# Jhulana-yātrā > The Swing Festival **Observed:** Five days preceding Balarāma Jayantī (July-August) --- ## Significance Jhulana-yātrā celebrates the loving pastimes of Śrī Śrī Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa on a swing during the monsoon season in Vṛndāvana. For five days, Deities of Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa are placed on beautifully decorated swings and gently swung by devotees. This festival reflects the intimate and joyful pastimes of the Divine Couple in the groves of Vṛndāvana. --- ## The Mood of Vṛndāvana > In the month of Śrāvaṇa, when there are newly formed clouds, peacocks dance, and the forests are green with creepers and twigs, Kṛṣṇa would swing with His beloved gopīs. > > — Vṛndāvana tradition The monsoon season in India brings relief from summer heat and transforms the landscape into lush greenery. This beautiful setting provides the backdrop for Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa's swing pastimes. --- ## Observance - **Swing decoration:** Elaborate flower decorations on the jhulana (swing) - **Deity swinging:** Devotees gently swing the Deities while singing - **Special bhajanas:** Songs describing the swing pastimes - **Offerings:** Seasonal flowers and special prasādam --- ## Festival Duration The festival traditionally begins five days before Balarāma Jayantī and concludes with the swing being taken down on the evening of Balarāma Jayantī. Each day, the Deities are placed on the swing during the evening program, and devotees take turns gently swinging Them while singing devotional songs. --- ## Related - [[wiki/events/balarama-jayanti|Balarāma Jayantī]] - [[wiki/events/janmastami|Śrī Kṛṣṇa Janmāṣṭamī]] - [[wiki/events/radhashtami|Rādhāṣṭamī]] --- *See [[wiki/events/events|Vaiṣṇava Calendar]] for this year's date.*