narottama Dasa Thakur. Visit of his samadhi at Radha Gokulananda.
8 – Appearance Day of Radha Kund celebrated by bathing in Radha Kund at 12 midnight. Bahulastami.
11 – Sri Rama (Rambha) Ekadasi.
15 – Dipawali (Deepavali) Dipawali means “row of lights.” It is celebrated 20 days after Dussera. It celebrates the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya, after his victory over Ravana. This is celebrated by burning lamps and candles in temples and homes. On Dipawali, fireworks are set off. People visit friends and relatives and give each other gifts and sweets. It is a very important festival all over India.
On this night thousands of lights are lit on Govardhana Hill. Especially lit up is Manasi Ganga in the town of Govardhana.
Worship of Lakshmi in people’s homes. This festival is also associated with Laksmi because it is believed that wealth (Lakshmi) will not enter one’s house on this day if it is dark. On this day a special puja (worship) is offered to Lakshmi in most people’s homes.
Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)
1 – Govardhana Puja (Annakuta Festival) is celebrated during the month of Kartika (Oct/Nov), on the day after Dipawali. This festival celebrates the offering of a mountain of food items to Govardhan Hill by Nanda Maharaja and the residences of Braja.
On this day Govardhana Hill is worshiped. In most of the temples of Vrindavan and Braja, huge quantities of sumptuous food are prepared for this ceremony and are distributed to the general public. A large hill of prasada (sacred food) is made in many temples. Devotees circle the hill and then honor the prasada from this hill. Also models of Govardhana Hill are made of cow dung.
Govardhana Puja is also known as the Annakuta festival. On this day there is a large stream of visitors to Govardhana Hill. Especially crowded are Manasi Ganga and Jati Pura.
2 – Yamadwitiya: On this day brothers and sisters take bath in the Yamuna River. Thousands of people take bath at the ghatas along the Yamuna, especially at Vishram Ghat. Offerings are made by sisters for the protection and well-being of their brothers. This festival is known as Bhai (brother) Duj in the rest of India.
Once Yamaraja, the lord of death, went to the house of his sister, Yamuna, and she served him a delicious meal. Yamaraja was so pleased with her that he stated that anyone who bathes in the Yamuna on this day will be freed from going to the court of death, where sinners are judged. On this day traditionally brothers come with their sisters to take bath in the Yamuna at Vishram Ghat, near which there is a temple of Yamuna (Yami) Dharmaraja (Yama).
4 – Disappearance Sri Srimad A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada at Krishna Balarama Mandir and temples all over the world.
8 – Gopastami (Gosthastami): On this day cows are decorated and worshiped in honor of the first day that Krishna took the cows out to pasture. Srinivasa Acarya Disappearance.
9 – Akshaya Navami is an auspicious lunar day. This is the day Krishna left Vrindavana with Akrura. Parikrama is done of both Mathura and Vrindavana of 54km (32 miles).
10 – Kamsa Badh is the day Krishna killed Kamsa in Mathura. Enactment of killing at Kamsa Tila and a procession at Vishram Ghat.
11 – Utthana (Devotan) Ekadasi. This is a major day for doing parikrama of Vrindavana. On this day about 100,000 people do parikrama. It is customary to do parikrama of both Mathura and Vrindavana on this day. Tulasi-vivaha (wedding of Tulasi).
End of Caturmasya-vrata if started on Ekadasi. Gaura Kishora Dasa Babaji Disappearance.
12 – Davanala Mela celebrates the day that Krishna ate the forest fire at Davanala Kund.
13 – Keshi Mardana-lila is celebrated as the day that Krishna killed the Keshi demon at Keshi Ghata.
14 – Kaliya Mardana-lila is celebrated as the day that Krishna punished the Kaliya snake at Kaliya Ghata. Bhugarbha Gosvami Disappearance.
15 – Kartika Purnima Snana: There is special bathing in the Yamuna on this day. End of caturmasya-vrata and Kartika-vrata if started on the Purnima (full Moon).
Celebration at Imla-tala to commemorate Sri Caitanya’s arrival in Vrindavana.
Celebration of Appearance Day of Nimbarka.
Agrahayana (Nov-Dec)
Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight
1 – Katyayani Vrata begins.
11 – Utpanna Ekadasi. On this day a spiced kicheri is offered to the Deities, which continues for one month, for their warmth.
Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)
5 – Discovery of Banke Bihari celebrated at Banke Bihari Temple. Procession from Nidhivana to Banke Bihari Temple
11 –Gita Jayanti is the day that Krishna spoke Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna at Kurukshetra. There is a special festival in Kurukshetra, the place where Krishna spoke the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. Mokshada Ekadasi.
