Dauji Huranga in Baldev

In most of the Brij region, Holi festivity was culminated on 27th March, the next day of Holika Dahan. However in Baldev town the most famous Huranga was organized on 28th March. This event is famously known as Dauji Huranga.  According to Hindu calendar followed in North India, it was the first day of Chaitra month.

Baldev is famous for being the birthplace of Lord Balarama. Lord Balarama was the elder brother of Lord Krishna and the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The sacrosanct Holi is played in the premises of Dauji temple.

Dauji Huranga in Baldev - 2013

While Lathmar Holi of Barsana is played with bamboo sticks and leather shields, Dauji Huranga is played with torn clothes. During Holi Huranga women folks tear clothes of men folks and use them as hunter to beat men folks to resist their attempts of smearing women with colors.

The event is organized ritualistically by the temple authorities.

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Holi Mahotsav at Janmabhoomi

On 23rd March, the auspicious day of Rang Bharani Ekadashi, Holi Mahotsav was organized at Janmabhoomi, Mathura. After Lathmar Holi of Barsana and Nandgaon it was time to enjoy Holi at the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

Holi Mahotsav at Janmabhoomi  - 2013

The Holi Mahotsav is celebrated every year within the premises of Janmabhoomi in front of the newly constructed Keshava Dev Mandir. Opposite to main building of Keshava Dev Mandir, grand stage was set for Holi Mahotsav activities. Thousands of devotees and visitors watched the mesmerizing Holi celebrations. The space between the Kesava Dev Mandir and the stage was packed with scores of devotees. Many of them were sitting on the stairs to watch the celebrations.

Radha Krishna playing flower Holi at Janmabhoomi – 2013

The celebrations began with the Aarti of Lord Krishna and Radha Rani which was performed by Guru Sharananand Ji Maharaj. The Lathmar Holi between Lord Krishna and Radha Rani and Holi with flowers, in which both Krishna and Radha were flooded with tons of flowers, were worth watching events.

Peacock dance and Charakula dance were the main attractions which were performed by various artists on the stage.

Artist performing Charakula dance during Holi Mahotsav – 2013

Special arrangements were done to throw tons of Gulal on devotees. At the end the whole atmosphere was filled with Gulal and fragrance of Kesar. Lathmar Holi was played along with music and devotional songs which recreated the Holi of Barsana within the Janmabhoomi premises of Mathura.

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Gulal and Abeer

Most people prefer Gulal to play Holi as it is less harmful and easily washable as compared to wet colors. Gulal is also used during Holi Puja.

Gulal is used in huge quantities in various temples. It is believed that during Lathmar Holi in Barsana, the temple procured 3 Quintal of Gulal which is equivalent to 300 kilograms. The same quantity of Tesu flowers were also used to color the water by the temple.

The Gulal(s) are made by mixing different colors to Ararot. Ararot is a starch made from Arrowroot and it is very similar to corn starch. As Ararot is easily available in huge quantity it is used to make Gulal during Holi.

Synthetic Gulal is getting prepared for Holi - 2013

The preparation to make Gulal starts four months prior to Holi. The process involves mixing the water and the chemical in the right proportion into the Ararot powder. The mixture is crushed, filtered and spread in the open space to dry. It is the chemical which might cause health issues and due to which herbal Gulal is preferred over synthetic Gulal.

The Gulal has no shine. Abeer is added to the Gulal to make it shiny. Abeer can be made of natural ingredients as well as synthetic materials. The most used synthetic Abeer is made out of Mica. Synthetic Abeer made out of Mica might be harmful to the body. However natural Abeer can also be made out of Tesu tree.

Gulal is always hyphenated with Abeer and mostly heard as Abeer-Gulal in various Holi songs.

In north India, red, yellow, pink and purple Gulal is being sold for Rs. 40 per kilogram. However when it comes to color it is the pink Gulal which is preferred over various other colors.

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Lathmar Holi at Barsana

The world famous Lathmar Holi of Barsana was played on 21st March. It was a spectacular and delightful event at Ladli Ji Mandir of Barsana. The whole temple premises were covered with the clouds of Gulal and the showers of wet colors. This event was watched and participated by thousands of visitors and devotees.

