Mathura Vrindavan City Festivals
Famous Festivals of Mathura Vrindavan: Your 2025 Guide
Experience the divine festivals of Mathura Vrindavan in 2025! From the vibrant colors of Holi to the sacred chants of Janmashtami, our guide unveils the spiritual heart of Krishna’s land. Discover dates, traditions, and tips to make your pilgrimage unforgettable.
Major Festivals Celebrated in Mathura Vrindavan
Mathura and Vrindavan, the sacred twin cities of Uttar Pradesh, are not just destinations—they are living embodiments of devotion to Lord Krishna. These towns, steeped in mythology and spirituality, come alive with vibrant festivals that celebrate Krishna’s life, teachings, and divine love. From the joyous chaos of Holi to the soulful midnight prayers of Janmashtami, Mathura Vrindavan’s festivals are a feast for the senses and the spirit. Whether you’re a devotee or a curious traveler, these celebrations offer a unique glimpse into India’s rich cultural heritage. Join us as we explore the most famous festivals of Mathura Vrindavan, their significance, and how you can experience them in 2025.
Shri Krishna Janmashtami: The Birth of Lord Krishna
Shri Krishna Janmashtami is a vibrant festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, revered as the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Held on August 26, 2025, it holds special significance in Mathura and Vrindavan—Krishna’s birthplace and childhood playground. The festival reflects his divine legacy of love, wisdom, and the victory of good over evil.
- Why It’s Celebrated: Janmashtami marks Krishna’s birth in Mathura, a sacred event symbolizing hope and devotion.
- How It’s Celebrated: In Mathura, the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple hosts midnight aartis and bhajans. Vrindavan’s temples echo with kirtans, while Dahi Handi—breaking curd pots—brings playful excitement.
- Special Traditions: Look out for Jhulan Yatra (swinging Krishna’s idol) and Ras Leela dances that showcase local culture.
Join the festivities in Krishna’s holy lands! Plan your visit to experience this spiritual celebration firsthand.
Lathmar Holi: A Joyful Clash of Colors and Sticks
Lathmar Holi in the Braj region’s Barsana and Nandgaon is a spirited twist on the Festival of Colors, rooted in Radha and Krishna’s playful love. In Barsana, Radha’s hometown, women wield lathis (sticks) to chase men from Krishna’s village, Nandgaon, in a mock battle of love and mischief. The next day, Nandgaon hosts a colorful retaliation with vibrant gulal (powdered colors). This tradition celebrates Krishna’s legendary pranks on Radha, blending devotion with festivity. Temples like Ladliji Temple in Barsana resonate with devotional songs, while locals dance to dhol beats. Visitors can join the fun—wear white, bring a playful spirit, and expect to be splashed with colors! For a memorable experience, arrive early and savor local sweets like gujiya. Celebrate this unique Holi with Mathura Vrindavan City for an unforgettable journey!
Guru Purnima in Mathura Vrindavan
Guru Purnima, a revered Hindu festival, celebrates the bond between gurus and disciples with deep devotion. In Mathura’s Govardhan town, the Muriya Puno Mela unfolds over five days, starting on Ashadha Navami (Shukla Paksha) and ending on Guru Purnima, also known as Muriya Purnima. Thousands of devotees perform the sacred Parikrama, walking barefoot for 12 km around Govardhan Hills and Radha Kunda, seeking blessings. Rituals include a holy dip in Manasi Ganga and prayers at Dhanghati Temple, enveloped in chants and serenity. ISKCON and Vishnu societies join with vibrant pujas, earning the festival the title “Mini Kumbha.” Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and immerse in this spiritual journey with Mathura Vrindavan City!
Jhulan Yatra in Mathura Vrindavan
Jhulan Yatra is a beautiful and devotional festival celebrated in Mathura and Vrindavan during the monsoon season (Shravan month). This 13-day celebration honors the divine love of Lord Krishna and Radha Rani, where the deities are seated on elaborately decorated jhulas (swings) in temples across the region. Temples like Banke Bihari Temple, ISKCON Vrindavan, and Radha Raman Temple are adorned with flowers, lights, and music, creating a divine and joyous atmosphere.
Devotees sing bhajans, offer special sweets, and gently swing the idols, recreating the enchanting Raas Leelas of Braj. This festival beautifully blends spiritual devotion with cultural vibrance, attracting pilgrims from all over India.
