Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is a sacred city deeply rooted in Hindu culture and traditions. Known as the "City of Festivals," Mathura hosts grand celebrations throughout the year that attract devotees and tourists from all over the world. Here are 11 prominent Hindu festivals celebrated annually in Mathura.

Janmashtami: Janmashtami is the most celebrated festival in Mathura, marking the birth of Lord Krishna. The city comes alive with devotional fervour, temple decorations, and cultural performances. The Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple becomes the epicentre of celebrations, with midnight prayers, kirtans, and dramatic re-enactments of Krishna’s life. Devotees fast, sing bhajans, and participate in Dahi Handi competitions, adding a vibrant touch to the festivities.

Holi: Holi in Mathura is an unparalleled spectacle. The festivities begin a week before the main day, particularly in Barsana and Nandgaon, where the unique Lathmar Holi is celebrated. Devotees play with colours, sing folk songs, and re-enact Radha and Krishna’s playful pastimes. The temples in Mathura and Vrindavan host special rituals and flower-based Holi celebrations, making it a grand experience for visitors.

Radha Ashtami: Radha Ashtami commemorates the birth of Radha, Krishna’s eternal consort. Barsana, Radha’s birthplace, becomes the focal point of this celebration. Devotees flock to the Radha Rani Temple to offer prayers and participate in grand processions. The streets are adorned with colourful decorations, and bhajans praising Radha and Krishna resonate throughout the town.

Govardhan Puja: Govardhan Puja, observed a day after Diwali, celebrates Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Vrindavan. Devotees create large Annakut (mountains of food) as offerings to Krishna. The Govardhan Hill itself sees an influx of pilgrims who perform parikrama (circumambulation) and sing devotional songs, making it a spiritually uplifting experience.

Diwali: Diwali in Mathura is a blend of spiritual and celebratory traditions. Temples like Dwarkadhish and Krishna Janmabhoomi are illuminated with thousands of diyas, creating a mesmerizing sight. Devotees offer prayers to Lakshmi and Krishna, and the city buzzes with fairs, cultural programs, and the bursting of fireworks. The Govardhan Puja and Annakut celebrations also coincide with Diwali, adding to its significance in Mathura.

Akshaya Tritiya: Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated with much devotion in Mathura, especially in temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Krishna. It marks the beginning of the Chandan Yatra, during which idols of Krishna are adorned with sandalwood paste to keep them cool during the summer months. Devotees believe that any charitable act performed on this day brings eternal blessings and prosperity.

Raksha Bandhan: Raksha Bandhan, the festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, holds a special place in Mathura’s culture. Sisters tie rakhi to their brothers, seeking their protection and blessings. Temples like Dwarkadhish organize special ceremonies where rakhis are tied to the deities, symbolizing the bond of devotion and love between devotees and the divine.

Basant Panchami: Basant Panchami, marking the onset of spring, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Mathura. Devotees worship Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and learning, and participate in kite-flying events that fill the skies with vibrant colours. Temples organize special rituals and decorate idols of Krishna and Radha in yellow attire, symbolizing the joy and freshness of spring.

Makar Sankranti: Makar Sankranti, celebrated in January, marks the sun’s transition into Capricorn. Mathura celebrates this harvest festival with rituals at the Yamuna River, where devotees take holy dips to cleanse their sins. Temples organize kite-flying competitions, and special offerings of sesame seeds and jaggery are made to the deities, symbolizing prosperity and gratitude.

Kartik Purnima: Kartik Purnima, falling in the holy month of Kartik (October-November), is one of the most auspicious festivals in Mathura. Devotees perform Yamuna snan (bathing in the Yamuna River) and light diyas along its banks, creating a divine ambiance. The temples host bhajans, kirtans, and grand aartis, while devotees engage in charity and religious activities to gain spiritual merits.

Phool Bangla: Phool Bangla is a unique festival celebrated in Mathura during the summer months. Temples, especially in Vrindavan, are adorned with intricate floral decorations, and idols of Krishna and Radha are placed in elaborate flower palaces. The festival symbolizes the refreshing essence of nature and devotion, providing a visual treat to the devotees and tourists alike.

Mathura’s vibrant festival calendar showcases its deep spiritual and cultural heritage. Each festival is a grand celebration of devotion, tradition, and community, drawing people from across the globe to experience the divine essence of this sacred city. Visiting Mathura during these festivals offers a rare opportunity to witness the harmonious blend of spirituality and celebration. Contact Optima Travels for customized festival-time Mathura tour packages.