Jhulan Yatra starts in Shreemandir today

Jhulan Yatra or Swing Festival starts today at Puri Jagannath Temple which is observed in the month of Shravan. The Yatra is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha.

The festival begins on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Shravan month and ends on Shravan Poornima (full moon). It is observed on all five days from Ekadashi to Purnima. Jhulan Yatra has its origins in the major Krishna legends and literature such as the Bhagavata Purana, the Harivamsa, and the Gita Govinda.

The ceremony is celebrated with fervour as deities of Lord Madan Mohan along with Godess Laxmi and Saraswati is placed on swings.

The festival will start on Saturday after the ‘sandhya alati’. Then the deities will be brought and worshipped after placed on swings.