Ladli Ji Mandir covered with Gulal during Lathmar Holi - 2013

It is believed that Lord Krishna used to visit Barsana to play Holi with His beloved Radha and other female cowherds. This tradition is still kept alive by the people of Barsana and Nandgaon. This ancient tradition of playing Holi was organized well in advance with all rituals. One day before, the invitation was sent to the men folks of Nandgaon to visit Barsana to play Holi. The invitation was sent along with dry color which was distributed to all households in the town.

In Nandgaon, the invitation was accepted with full fanfare along with music and folk dance. The RSVP or the acceptance from Nandgaon came to Ladli Ji Mandir on the same day by one messenger known as Panda.

Huriyare* visited Barsana with full enthusiasm and preparation to play Holi. Huriyare came along with leather shields to protect themselves from Huriyarine. Huriyarine protested all attempts to smear them with Gulal and colors with the help of bamboo sticks. In defense, Huriyare used leather shields to take impact of bamboo sticks.

Huriyare protecting themselves during Lathmar Holi of Barsana - 2013

As Holi in Barsana is played with bamboo sticks it is known as Lathmar Holi. It is believed that in the ancient time this was made a tradition to hone defense skills of female folks of Barsana.

*Huriyare and Huriyarine are the words which are widespreadly used in Mathura and Vrindavan during Holi to denote men and women folks respectively. Huriyare (हुरियारे) are the men folks who are in full enthusiasm to play Holi and Huriyarine (हुरियारीने) are the women folks who are also in full enthusiasm to protest any attempts by Huriyare to smear them with colors.

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Laddu Holi of Barsana

Laddu Holi of Barsana was celebrated on 20th March. During the famous Laddu Holi, Laddu(s) are thrown on devotees. Laddu Holi is celebrated at Ladli temple of Barsana. Ladli temple is also known as Sriji Mandir which is dedicated to Lord Krishna and His beloved consort Radha.

Devotees and visitors gather in huge number to watch this spectacular event. Laddu(s) are captured by devotees as those are considered the holy Prasad of God. Laddu(s) are thrown from the roof top of the temple and collected by devotees waiting eagerly at the ground floor.

Devotees playing Holi during Laddu Holi in Barsana - 2013

Laddu Holi is played with dry colors using only Gulal and Abeer. The whole temple premises are covered with clouds of dry colors and fragrance of Kesar. The Holi with wet colors is played on the next day. With Laddu Holi the whole atmosphere is warmed up for the Lathmar Holi which is scheduled on the next day of Laddu Holi.

On Laddu Holi day, the invitation to play Holi is sent to Nandgaon, the town of Lord Krishna. The invitation is sent by the people of Barsana, the town of Goddess Radha. The invitation to visit Barsana to play Holi with the female cowherds is accepted by the people of Nandgaon.

Laddu and Gulal were thrown on devotees in Ladli Ji Mandir, Barsana - 2013

To confirm the acceptance of the invitation one Panda (पण्डा) or messenger visits from Nandgaon to Ladli Ji Mandir. It is believed that Laddu(s) were offered to welcome the messenger. The messenger was so overwhelmed by the hospitality that he started throwing them. Since then the tradition of Laddu Holi has begun and it is played each year.

The dance of Panda in devotion of Lord Krishna is also popular during Laddu Holi of Barsana.

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Holi Calendar of Braj, Mathura

The Holi celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan would be on their peak from today. Holashtak have started and it marks the beginning of eight days Holi festivity in Braj region. Braj, which is also spelled as Brij, consists of Barsana, Baldev, Govardhan, Gokul, Nandgaon, Vrindavan and Mathura.

Foreign visitors and local devotees throng temples to watch Holi celebrations which are organized by care takers of these temples. Devotees can watch most of the major Holi celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan as they don’t overlap with each other.

Lathmar Holi of Barsana and Nandgaon during 2012

These are the famous events with dates during Holi celebrations 

20^th March, 2013 – Laddu Holi of Barsana

21^st March 2013 – Lathmar Holi of Barsana

22^nd March 2013 – Lathmar Holi of Nandgaon

23^rd March 2013 – Holi of Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, Mathura

26^th March 2013 – Holi at Dwarkadheesh Temple, Mathura

29^th March 2013 – HoliHuranga at Baldev 

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Why Holika is worshipped?

Why Holika, a demoness, is worshipped on Holi? It is quite mysterious to worship Holika during Holi. Even no religious book has detailed explanation of worshipping Holika.