Best Time to Visit: During Shravan (usually July–August)
Entry Fee: Free at most temples
Nearby Attractions: Nidhivan, Prem Mandir, Seva Kunj, Govind Dev Ji Temple
Radha Ashtami
Kans Vadh commemorates Lord Krishna’s heroic defeat of the tyrant Kans, liberating his family and restoring justice in Mathura. Celebrated as Kans Vadh Leela near Vrindavan, this festival symbolizes Dharma’s victory over Adharma. Held on the 10th day of Shukla Paksha in Kartik month, the event unfolds with vibrant reenactments at Mathura’s Vishram Ghat. Locals and devotees gather, singing Krishna’s praises, dancing to dhol beats, and sharing prasadam like ladoos. The air buzzes with devotion as colorful processions light up the streets. Join the celebration—arrive by evening and witness this divine saga with Mathura Vrindavan City!
Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja honors Lord Krishna’s miraculous feat of lifting Govardhan Hill to shield villagers from Indra’s wrath, symbolizing humility and devotion. Celebrated in Mathura and Vrindavan, this festival occurs the day after Diwali during Kartik month. Devotees perform Parikrama around Govardhan Hill, offering prayers and sweets. At ISKCON Vrindavan, the Annakut feast—a mountain of food—is offered to Krishna and shared as prasadam. The air fills with bhajans and the scent of kheer. Join the serene festivities—start early, bring comfortable shoes for the 21-km walk, and experience this divine tradition with Mathura Vrindavan City!
List of All Festivals Celebrated In Mathura Vrindavan
Explore the complete calendar of festivals in Mathura Vrindavan, each steeped in devotion to Lord Krishna and Radha Rani. From vibrant celebrations like Holi to sacred rituals like Govardhan Puja, this table lists key festivals, their significance, and 2025 dates to help you plan your spiritual journey.
| Festival | Significance/Brief Description | Day of the Year (Hindu Calendar) | Celebration Date (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samvatsar | First day of new year, First Navratri | Chaitra Shukla Pratipada | Sun, Mar 30 |
| Kamda Ekadashi | First day of Phool Bangla | Chaitra Shukla Ekadashi | Tue, Apr 08 |
| Akshaya Tritiya | Charan Darshan (morning) and Sarvang Darshan (evening) | Vaishakh Shukla Tritiya | Wed, Apr 30 |
| Guru Poornima | Phool Bangla for Swami Haridas in Nidhivan | Aasharh Shukla Poornima | Thu, Jul 10 |
| Haryali Amavasya | Last day of Phool Bangla | Shravan Krishna Amavasya | Thu, Jul 24 |
| Haryali Teej | Jhoola festival | Shravan Shukla Tritiya | Sun, Jul 27 |
| Raksha Bandhan | Renew the bond of love | Shravan Shukla Poornima | Sat, Aug 09 |
| Krishna Janmashtami | Birthday of Lord Krishna (only on this day Mangla Aarti is performed) | Bhadrapad Krishna Ashtami | Sat, Aug 16 |
| Nandotsav | Celebrating the birth of Lord | Bhadrapad Krishna Navmi | Sun, Aug 17 |
| Radha Ashtami | Birthday of Swami Haridasji/Birthday of Radhaji | Bhadrapad Shukla Ashtami | Sun, Aug 31 |
| Sharad Poornima | Day of Maha Raas | Ashwin Shukla Poornima | Mon, Oct 06 |
| Roop Chaturdashi | Chhoti Deepavali | Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi | Sun, Oct 19 |
| Deepavali | Deepmalika, Lakshmi Poojan | Kartik Krishna Amavasya | Mon, Oct 20 |
| Annakoot | Govardhan Pooja | Kartik Shukla Pratipada | Tue, Oct 21 |
| Bhai Dooja | Yam Dwitiya | Kartik Shukla Dwitiya | Thu, Oct 23 |
| Akshay Navmi | Vrindavan Mathura Yugal Parikrama | Kartik Shukla Navmi | Thu, Oct 30 |
| Bihar Panchami | Day of Appearance of Bihariji | Margshirsha Shukla Panchami | Tue, Nov 25 |
| Aamla Ekadashi | Colourful Holi celebrations start | Phalgun Shukla Ekadashi | Mon, Mar 10 |
| Holika Dahan | Colourful Holi celebrations end | Phalgun Shukla Poornima | Thu, Mar 13 |
| Dhulendi | Dolotsav | Chaitra Krishna Pratipada | Fri, Mar 14 |