A sacred lamp weighing five and a quarter kilograms is prepared using pure cow ghee, binora (cotton wick mixture), and cotton.
2025.10.20 (Vrindavan Today News): There is an old saying “नंदभवन दिवला जुरै, जगत उजाड़ौ होय।” When the Divla (grand lamp) of Nandbhavan is lit on the top of the temple on the day of Diwali, the entire Braj region glows with divine radiance. It is believed that Shri Krishna and Shri Balaram, along with Nand Baba and Mother Yashoda, celebrated this festival in Nandgaon itself. The celebration continues to this day with grandeur, devotion, and joy, filling the air with the spirit of Brajbhakti. According to temple tradition, on the day of Diwali, a sacred lamp weighing five and a quarter kilograms is prepared using pure cow ghee, binora (cotton wick mixture), and cotton. In the evening, the sevayat family (temple priests) perform a ritualistic worship of this lamp with full devotion and prescribed Vedic procedures. Later at night, the flame of the grand ‘divla’ is lit atop the temple spire, illuminating the sanctum with divine radiance. It is believed that people do not begin the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha in their homes until they have witnessed the lighting of this sacred Divla (lamp). The residents of Nandgaon consider the very moment when the Divla is lit to be the most auspicious time. Meanwhile, the melodious strains of Samaj Gayan (devotional singing) resonate through the halls of Nand Bhavan, marking the beginning of Diwali celebrations across the entire village. The Goswamis of Nangaon recall that nearly 200 years ago, even the kings of Bharatpur used to come to Nand Bhavan to witness this divine lamp. In those days, the flame was so powerful that it could be seen all the way from the Bharatpur palace. Back then, there were no tall buildings and the air was clear—so the divine glow of the Divla illuminated the land of Braj,” The goswamis said with reverence.
For centuries, this festival has attracted devotees and kings alike. The rulers of Bharatpur once held deep reverence for the Nandbhavan’s Diwali. It is said that even when they could not visit personally, they would have the lamps lit in their palace and offer their respects from afar. The faith of the royal family was such that they never missed witnessing this sacred event, even from their royal residence.
A Tradition That Illuminates Faith and Heritage
Every year, as Diwali approaches, the entire Nandgaon comes alive. The Nandbhavan Temple is adorned beautifully with lamps, flowers, and decorations. The villagers, following age-old traditions, offer prayers and light lamps in remembrance of Krishna’s pastimes in Nandgaon.
According to local lore, the people of Bharatpur maintained strong devotional ties with Braj. Their kings had special affection for Nandgaon and the deities of Nandbhavan. They would make grand arrangements for the celebration of Diwali, ensuring that every corner of the temple glowed with divine light.
Nandgoan, the kingdom of Nandbaba
Where Krishna and Balaram Spent Nine Years and Forty-Nine Days — Nandgaon Still Vibrates with Temples and Festivities.
The holy town of Nandgaon remains one of the most vibrant and spiritually charged places in Braj. According to the Braj scriptures, Lord Krishna and Balaram spent 9 years and 49 days here, performing their divine childhood pastimes (lilas).
Today, Nandgaon continues to resonate with that same sacred energy. Its lanes, temples, and fairs bring to life the ancient days of divine joy and devotion. Pilgrims from across India and the world come here to witness its living heritage.
The Nandgaon Diwali remains a beacon of Braj culture, devotion, and divine heritage. Its lamps do not merely illuminate the temple—they light up the hearts of millions who remember the days when Krishna’s laughter filled the courtyards of Nand Baba’s home.
