Festivals Of Radhavallabh Temple
There are four types of festivities celebrated:
- Nityautsava
(Daily celebrations)
Varshotsava (Annual festivities)
Maha-Mahotsava (Grand Festival)
- Personal Manorathas (Which devotees execute at the time of fulfilment of some of their cherished desires, such as marriage, birth of child, promotion etc.).
On each
of these Ritual occasions various elaborate arrangements are initiated.
Feasts are arranged and prepared; different sorts of decorations
(Sringar)
are designed and executed, such as the personal decoration of Sriji,
the decorations of the "Jagamohana" (the raised platform
outside the sanctum or "Garbh graha" on which Sriji is
often seated in a special throne during the Utsav)."Ensemble"or "Samaj" appropriate
to the occasion is performed in the courtyard of the temple itself.A
ritual calendar-"Almanac"or "Panchang" is prepared,
fixing
the year's celebrations (Utsav) in their appropriate places during
the two fortnights of each lunar month,annually according to
the Science of Astronomy .Thus, the unusual events are regulated,
and the devotees know all the ritual
celebrations well in advance;to plan their year in accordance with
that of Divine's rituals.
Following
are the festivals carried out round the year:
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MAHA MAHOTSAV: 
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The festival is organized in the honor of the birth of Sri Hit Harivansh
chandra Mahaprabhu, founder of the sect and the Sectarian New Year "Hitabda". It
is an eleven day festival right from the Ashtami (Eighth day of bright
fortnight of Vaishakh), Holy procession, with Holy Swaroops of Sri Radha
and Lord Krishna, in tastefully decorated chariot, bands and musicians,
devotees parties dancing and singing devotional songs, starts from
the temple
and culminates at Ras-Mandal, passing through the main streets and lanes
of Sridham Vrindavan. The procession, which starts in the evening,
becomes
a daily routine for four days in accordance of age-old tradition. On the
tenth day of the bright fortnight, the Idol at Radhavallabh Temple
is adorned
in Royal Red garbs, whereas devotees keep awake whole night at Ras Mandel,
singing congratulatory devotional songs (Badhai-Gaan) and Dhandhi-Dhandhidancing.
The present reigning goswami honors these celebrations by reciting
holy
couplets for example: Sri Radhavallabhiya Sampradaya Pradhan Peethaadhipati,
Anant Jeevodharak, Adarsh Guruvar, Srimad Goswami Radhesh Lalji Maharaj,
Teekayat, Adhikari (Authority on Sect and Preceptor of the Chief
Seat, tells
quoting from Sewakvani:
"Mlechha sakal Hari yash vistarhin,
Param lalit Vani Uccharahi,
Karahin Praja Palan Sabae."
Sectarian Devotional Couplet-composer Sri Damodarji, respectfully known
amongst devotees as Sri Sewakji in his congratulatory couplets recalls
how
Mughal Rulers rejoiced festivities of the birth of Sri Hit Mahaprabhu.On
the Eleventh day of the bright fortnight, before the Mangla Aarti at Radhavallabh
Temple delicacies are prepared in the temple well known "Dadhi Kando"
prepared from (curd of cow's milk marinated with Sandal Paste and Saffron)
sprinkled by the Goswamis on the devotees, followed by ritual bath of Holy
Flute and Deity with Milk, Curd, Ghee, Honey, Sugar and Holy Yamuna water
(Panchamrita Abhisheka) at Mangala itself. During Sringar, the Sanctum-Sanctorum
is decorated, inside and outside with pitchers containing holy Yamuna water
having 'panch-pallavas' (Five leaves of different holy threes), 'Bandanwars'
(holy leaves tied in thread in a row) hung, decorated in new yellow coloured
garbs with various ornaments seated under a canopy having plantain trunks
on its four sides. Various types of delicacies having Moothaa Laddos, Besan
Ladoos, Mathari (sweet), Sweet Seva, Sakalpara, Salt Mathari, Mohanbhog
etc. offered to Deity. Congratulatory devotional couplets are sung by Samaji
(Temple Musicians) sing heralding the birth of Incarnation of the Holy Flute,
Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu.Devotees offer alms to the poor. They make special
offerings to the Deity to comemmorate the Grand occasion. Feastings, congratulatory
songs and rejoicings continues till 2nd, day of Jyestha Krishna (Dark fortnight)
on which day "Shashthi" (Sixth day) of Sri Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu
is celeberated with great pomp, Van-Vihar (visit to Forest Groves) and
Circumambulation
of Sridham Vrindavan at night with Temple Musicians (Samaj) singing devotional
songs in attendance, is performed with great Serenity.
