Hindola is popular festival celebrated in

Hinduism Hinduism () is an Indian religion or '' dharma'', a religious and universal order or way of life by which followers abide. As a religion, it is the world's third-largest, with over 1.2–1.35 billion followers, or 15–16% of the global p ...

. In this festival, idol of

Lord Krishna Krishna (; sa, कृष्ण ) is a major deity in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme god in his own right. He is the god of protection, compassion, tenderness, and love; and is one of ...

is placed on the swing and is rocked by his devotees.

History

The festival finds its origin in the streets of

Vrindavan Vrindavan (; ), also spelt Vrindaban and Brindaban, is a historical city in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is located in the Braj Bhoomi region and holds religious importance in Hinduism as Krishna spent most of his childho ...

over 5000 years ago where the

Gopi Gopi ( sa, गोपी, ) or Gopika in Hinduism are worshipped as the consorts and devotees of Krishna within the Vaishnavism and Krishnaism traditions for their unconditional love and devotion ('' Bhakti'') to god Krishna as described in the ...

s rocked

Krishna Krishna (; sa, कृष्ण ) is a major deity in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme god in his own right. He is the god of protection, compassion, tenderness, and love; and is one ...

on a decorated swing. Ever since, to experience the divine joy of rocking Krishna in a small swing, the hindola festival became the focus of devotion. Hindola originates from the

Pushtimarg Pushtimarg (), also known as ''Pushtimarg sampradaya'' or ''Vallabha sampradaya'', is a subtradition of the Rudra Sampradaya (Vaishnavism). It was founded in the early 16th century by Vallabhacharya (1479–1531) and is focused on Krishna.

sect. In Pushtimarg, Hindola is made of wood, gold, silver. They are decorated with flowers, fruits, dry fruits, vegetables, pavitra garlands, rakhis, glass, jari, pearls etc. Hindola remains one of the most auspicious festivals for Pushtimarg Vaishnavs. Every day in the month of

Shraavana Śrāvaṇa ( sa, श्रावण) is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar. In India's national civil calendar, Śrāvaṇa is the fifth month of the year, beginning on July 23 and ending on August 22. In the Tamil calendar, it is known ...

, the Hindola is decorated with different material (mirrors, flowers, colors etc).

Occurrence

It occurs in the months of (Ashadh/Shravan) in the Vikram Samvat calendar. Mainly from Ashadh Vad 2nd to Shravan Vad- 2 every year.

Celebrations in Lord Krishna temples

In Major Krishna Temples, Hindola Parv is celebrated since decades in almost every part of Country also by Iscon Temples in India. As per the Ancient scripture, this festival is celebrated to show love and affection towards Lord Krishna. Today in temples, the festival is celebrated by decorating a swing in various ways placing the idol of Shri Krishna throughout the whole month. They are decorated with any theme that can be thought of, from flowers to Gold Coins. Followers of Lord Shri Krishna used to go to the temple daily to rock an idol on a swing.

Music

Songs of Hindola, which were sung by saints like

Premanand Swami Premanand Swami (1784–1855) was a saint of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya and one of Swaminarayan's paramhansas. Page 241 Biography Premanand Swami was born to Hindu (Brahmin) parents in the town of Ogan, Viramgam in 1784 and named Hathiram on ...

, are sung accompanied by musical instruments during this festival.

References

{{reflist Hindu festivals Swaminarayan Sampradaya Religious festivals in India