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Orissa, Bengal celebrate Jhulan Yatra

         Puri (Orissa): The colourful Jhulan Yatra festival was celebrated in Orissa and Bengal. Jhulan Yatra is a swing procession ahead of Janmashtami, the festival marking the birth of Lord Krishna. During the 17-day long festival, which began on August 23, idols of Lord Krishna and his consort, Radha, are placed on beautifully decorated swings and nights are spent in singing and dancing before the deities. "With the onset of monsoon, when the nature assumes green form, Radharani (consort of Hindu God Krishna) prepares a swing deep in the jungle and invites Lord Krishna for 'raasleela' (cosmic dance performed by Krishna with his consorts). This festival is to commemorate the ritual," said Mahanta Adhikari Banshidhar Das Goswami, priest at Gadagadia Math. Though the origin of the festival is not known, it is believed Jhulan Yatra is the first major festival after the famous Chariot festival. "I have full devotion towards Jagannath Temple. That's why I have come here to see the Jhulan Yatra. The swings made in different designs and colours for God attract me. I come here every year," said Prashanta Kumar Panda, a devotee. People believe visiting temples during the festival absolves them of all sins and bring prosperity.
- September 2, 2007

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