ANNAKOOT:
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Annakoot and Marriage Ceremony (Vyahula) of the Deity is celebrated with
pomp and show and is witnessed by thousands of devotees from all over country
and abroad.The preparations for Annakoot are being made much in advance
ten days earlier right from the Panchami (5th day of dark fortnight of Kartik)
on larger scale. Delicacies of all types, all varieties of pulses, several
deco-litres of clarified butter, sugar, maida (very fine wheat flour), Besan
(flour of destined black gram), various varieties of sweets prepared from
milk and its products, savouries and salts dishes, dry fruits of various
types, seasonal fruits, curd and various preparations of it, rice of several
varieties, vegetables of many kinds, sauces, pickles, jams, pooris, kacharis,
kachauris, many varieties of sweets containing seasom seeds (Gazak, Revadi)
Pooas etc. are offered to the Deity. These culinary artistic delicacies
are displayed in the Jagmohan in the afternoon on wooden high planks and
this exhibition is a wonder in itself to see. Blessed are those, who, by
the Grace of Sri Radhavallabhlalji, could get the gracious opportunity to
have a bite of all that is offered, besides apictunque glimpee of the Lord's
Krishna.In the Evening, after Sandhya Aarti, Marriage Ceremony of Deity
is celebrated on a grand scale. The Deity adorns Golden Zari garbs this
day, both during Annakoot and Marriage ceremony (This is being dealt separately).
MANORATHA / VYAHULA:
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According to Narada Pancharatra (it is one of the two oldest scriptures
of Vaishanavite literature, the other being Srimadbhagwet according to
Asiatic Society of Bengal). "Nityotsava,
Nitya Saukhyo, Nitya Shri, Nitya Mang-alsh" (Daily celeberations, Daily
pleasure, Daily prosperity, Daily Blessed). Yet at Sri Radhavallabh Temple,
people celebrate and rejoice service the Lord not only daily, grand occasions,
annual festivals, but also on fulfilment of their cherished desire, e.g.
marriage of son or daughter, birth of a child, construct in of new house,
promotion, acquisition of new vehicle, conferment of some honor, starting
new business of profit therein, victory in some court case etc. This is
known as "MANORATHA" and could be celebrated by offerings "Mangal",
A (singing of praise of Sri Sri Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu and Sri Sri Radhavallabh
lalji), "Vyahula", "Chhappan Bhoga" etc. the details
could be had from the Teekayat This "Manoratha" e.g. as "Vyahula" (Marriage
Ceremony of the Lord) is a time-consuming event and draws hundreds of devotees
from different places. The temple is well decorated, inside
and outside, special feast of the Lord, His garbs, Ornaments, curtains
etc. are being prepared, colourful electric and bright bulbs illuminate
temple
premises, Bands are in attendance, fireworks displayed, plantain trunks,
various kinds of leaves and flowers, new pitchers with mango leaves and
green coconut placed by the side of an special throne under a well decorated
canopy in Jag Mohan (raised platform) on which the Deity comes out at the
time of the ceremony to bless the devotees who celebrate the occasion for
the pleasure and recreation of the Lord. Temple Musicians narrate special
verses composed only to celebrate the festivity, whereas the Goswamis under
the direction and supervision of Teekayat Adhikari perform various services
and rituals connected with the occasion.