However in Narada Purana, Holika Dahan is mentioned which informs us about worshipping Holika and burning it with woods while singing songs.

It is written in Narada Purana "Some foolish or childish people, due to constant fear of blood sucking demons, created Holika. Hence, I worship you and seek power, wealth and prosperity for myself. Holika is a demoness and she scares Prahalad. Hence we burn her with wood and music. Burning of Holika is also symbolic of burning the year as well as sexual desires."

Women worshiping Holika during Holi Pujan

In the beginning Holika was protective as she was created to ward off all fears. She was symbol of power, wealth and prosperity and could bestow those to her worshippers. However she became harmful and fearsome when she tried to immolate devotee Prahalad. Hence Holika was burnt to ward off any further trouble.

Many scholars give their own explanation of word Holika and reason to worship her. Most of those interpretations zero down to burn evil even if it has power of doing good.

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Phulera Dooj Holi at Radha Vallabh

Today, on 13th March, Phulera Dooj was celebrated at Radha Vallabh temple in Vrindavan. Lord Krishna starts playing Holi with dry colors from the day of Phulera Dooj. Holi with dry colors i.e. with Abeer and Gulal continues till Ranga Bharani Ekadashi and after that Holi with wet colors starts.

Phulera Dooj Holi at Radha Vallabh - 13th March

On the day of Phulera Dooj, Gulal is bundled in a cloth and tied to the waist of Lord Krishna. Devotees throng to the temple to sight Lord Krishna with bundle to Gulal tied to His waist. The deity of Lord Krishna is adorned with white dress. This special sighting of Lord Krishna is available in the evening during Sandhya Aarti.

It should be noted that the Gulal is not tied in front of devotees but during the Shringar which is done behind closed doors. Radha Vallabh is one the famous and ancient temple of Vrindavan which celebrates Holi with all rituals.

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2013 Shivaratri Celebrations

On 10^th March Maha Shivaratri was celebrated all over India. On Shivaratri day devotees visited Shiva temple and perform Shiva Abhishekam with milk and water. The holy items like Bilva leaves, Bel fruit, Dhatura and white flowers of Aak, which pleases Lord Shiva, were offered to Shiva Linga on the auspicious day of Shivaratri.

Most Shiva devotees kept one day fast on Shivaratri as it is considered the most significant day dedicated to Lord Shiva. Since early morning there was huge crowd in most Shiva temples. There were long serpentine queues of devotees waiting for their turn to perform Shiva Abhishekam.

Serpentine queues of devotees waiting for Shiva Pooja

In small towns, devotional songs of Lord Shiva were played throughout the day on loud speakers. At many places including Shri Krishna temple at Janmabhoomi, Shiva Barat was organized through street procession as Maha Shivaratri is also believed to be the marriage anniversary of Lord Shiva.

Many ladies, who recently delivered a baby boy or got married, visited Shiva temple on Maha Shivaratri day as a gesture of thanksgiving to Lord Shiva. This ritual of thanksgiving is famously known as Jehar (जेहर) in north India. Thousands of Jehar ceremonies were performed with street procession along with Bandbaja and close relatives.

Devotees doing Pooja and Abhishek with the milk and water

Temples were open throughout the night to perform midnight Pooja and to observe night vigil in honor of Lord Shiva. The fast would be broken on next day after sunrise. Many families would perform must do Khappar Pooja (खप्पर पूजा) before having the first meal of the day.

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Shiva Barat | Shivji Ki Barat

Many religious institutes organize street procession which recreates the scene of Lord Shiva going to marry Goddess Parvati. This street procession is famously known as Shiva Barat or Shivji Ki Barat. However Shiva Barat is less common than that of Rama Barat.

Lord Shiva during Shivji ki Barat on Maha Shivaratri, Mathura

In Mathura, during the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri, Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi trust takes the procession of Lord Shiva throughout the city with Bandbaja. It is believed that on the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati and this day is celebrated as marriage anniversary of Lord Shiva. However, Maha Shivaratri is also celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Shiva when Lord Shiva was first appeared on the Earth in the form of Linga.

Shiva Barat has been described in the Shiva Purana and the procession is depicted according to that description. Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma apart from God Indra participate in Shiva Barat. Lord Shiva mounts on the Nandi bull and followed by all sorts of ghost and spirits who are controlled by Lord Shiva.

