Yamuna Shasthi
On the auspicious Yamuna Shashti of the Holy river Shri Yamunaji, a Procession is taken out from the Janmasthan complex, which proceeds towards Vishraam Ghaat with the purpose of worshipping the river Yamuna. Thousands of devotees, carrying pots of milk, sweets and other religious items upon their heads, move with the procession. It is indeed a divine feeling to even witness the scene.
Shri Jagarnath Yatra
On the second day of Aashaadh Shukla a grand procession of Lord Shri Jagannath is taken out from the Janmasthan complex, which goes through the entire city. The auspicious sounds of Shehnai, Dhol, Nagaare, and the chanting of the priests and thousands of devotees, all merge together in praise of Lord Jagannath. The chariot, upon which Shri Jagannath, Subhadraji and Balramji are taken out in procession, is massive in size and exquisite in looks.
Guru Purnima
On the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, elaborate arrangements are made for Prasaad Bhandaara (free Prasaad) and Chhappan Bhog (56 types of sweets and savouries) with the help of local devotees. Thousands of devotees receive the holy Prasaad and divine blessings on the day.
Ghata Dharshan
The month of Shravan (August) sees various vibrant and colorful Ghata Darshans being organized in the Janmasthan as per the Braj traditions. Lakhs of devotees from India and abroad gather to witness the spectacular arrangements especially Kali Ghata of GHATA DARSHANS on the occasion of Shravan Shukla Ekadashi at the Shri Keshavdevji Temple. A grand view is presented, comprising of light, sound, flowers and beautiful costumes put together in perfect harmony, which attracts followers from all over the world.
Shri Krishna Janmasthami
It is believed by saints and devotees that the importance of Mathura is even greater than Vaikuntha on the auspicious day of Shri Krishna Janmashtami. Bhagwan Shri Krishna's celestial
abode has always been Vaikuntha, whereas it was Mathura where He manifested Himself in the physical form. Therefore, celebrating His birth and having a glimpse of Him on that day at His birthplace are
very significant for the devotee. The experience is divine. At the crack of dawn on the day of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Manglaa Aarti and Abhishek are carried out for the Lord.
The main programme begins at 11:00 PM with Shri Ganesha and Navagraha Pujan, which is followed by chanting of Garbha Stuti. Atthe stroke of midnight, devotees witness Lord Shri Krishna's Prakatya
Darshan and an Aarti is conducted in His honour. Thereafter, Shri Krishna's divine Janmaabhishek is conducted with Panchaamritam. This is followed by the Lord's Aarti. The Prakatya Darshan of Shri
Krishna is open up to 1:30AM.
Nandotsav
On the second day after Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Nandotsav is celebrated with gaiety in the Bhagavata Bhavan. Lots of toys, sweets, toffees and clothes are distributed to the devotees present on the occasion. A Prasad Bhandaara is organised after 12 noon.
Sharad Purnima
Lord Shri Krishna had performed His Maharaas Leela on Sharad Purnima. Therefore, on Sharad Purnima - the auspicious full moon night, an elaborate Maharaas programme is organised at Shri Krishna Chabutra. During the auspicious occasion, the Keshavadeva temple is decorated rather elaborately to give it the look and feel of Chandralok. The arrangement made for the occasion is, indeed, very impressive.
Dipawali
On Dipawali, the festival of lights, a vast number of oil lamps are lit and placed in the courtyard of Keshavadeva's temple. In addition to this, the entire Shri Krishna Janmasthan temple complex is elaborately decorated.
Annkoot (Goverdhan Pooja)
A grand Chhappan Bhog (56 varieties of sweets and savouries) is organised on this day by the Sansthan at the temples of Lord Giriraj, Radha-Krishna as well as at other temples in the Janmasthan complex.
Gopashtami
On this day, Lord Keshavadeva is dressed up most beautifully in the attire of a cowherd. Using the soil, flowers, plants, trees and other articles from the Braja region, a forest-like scene is created in the Keshavadeva temple. On this day, worshipping and serving cows is considered to be most auspicious.
Basant Panchami
On Basant Panchami (to celebrate the advent of Spring), Shri Krishna is dressed up in yellow and made to wear various ornaments. The entire courtyard of Keshavadeva temple is also decorated in yellow coloured sheets of cloth. The overwhelming profusion of yellow colour at the temple, as well as the yellow coloured clothes and adornment on Lord Shri Krishna, make the experience quite divine.
Maha Shivratri
On this auspicious day, special prayers, garlands and floral arrangements are offered to Lord Keshveshwar Mahadev (in the form of mercurial Linga). The prayers for the Lord begins early in the morning and carries on throughout the day and night. During the auspicious occasion, an elaborate procession of the Shiv Baraat is taken out from the Janmasthan complex in the evening, which proceeds through the town and returns to the complex. Lord Shiva can be seen riding his bull, Nandi, while the rest of his entourage, mostly made up of Shiva Ganas, spirits, other monsters and devotees can be seen and heard amidst the sounds of holy musical instruments and chantings. Individuals attired as Lord Brahma, Vishnu and other Gods lead the massive procession.
Lathmaar Holi
This world-famous colourful event takes place before Holi, on the 11th day of Phalgun month. On this occasion, the cultural programmes from various parts of Braja are organised at the Janmasthan's Leela Manch and courtyard. People from various parts of India and abroad come to witness this awe-inspiring event.