PATOTSAVA: 
On the 13th day of bright fortnight of Kartik, the devotees from
all over the country and priests of the Temple celebrate with great pomp
and show Patotsava (Crowning) of Sri 1008 Sri Radhavallabhlal
ji. It was on this day that the
Deity came to VRINDAVAN, and seated with all rituals at a high cliff
(Oonchi Thaur) at Madan Ter on the banks
of
Holy yamuna by Sri Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu. The day is also known as "VIRNDABAN PRAKATYA UTSAVA" (DISCOVERY
OF VRINDABAN CELEBERATIONS). Till then, Holy town of Vrindavan remained
disappeared amongst dense forests
and cliffs, and it was Sri Hit Harivansh Mahaprabhu who discovered it.
On this day Annakoot is celebrated at Sri Sewakunj. At the temple itself,
festivities include Abhishek with Panchamrita (Five essential ingredients-Cows
milk, Curd, Honey, clarified Butter, Sugar and finally with Holy Yamuna
water), and decoration as it is being done on Sri HITOTSAVA DAY, with
plantain trunks, Vandanwar, Mandap and the Deity seated in Hattari, Mohanthar,
Ladoos, Boondi, Mathari etc. in large Mauritius are offered specially
during Bhog and distributed amongst devotees and temple musicians.
DEEPAWALI:
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Deepawali, the Festivities of Lights and other festivals connected with
it are celebrated with gaiety
and pomp and are worth witnessing.From the 13th day of dark
fortnight or Kartik (Khan Teras), the Deity sits in Sterling-Silver
Hatari. On this
day the Deity adorns Green Zari Garb (Baga) whereas on the next day,
i.e. Roop Chaturdasi or Chhoti Deewali (14th day of dark fortnight),
He adorns
Red Zari Baga and sits in Hatari made of Sterling Silver. On the Deepawali
Day, the Lord adorns white zari dress, playing 'Chaupar' both times
(Morning
and Evening), enjoying His seat in Silver Hatari. The Temple is decorated
with colourful electric bulbs and hundreds of earthen lamps.
SHARAD POORNIMA:
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On Poornima Day, the Deity adorns crown (Mukut), under white canopy
and white background (Pichwai), in snow white grab and white
decoration, whereas the Temple Musicians sing " Mohan- Madan Tribhangi"
after Evening Aarti (Sandhya). As the verse nears 'Madhukar Keli' stanza
the curtain comes, the Holy Flute comes out from the Divine lips of the
Deity inside the sanctum sanctorum and being placed dedicatedly with devotion
on its Holy Seat (Gaddi). Curtain is now opened to bless the devotees with
the audience of the Deity. Later 'Shayan Bhog' (Night Supper) is offered
to the Deity, which must have this time sweetened milk admixed with cardamom
in several deco-litres, creamy thick layers (Malei) of the milk, along with
several kilos of 'Chandrikas' (A sweet of snow-white colour having small
snowy crystals of sugar). The ritual is repeated again on the 2nd, day of
dark fortnight of Kartik as Second Sharad, but this time the Deity though
garbed in snow-white dress, wears Rosy-red Turban (Paag) instead of Crown
(Mukut). The tonic offerings are similar as on Sharad Poornima. The Temple
Musicians sing before the Lord verse composed by Sri Hit Harivansh mahaprabhu-"Lal
ki Roop Madhuri Hoy".
DUSSHERA:
Dussehra in bright fortnight of Ashwin is celebrated on the tenth day
of this month when the Deity is decorated with heavy Royal Red Garbs
and ornaments.On
the ears Deity adorns germinated barley leaves known as "Jawara" in traditional parlance. The temple musicians, besides
singing before Deity verses related to Dussehra, sing specially verse composed
by Sri Hit Harivansh ji Mahaprabhu-"KHELET RAS RASIK BRAJ MANDAL".