Pausha (December-January)
Krishna Paksha (Waning Fornight)
11 – Saphala Ekadasi.
15 – Katyayani Vrata ends.
Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)
1 – Locana Dasa Thakur Appearance.
3 – Disappearance Jiva Goswami. Celebrated at Radha Damodara and Radha Kund.
4 – Disappearance Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Thakur.
11 – Putrada Ekadasi. Vaikunthosava is a major festival at the Ranganatha temple. The Vaikuntha Dwara (door to Vaikuntha) is opened in the Ranganatha temple on this day.
15 – Krishna Pushya Abhisheka.
Magha (Jan-Feb)
Krishna Paksha
3 – Appearance Gopala Bhatta Goswami celebrated at Radha-Raman Temple and at Radha Kund.
4 – Jayadeva Goswami Disappearance.
11 – Shattila Ekadasi. Durvasa Mela at Durvasa Tila, near Mathura.
15 – Mauni Amavasya, which is celebrated at the Durvasa Temple in Isapur, across the river from Mathura. Special bathing in Yamuna.
Shukla Paksha
5 – Vasant Panchami (Vasantosava) is a spring festival. The end of February is the end of the winter season and is known as the Spring Festival. This day is the beginning day of the Holi season in Braja. Deities wear yellow-green, the color of new leaves. In many temple yellow leaves and sweets made of white sesame seeds are offered. Children fly kites (patangs).
Saraswati Puja: Saraswati, the goddess of learning, is worshipped on this day. Appearance Raghunatha dasa Goswami and Vishnupriya, the wife of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
At night the beautiful Vasanti Kamra room in the Shahji Temple is open. The Deities in this temple are brought to this room. The Vasanti Kamra (the yellow room) has a completely yellow decor. This is a very crowded event.
This is the day that Lakshmi appeared from the ocean of nectar.
Disappearance Visvanatha Chakravarti.
5 – Appearance Day of Sri Banke Bihari. Large crowds of people come for this festival. This day is celebrated as Bihari Panchami. Haridasa Swami discovered Banke Bihari at Nidhivana. ??? Says last month too???
7 – Appearance Advaita Acharya. Celebrated at all Gaudiya temples and Sita-Sitanatha Temple near Seva Kunja.
11– Bhaimi (Jaya) Ekadasi. Sri Varahadeva Appearance.
13 – Nityananda Trayodashi is the appearance day of Nityananda Prabhu.
15 – Narottama Dasa Thakur Appearance.
Phalguna (Feb-March)
Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight)
4 – Appearance Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Gosvami. Celebrated at Krishna Balarama Mandir and all Gaudiya Matha temples.
11 – Vijaya Ekadasi. Festival at Mana Sarovara, when many people visit this place on this day.
12 – Triprisha Mahadvadashi, which is observed as ekadashi.
14 – Siva-ratri is the appearance day of Lord Siva. There is a special festival at the Gopisvara temple in Vrindavana on this day.
Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight)
8 – Holi Festival begins, takes places until the full Moon. Holi in Braja is celebrated for several days, at different places around Braja. People celebrate Holi by throwing powdered dye and colored water on each other. This is joyfully celebrated in Braja (the area around Vrindavan), especially in Varsana, Nandagram and Dauji. If you go to these festivals you should expect to be totally covered in dye and never to be able to use the clothes that you are wearing again, at least until next year’s festival.
One story about Holi is that Prahlada Maharaja refused to worship his father and wanted to worship his father’s enemy, Lord Vishnu. His father’s sister, Holika, who was immune to being burned, sat with the boy in a big fire, in an attempt to kill the boy. Prahlada’s devotion was so great that Holika was burnt to death and Prahlada was unharmed. Huge bonfires are lit on the eve of Holi, and grains from the new harvest are thrown into the fire.
9 – Holi Festival at Varsana. Men from Nandagram taunt the women at Varsana and are beaten by them with sticks. The festival includes colorful processions with music, song, dance, and some boisterous scenes around the temples.
10 – Holi Festival at Nandagram. Reciprocal relationship between residents of Varsana and Nandagram.
11 – Amalaki Ekadashi. Holi begins in Vrindavana
12 – Madhavendra Puri Disappearance.
15 – Gaura Purnima (Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s Appearance Day) is an important Gaudiya Vaishnava festival that falls at the same time as Holi, in the month of Phalguna. As followers of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu established many temples in Vrindavana, this is an important festival in Vrindavana.
Holi in Vrindavana. This is the last and most active day, so you better be ready to take part if you are going to go out on the street before 12 noon, after which no dye is allowed to be thrown.
