- Braj Celebrates Month of Sawan with Grand Teej and Swing Festivals, Adorning Temples with Decorative Clouds
- Devotees Flock to Vaishnava Temples in Braj to Witness the Spectacle
2023.07.14 (Vrindavan Today News): The month of Sawan (July-August) holds a special significance in the heartland of Braj, as it ushers in grand celebrations of Teej and swing festivals, turning the region into a haven of festivities. However, what sets Braj apart during this time is the enchanting tradition of adorning temples with decorative rain-bearing clouds. These clouds, meticulously crafted, add a touch of ethereal beauty to the temple premises, captivating the senses of all who witness them.
The temples of Mathura, particularly the Dwarkadhish Temple, are adorned with these artificial clouds daily. The vibrant display transforms the temple environment, immersing it in a kaleidoscope of colors. Each day, the clouds dictate the color scheme for the temple decorations. For instance, when green clouds grace the sky, the temple is embellished with green-colored clothes adorning every corner. Even Thakurji adorns a green-colored attire, crown, and ornaments. This symbolic gesture aims to recreate the myriad colors of natural clouds within the sacred space.
Amongst these enchanting clouds, artificial gardens are also created within the temple premises, allowing devotees to experience the essence of the monsoon season within the temple’s confines. One of the famous clouds is the Shyam Ghata, representing a dark cloud. On this occasion, the temple is embellished with black-colored clothes, and Thakurji is adorned in black attire. The temple administration goes a step further by simulating rain and lightning within the temple, enhancing the mesmerizing effect. It is this cloud spectacle that draws the largest crowd, with the Dwarkadhish Temple gaining particular acclaim for its magnificent display.
The tradition of cloud decorations extends beyond the Dwarkadhish Temple to other Vaishnavite temples in the region, including the Dauji Temple, Madan Mohan Ji Temple, and Shrinathji Temple. Sawan is a time when these temples too witness sightings of these captivating clouds, upholding an ancient tradition that has been passed down through generations.
The highly anticipated cloud procession at the Dwarkadhish Temple commences on July 15 with the Kesari (saffron-colored) cloud. Subsequently, on July 17, the green cloud will grace the temple, followed by the Shyam (dark) cloud on July 28, and the red cloud on August 8. The procession continues with another green cloud on August 15, the orange cloud on August 18, and the Aasmani (sky blue) cloud on August 20. The Gulabi (pink) cloud will adorn the temple on August 22 and 24, followed by another red cloud on August 24, another Shyam (dark) cloud on August 26, the 30 Lahariya (multi-colored) cloud on August 28, and finally, the Safed (white) cloud on August 30.
Amidst the cloud festivities, devotees also eagerly anticipate the grand swings displayed during the month of Sawan. The Dwarkadhish Temple, known for its devotion to Lord Krishna, presents a daily exhibition of swings throughout the Purushottam month, in addition to the Sawan celebrations. These swings come in a variety of forms, ranging from swings made of gold, silver, and velvet, to turquoise velvet swings, saffron-colored swings, flower swings, turquoise thread swings, multicolored swings, banana swings, green velvet swings, pink velvet swings, saffron-colored picture swings, and fruit swings. Each swing is a masterpiece, captivating devotees with its unique charm.
As word spreads of Braj’s breathtaking cloud decorations and captivating swings, devotees from far and wide embark on pilgrimages to witness these divine spectacles firsthand. The ancient traditions and cultural heritage of Braj are embraced during this auspicious time, fostering a sense of unity, devotion, and joy among the participants. The month of Sawan truly exemplifies the spirit of Braj, where rain-bearing clouds and swings intertwine; creating a blissful atmosphere that resonates with devotees and visitors alike.