SANJHI:
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Evening blossoms in the Temple tradition of the Radhavallabh Temple
with the advent of SANJHI during dark fortnight of Ashwin, commencing
right from the Poornima (last day of the bright fortnight) of Bhadrapad.The temple musicians from this day narrate verses of SANJHI at the Temple
during evening when the SANJHI is performed in the frontal veranda
of the
Jag Mohan. For the first ten days it is decorated with flowers and for
the last five days (from the eleventh day to fifteenth day of dark
fortnight)
in coloured powders.These floral decorations of SANJHI comprise various
acts of Sri Sri Radha and Sri Krishna (different Leelas).
PHOOL BANGLA(FLORAL ARCADES):
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The Goswamis and Preceptors of Sri Radhavallabh Temple have developed
through centuries a unique traditional Temple
Classical Floral Art that could be witnessed during four months of summer.During
this period, this art reaches its climax and could be seen in various
types of Floral Architecture, designed and executed by the Temple Priests,
to please the Deity and keep the precincts cool and pleasant keeping
lord
at safe from the dry hot summer spells, these are known as Phool Bungalows.
In these Floral Arcades, fountains of fragrant rose water are operating
cooling down the atmosphere. On occasions such Arcades are prepared from
the plantain trunks, Khus (a fragrant coolant herbal root grown in the
area), and now a days with the ice-slabs also. The floral arcades are
decorated
with various types of seasonal fruits.Another most essential part of these
floral arcades is the floral garbs and floral ornaments of the Deity,
which maestros prepare intricately.
HINDORA:
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During the month of Shravan, Hindora or Jhoola (Swing festival) starts
from the 3rd. day of the bright fortnight, which continues till Poornima. The first
day commencing the festivities is known as "Hariyali Teej",
and could be seen daily after Sandhya Utthapan to the end of Sandhya
Aarti,
everyday with new decoration of natural leaves and curtains as well as
garbs of the Deity.Sweets and delicacies such as Feni, Ghevar, Gujhia,Boondi,Balooshahi,
Imarti, Laddoos and seasonal fruits are offered to the Deity on this
occasion. Hundreds of devotees come to witness the
festivities
and on occasions, crowds become uncontrolled, though disciplined.
KHICHRI:
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Earlier during the chilly winter months of Pausha and Magh, one-month
long Annual Festivity
of Khichari Utsav is celebrated.During which Specially prepared
Khichari, unparallel in the world, is offered to the Deity before
Mangla. The Khichari
and its accompaniments have been described under Bhog earlier. The Deity
is garbed daily with a new special robe known as 'Phargul' in Mangla.
After Mangla Aarti, Shriji blesses with disguised appearances everyday
to the devotees enthralling them.
HOLI:
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The festival marks its arrival from Maagh Poornima.Holi Dando Utsav is performed from the day of 'Phulera Duj'.
The colour is
tied to the waist of Sriji and smeared to the cheeks of Sriji.Holi
is celebrated with colors from the day of Ekadshi.At night the
marraige
of Sriji is performed.Its a fifteen day procession ,Samaj recites special
couplets dedicated to Holi .Puas are added to the menu as a special
bhog to Sriji.
YUGAL DARSHAN:
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These are the most important darshan for every disciple.Sriji is dressed partially as Krishna and partially as Radha. Which depicts
the actual image of God residing in Vrindavan.These darshanas take
place twice
a year on the last day of Khichadi Utsav,as well as on the thirteenth
day of Phagun.The very known couplet recited is"Patra Prasoon Beech
Pratibimbh Bhayee Nakhsikh Priya Hi Janave"meaning that every particle
of Vrindavan depicts these Darshanas.
RADHA-ASTAMI:
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Grand Festival of Radhavallabh Temple is Nine-Day long Sri Radha Ashtami
Festival,commemorating the birthday of Sri Radha.The festival commences right from the fifth day of the bright fortnight
of Bhadrapad (Bhadrapad Shukla Panchmi) from which date congratulatory
devotional songs are sung by the Temple musicians and well decorated
procession
of the Swaroopas (The Holy Couplets Sri Krishna and Sri Radha) in attendance
with Sakhis (Holy Female companions) is being taken out from the
temple
in the evenings for four days. The Holy Couple is seated in a wall-decorated
chariot along with Holy Female companions. Saints of the sect carrying
Holy Insignias indicating their Akharas (sub-sects), several band-parties
playing devotional tunes, hundreds of devotees from all over the
world
dancing and singing devotional songs attuned with the beat of traditional
symbol and drums, several Jhankis (pictures que presentation of various
themes connected with the occasion), lights comprise the procession,
known
as "Chav" in the traditional parlance, which moves slowly meandering
the main streets and lanes of Vrindavan, reaching Ras Mandal after mid-night.
