Usually August or September
Janmashtami
The celebration of Shri Krishna’s birth, observed with fasting, devotional singing and midnight worship across Mathura, Vrindavan and Gokul.
Festivals
Festivals of Braj
In Braj, the year moves from one celebration to the next — the midnight birth at Janmashtami, the colours of Holi, Radha’s birthday at Barsana and the mountain of food at Annakut. Each guide explains what happens, where and how to plan.
Festival guides
Through the Braj year
Festival dates follow the Hindu lunisolar calendar and change every year. Check announcements from temple and district administrations for exact dates and arrangements.
Usually late February or March
Holi in Braj
Braj celebrates Holi over many days, from Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon to flower Holi in Vrindavan and the Huranga at Dauji.
Usually August or September
Radhashtami
The appearance day of Shri Radha, celebrated with special devotion at the hilltop Shriji temple in Barsana and in temples across Vrindavan.
Usually October or November
Govardhan Puja & Annakut
The day after Diwali, Braj honours Govardhan Hill with Annakut food offerings and parikrama, while lamps light up the ghats around Deepotsav.
Usually July or August
Jhulan Utsav
During the monsoon month of Shravan, deities of Radha and Krishna are placed on decorated swings in Vrindavan temples amid songs of the season.
At a glance
When and where each festival is celebrated
- Janmashtami
- Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami — usually August or September
Main places: Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul - Holi in Braj
- Phalguna, ending on Phalguna Purnima — usually late February or March
Main places: Barsana, Vrindavan, Mathura - Radhashtami
- Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami — usually August or September, about two weeks after Janmashtami
Main places: Barsana, Vrindavan - Govardhan Puja & Annakut
- Kartika Shukla Pratipada, the day after Diwali — usually October or November
Main places: Govardhan, Mathura, Yamuna Ghats - Jhulan Utsav
- Shravan month, often culminating around Shravan Purnima — usually July or August
Main places: Vrindavan, Mathura, Barsana
Travel tips
Visiting during a festival
Book early
Rooms in Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana fill quickly before major festivals.
Expect restrictions
Vehicles are often stopped well before temple areas; be ready to walk.
Mind the crowds
Agree a meeting point, carry little and keep children and elders close.
Confirm dates
Rely on official announcements for dates, darshan timings and entry rules.
For general transport and accommodation advice, see the Travel Guide.
Planning around a festival?
Build an itinerary now and send it with an enquiry for transport and accommodation help.