Jhulan Purnima (Bengal) 2027

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Puja?

• Devotees of Radha-Krishna: Families and devotees observe this festival to celebrate the divine couple and seek their blessings for love, joy, and harmony at home (Prem Bhakti).
• Vaishnava Communities: Followers of Krishna and Balarama keep the day with prayers, kirtan, and offerings, seeking devotion and peace.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: Bathing and preparing the swing and the deities in the morning, from Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn period) onwards.
• Puja Muhurat: The main puja is done during the day, ideally in the morning or early afternoon; check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Evening Swing and Aarti: The deities are placed on the swing and the evening Aarti is done after sunset (families differ on the exact hour).
• Closing the Day: Prasad is shared after the evening Aarti.

About the Festival

Jhulan Purnima is a much-loved Bengali festival in which Radha and Krishna are placed on a decorated swing (Jhula) and worshipped with songs and prayers. It takes place on the Purnima (full moon day) of the month of Shravana.

The Katha (Story of Radha and Krishna's Swing)

Once upon a time, in the groves of Vrindavan, the monsoon clouds gathered and the forest turned fresh and green. Krishna and Radha, along with their friends, the gopis, went into the garden to enjoy the rain-soaked season.

The gopis tied a swing to the branches of a tree and decorated it with flowers and leaves. Wanting to give joy to their beloved Krishna and Radha, they invited the divine couple to sit upon it. As the swing rose and fell, the gopis sang songs of love and devotion, and the whole of Vrindavan filled with music.

Radha and Krishna, pleased with the love of their devotees, swung happily and blessed everyone who had gathered there. The joy of that moment was remembered for all time. Since that day, devotees have placed Radha and Krishna on a decorated swing every Shravana, singing songs of devotion, and in Bengal the day is also remembered as Balarama Purnima.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the puja:

• Idols / Images: Idols or pictures of Radha and Krishna (and Balarama, where it is kept)
• Swing (Jhula): A small swing decorated with flowers, leaves, and coloured cloth
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Chandan (sandalwood paste), Roli, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee, and incense sticks
• Flowers & Tulsi: Fresh flowers, garlands, and Tulsi leaves
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Milk, butter or Makhan, curd, fruits, and sweets

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes (preferably yellow, white, or light colours; avoid wearing black).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Lord Krishna and Mother Radha, today I celebrate your Jhulan with a pure heart. Bless my home with love, peace, and devotion."
3. Keep the day simple and sattvic, and many devotees fast until the evening Aarti.

Step 2: Preparing the Swing (Late Afternoon)

1. Clean the puja space and place the swing on a clean spot.
2. Decorate the swing with fresh flowers, leaves, and bright cloth.
3. Bathe the idols of Radha and Krishna gently with water and dress them in fresh clothes.

Step 3: Performing the Rituals

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense in front of the deities.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Chandan and Akshat to Radha and Krishna.
3. Offering Flowers & Tulsi: Offer garlands, fresh flowers, and Tulsi leaves.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place milk, butter, fruits, and sweets before the deities.

Step 4: Seating the Deities on the Swing

1. Place the idols of Radha and Krishna gently on the swing.
2. Hold a few flower petals in your right hand and offer them with a prayer to the divine couple.
3. Swing the Jhula softly, one after another among family members, while singing or listening to devotional songs.

Step 5: Aarti and Kirtan (Evening)

1. Perform the Radha-Krishna Aarti using the lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns.
2. Join in the singing of Kirtan and Bhajans in praise of Radha and Krishna.
3. Continue to swing the deities gently while the songs are sung.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Sharing Prasad

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the prasad among your family members and neighbours.
3. Break your fast, if you kept one, by partaking in the prasad and a simple sattvic meal.