2024.11.12 (Vrindavan Today News): Kansa Vadh is a significant local festival celebrated in Mathura. The festival marks the day when Shri Krishna killed the tyrant killing Kansa, restoring peace to the region and reinstating King Ugrasena as the rightful ruler of Mathura. The tradition of killing Kansa in Mathura is considered a pivotal event that symbolizes the ultimate victory of Brajwais over the atrocities of Kansa. This event is organized every year on Dashami, a day before the Devotthan Ekadashi.
Under the auspices of Shri Mathur Chaturvedi Parishad, the four-day Shri Krishna Mahotsav culminated with the Kansa Vadh on Monday, marking the grand highlight of the Mela. Around 4 p.m., a 50-foot effigy of Kansa was paraded through the streets of Mathura, starting from Hanuman Gali and making its way to the Kanskhar Ghat. The route became an arena, echoing with the sound of traditional sticks wielded by enthusiastic participants ranging from elders to young children.
A Legacy of Strength and Community
Members of the Chaturvedi community, many bearing sticks that have been passed down through generations, recreated the symbolic slaying of Kans. As the effigy reached Kanskhara Bazaar, crowds of devotees gathered to strike it, filling the air with the sound of wood against the effigy, reverberating with the resolve of each strike. The effigy’s torso soon lay in tatters, an emblem of Kansa’s defeat, while community members danced through the streets, chanting and celebrating this re-enactment of good triumphing over evil.
The effigy was then ceremoniously dismantled and taken to the banks of the Yamuna, where the remains were immersed, symbolizing the dissolution of evil and a renewal of faith. This act was accompanied by a grand procession that culminated at Vishram Ghat, where the icons of Krishna and Balram were placed on a stage, honoring their role in the divine drama.
Awaiting the Return of Krishna: The Yamuna Aarti gets delayed
An enduring tradition accompanying the Kans Vadh is the unique timing of the Yamuna Aarti. As the legend goes, Yamuna Devi, the beloved river goddess and consort of Lord Krishna, awaits his return after the slaying of Kans. For this one day of the year, the Yamuna Aarti is delayed to align with Krishna’s symbolic arrival. In this way, the river deity herself becomes an active participant, awaiting the completion of Krishna and Balram’s heroic act.
Captivating Tableaux and Cultural Pride
A central attraction of the Mela is the grand procession of tableaux that portrays scenes from Krishna’s life and Hindu mythology. Led by a striking effigy of Kansa, the procession winds through the heart of Mathura, stopping at various temples and landmarks. Iconic depictions of deities and legends come alive in these tableaux, including representations of Ganesh, Krishna’s foster mother Yashoda, and scenes of Krishna and Balaram’s childhood. These moving vignettes, crafted with great detail, draw the crowd’s awe and admiration, capturing the mythological richness of India’s heritage.
The procession’s path is bedecked with festive arches and lights, transforming the marketplace into a celebration of color and spirituality. Vishram Ghat, in particular, became a focal point of the festival, with a grand stage set up to honor community leaders and recognize contributions to the event’s success.
The Spirit of Community and Tradition
The Kans Vadh Mela is more than just a local celebration; it is a testimony to the strength and unity of the Chaturvedi community, which has preserved this custom across generations. Mahesh Pathak, Chief Patron of Shri Mathur Chaturvedi Parishad and a key figure in organizing the event, emphasized that the Kans Vadh Mela represents the “honor, pride, and identity” of the Chaturvedi people. The entire community unites to uphold this tradition, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their cultural heritage.
A Celebration that Transcends Time
This centuries-old event continues to be a vital part of Mathura’s identity, a place where history, mythology, and tradition converge. The Kans Vadh Mela is a vivid reminder of the universal themes of good versus evil, resilience, and the importance of preserving one’s roots in a rapidly changing world.
Also read: https://vrindavantoday.in/kartik-dashami-the-kansa-fair-of-mathura/