Nandi and other Ganas of Shiva dancing during Shiva Barat, Mathura

Shiva Barat is considered unique and strange due to ghosts and spirits participating in that as family members of Shiva. Participation of such deadly and fearsome entities in a wedding ceremony can be seen only in Shiva Barat.

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Holi with Tesu ke Phool

Due to public awareness on harmful effects of chemicals and their hazards on human life, many people avoid products which are made of chemicals. Use of organic Ganesha during Ganesha Chaturthi is one of the examples of public awareness.

When it comes to colors which are used on Holi, there is less awareness to avoid harmful chemical colors and to use herbal colors. The history of Holi goes back to thousands of year and it was already in vogue during the time of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna only added to its glory by playing it with Radha Rani and other female cowherds of Barsana.

Hindus were playing Holi with red and green colors even when the red of Mercury Sulfate (HgSO₄) and green of Copper Sulfate (Cu₂SO₄) were unheard of. Since Vedic time people were playing Holi with herbal colors. Most temples in Braj region use natural color to play Holi. Tesu is one of the most commonly used flowers to create natural color.

Tesu (टेसू) is the Kesar color flower of Palash(पलास) tree. The trees of Palash are easily found all over India and its parts are used in various products and herbal medicines. However it is popularly known for its flowers which are used to extract yellow color during Holi.

It is believed that Lord Krishna used to play Holi with Tesu flowers and hence most Krishna temples in Mathura and Vrindavan use them to play Holi. Tesu flowers are soaked in warm water one day before of Holi. On the next day the concoction is used to play Holi. Usually, the rose water, Chandan, Kesar and scents are added to the concoction.

There is custom to throw wet colors on devotees who visit temples on Holi. If you are blessed with that scented yellow color while you visit the temple then most probably it would be the concoction of Tesu.

Tesu flowers are easily available at various grocery shops which sell other herbs and spices. Tesu flowers cost around Rs. 50-70 per kilogram.

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Maha Shivaratri Puja Vidhi

Most of the people observe fast on Maha Shivaratri. The way fasting is observed has been changed with the time. The way Puja procedure has been suggested in religious texts is hardly followed during Shivaratri.

In current form of Puja Vidhi, devotees visit Shiva temples early in the morning. Most people finish Shiva Linga Puja before noon as most temples are closed after that in preparation of evening Darshan.  Most Shiva temples open in the evening only for the Darshan and not for the Puja activities. In the morning devotees perform Abhishek with milk and water and offer different items to the Shiva Linga including Bilva leaves, Bliva fruit and Dhatura. 

Many people distribute sweet beverage laced with Bhang in the form of Prasad. Bhang, which is made of cannabis plant, is easily accepted in the society as the offering from Lord Shiva. 

Most devotees observe full day fast on the diet of fruits and juices. Usually people don’t mind to have single fasting meal in the evening. On the next day of Maha Shivaratri, the food which specially includes plain rice and yellow curry made of gram flour is offered to the deity of Lord Shiva and after that it is given to some Baba known as Bham Bole who symbolically represents the Lord Shiva. Only after this offering family members can have the food. 

It explains how Maha Shivaratri is celebrated and known by most of the Indians. However there is another strict Vidhi which has been suggested in most religious books and can be read at Maha Shivaratri Puja Viddhi as described in religious texts. 

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Holi - Holashtak Timings

Holi is the time to forgive and forget old enmities. Holi is not only a social event but also it has its religious significance. The main Holi festivities span for two days. The first day has only religious significance when people perform Puja ritualistically before Holika Dahan. The second day has only social significance and no Puja activities are associated with it. For most of the tourists and foreigners it is the second day which is known as Holi. However for the Hindus, it is the first day which has more significance and is considered the main Holi day.

The first day of Holi is known as Holika Dahan. Holika Dahan is also known as Chhoti Holi which literally means small Holi. People use little colors on the first day and hence the name Chhoti Holi. Chhoti Holi should not mean that it has less religious significance. The second day of Holi is known as Dhulandi (धुलण्डी) and more popularly as Rangwali Holi.

As per Hindu lunar calendar it is Phalguna Purnima day which decides the first day of Holi. The second day of Holi always follows the first day. As mentioned above the main Holi festivities span for the two days. However the preparation of Holi begins eight days before of the first Holi day. This day is known as Holashtak (होलाष्टक) and begins on Phalguna Ashtami during Shukla Paksha.  Most temples in Mathura and Vrindavan organize Holi events during these eight days of Holashtak.

In 2013, Holashtak would begin on 20th March and would end on 27th March. It should be noted that Holashtak is an inauspicious time to conduct marriage and any other auspicious ceremonies. However the effect of Holashtak is limited to certain area of the Northern India. The places on the banks of river Vyas, Ravi and Satlaj, all of which are in Punjab, and the Pushkar area of Ajmer are affected with Holashtak. However most people in North India, even those residing outside the mentioned places, avoid any auspicious ceremonies during this time. Holashtak is less known event in the South India.

Holika Dahan is a community event which is performed at streets and roads junction. On the first day of Holashtak people choose the place of Holika Dahan. The chosen place is sanctified with holy water of Ganges and few dried woods are collected and placed on the sanctified spot. The ritual of collecting dried woods, which are fallen from trees naturally, continues for the next eight days. By the last day of Holashtak the spot has good amount of dried woods which is used to burn demoness Holika symbolically.

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Lathmar Holi at Barsana

In 2013, the world famous Lathmar Holi at Barsana would be played on 21st March.

Holi celebrations are none other than those of Mathura and Vrindavan, the birth place of Lord Krishna. In most temples, the Holi festivities start on Vasant Panchami and culminate after 40 days on Phalguna Purnima. The last 8 days out of total 40 days are known as Holashtak. The most visible Holi is played during these eight days. The last day of Holi falls on Phalguna Purnima and it is the most important day when people burn Demoness Holika symbolically in huge bonfire. The most prominent Holi with wet colors and water is played next day after bonfire and it culminates the Holi festivity.

The world famous Lathmar Holi at Mathura is played in Barsana which is remote satellite town of Mathura. During Lathmar Holi women folks try to protect themselves and symbolically beat men with wooden sticks to resist any attempt to smear them with wet and dried colors. It is believed to be the most ancient way to play Holi started in the time of Lord Krishna.

Lathmar Holi at Barsana - 2012

The Goddess Radha, consort of Lord Krishna, was from Barsana and Lord Krishna was brought up in Nandgaon. As per Hindu mythology Lord Krishna and His troop used to visit Barsana to play Holi with Radha and other female cowherds known as Gopis. This tradition of playing Holi between both towns is still kept alive by these village folks.

As per tradition Gulal, the dried colored power, is sent to Nandgaon by people of Barsana as an invitation to visit and play Holi with the female folks of Barsana. The invitation is send on the first day of Holashtak and on the next day men folks of Nandgaon visit Barsana to play Lathmar Holi.

folk dancing during Lathmar Holi at Barsana - 2012

In 2013, the invitation to play Lathmar Holi would be sent on 20th March. After receiving the invitation men folks of Nandgaon would visit Barsana on 21st March. On the same day there would be community singing at Shri Jee temple and after that historic and mythological Holi of Lathmar would be played at Rangili Gali in Barsana.

The new Keshava Dev temple at Janmabhoomi celebrates Holi on Rang Bharani Ekadashi which falls about 4 days before Purnima.

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Rang Bharani Ekadashi at Janmabhoomi

Rang Bharani Ekadashi falls in Shukla Paksha of Phagun month and this year it would be celebrated on March 23, 2013. The day of Vasant Panchami marks the beginning of Holi celebrations in Mathura and people of Mathura start their Holi festivities from this day onwards. Celebration of Holi starts in all temples of Radha and Krishna from the day of Vasant Panchami.

It is believed that Radha and Krishna played Holi with each other on Rang Bharani Ekadashi. This Ekadashi is also known as Amalaki Ekadashi or Amla Ekadashi in other parts of India.

Some people fast on this Ekadashi, while others go for Panch Koshi Parikrama of Vrindavan. The world famous Lathmar Holi is held on the occasion of Rang Bharani Ekadashi inside Krishna Janmabhoomi premises. The local administration and the tourism department organize special cultural programmes during Holi.

Rang Bharani Ekadashi celebrations at Krishna Janmabhoomi - 2012

Holi which symbolizes divine proximity of beloved Lord Krishna and Radha is replayed at the pious stage of Krishna Janmabhoomi.  The sculptures of Radha and Shri Krishna are placed here as if they themselves have come to play Holi. Devotees play Holi with their adorable Krishna and Radha on this pious day. Traditional colors of Holi provide elegance and divinity to the atmosphere which is filled with love and joy. Holi played in different parts of the Braj can be enjoyed here on Rang Bharani Ekadashi.

To revitalize Lathmar Holi, tonnes of Gulal, petals of roses and other flowers are arranged which become the main attraction of Holi of Krishna Janmabhoomi compound. Holi is played with flowers and Gulal which are collected and thrown on each other. This sight of flowers and Gulal along with the echo of Radhe-Radhe reminds one the Dwapar Yuga itself when it was played the first time between Lord Krishna and Radharani.

Artist performing at Krishna Janmabhoomi - 2012

To mesmerize the whole atmosphere drumbeats and traditional Holi songs would be played in the compound. Lathmar Holi is played with timber and shield which revives the ancient tradition of Braj Holi and brings it to life in the modern age.

In order to ensure smooth and secure arrangements in Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, special barricading is done for the occasion. The separate arrangements for seating are done for the men and the women in the sprawling compound.  Devotees visiting this Janmabhoomi program are refrained from carrying any electronic item, match box, Gutkha, cell phones and other restricted items inside the Krishna Janmabhoomi compound.

Lord Krishna and Radha getting worshiped during Rang Bharani celebrations - 2012

Special programmes would be held at holy stage of Krishna Janmabhoomi. Hurrey and Hurriyani from Radhaji’s birthplace, village Rawal, would exhibit Lathmar Holi.  The throne of Krishna and Radha is made such that devotees sitting far off can also sight it easily. The hue of Lathmar Holi is unique. People stand in queue for several hours to get a glimpse of their adorable Krishna and Radha. The various type of clothes, leaves and flowers are used to decorate the stage. The decoration of the stage is done awesomely beautiful.

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Ancient Keshav Dev Temple, Mathura

Ancient Keshav Dev temple is situated close to main Krishna Janmabhoomi complex,  the birth place of Lord Krishna. Keshav Dev, which is one of the thousand names of Lord Krishna, is the deity of this ancient temple. Few years back, a new Keshav Dev temple has been built within the premises of Krishna Janmabhoomi due to which, the fame of old Keshav Dev temple is on the verge of extinction.

Main deity of old Keshav Dev Mandir, Mathura

It is believed that Idgah (mosque) which is adjacent to main Krishna Janmabhoomi at present, was once used to be Keshav Dev temple. During Muslim rule in 1669, Aurangzeb demolished this temple and later built Idgah there. Subsequently, Maratha Scindia founded the present temple near Potra Kund as Keshav Dev temple. This temple is situated in a locality called Mallapura. This locality is named as Mallapura as Kans’ malley used to live here. Kans was Sri Krishna’s maternal uncle and the people who used to guard premises of Kans were known as Malla.

Although all festivals are celebrated with full enthusiasm in this temple but Chhappan Bhog (56 delicacies) which is arranged on Vasant Panchami is the main attraction and provides unique hue to this temple. This day lacs of devotees visit the temple.

On Rang Bharani Ekadashi, Thakur Keshav Dev’s Sawari (ride) is taken out from Gatashram Ghat which ends at Keshav Dev temple. This Sawari is the main center of attraction for foreign devotees. Deepotsav, which means celebration of light in Hindi, is organized in this temple on Chhoti Diwali, which is also known as Narak Chaudas.

Darshan of Thakur Keshav Dev’s 24 Avtars can only be done once in a year. This special Darshan can be done only on Akshaya Teej while rest of the year, Darshan of Chaturbhuji Avatar can be done. On Akshay Teej, devotees throng the temple to sight 24 Avatars of Lord Keshav Dev with lots of charm and curiosity.

In most temples in Mathura, Janmashtami is celebrated on Ashtami Tithi, but resident of Mallapura celebrate Sri Krishna’s birth on Saptami Tithi.

Potra Kund, a water body, which is located near to Keshav Dev temple is renowned because it is believed that people of Mathura used this Kund for the purpose of holy bath after Sri Krishna was taken to Gokul.

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