Devotees perform "Aarti" at different places, after every few
steps, of the Holy Couple (Deity) is graciously garbed in red royal robes
in the temple. On this night, Darshan are again opened after "Shayan
Aarti", and "Dhandhi-Dhandhin", (Traditional male and female
Courtesan-Dancer of the Holy Couple) dance whole night singing congratulatory
devotional songs After performance of Shyan Aarti, the Deity is adorned
with new ornaments, on the all four sides of "Shayan Mandap",
plantain trunks with leaves are placed and whole temple, inside outside
decorated with "Vandanwars". On the 8th day, from the early
morning before Mangla Aarti, the temple musicians (Samajis) start singing
congratulatory songs (Badhai) and "Dadhi-Kando" is performed
for sometime at Jagmohan (raised platform) itself. The Deity is then bathed
with five ritually important ingredients-Milk, Curd, Clarified Butter
(Ghee), Honey and Sugar followed by Holy Waters of Yamuna. This ritual
bath consists of several litres of above ingredients. The temple is decorated
this time too, as at Hitotsava. At the time of Sringar Bhog, various types
of delicacies e.g., Ladoos of several types, Gujhias (A special kind of
sweet prepared from rice or wheat flour with dryfuits lavishly stuffed
inside with saffron and cardamom), Sugar Coated Almonds, Coconut slices
water chestnuts (makhaana), Lotus seeds, melon seeds, Matharis (both sweet
and saltish), Panjiree (Wheat flour and corrainder (Dhania) powder segarately
roasted with clarified Butter and enriched with sugar, dry fruits etc.),
Sakalpara etc. besides several other delicacies are offered sumptuously
to the Deity. Rajbhog, on this day also lavish and sumptuous which consists
of "Sakhri"-Several kinds of rice e.g. Bhat, Jeera Bhat, Mewa
Bhat, Boora Bhat, Kesar Bhat, Dahi Bhat (Rice, Cumin Rice, Dry Fruit Rice,
Sugar-Butter Rice, Saffron Rice, Curd Rice) etc. Karhi, various kinds
of breads (Anga Roti, Meethi Boora Bhee Roti, Missi Roti, Phulka), Lentils
(Dal), Sweet Moong, vegetables of various kinds, Dahi Pakori, Kheer etc.
and "Nikhri" consisting of various kinds of Pooris, Kachawris,
pickles, jams and jellies, Dahi-Bara, Papad, vegetables etc. is offered
to Deity followed by offerings of "Biree" (Betel leaves enriched
with cardamom, saffron and dry fruits), traditionally offered after each
and every "Bhog" daily at temple. From 12 p.m. onwards, starts
"Dadhi Kando" of Brijwasis (Devotees and followers of the sect
dwelling in Brij Vrindavan). Later, Goswami swaroops perform "Dadhi
Kando", which must not be missed since it is a ritual to be remembered
forever. Milk, Curd, Turmeric powder, Sandal Paste and saffron is mixed
in a very large tank in the Temple and Goswamis sprinkle the admixture
on the devotees and fellow priests, dancing in circles, merrily rejoicings,
to the tunes of "Radha Pyari Ne Janam Liyo Hai" and "Chalo
Vrishbanu Gope Ke Dwar" (Beloved Sri Radha has taken birth and Let
us to the doors of Sri Vrishbhanu Gope, father of Sri Radhikaji). Later,
the Goswamis accompanied by Temple Devotional Singers (Samaj), proceed
to Sri Hit Mandir (Old Temple), Vanchandraji ke Dol, Sri Sri Sewa kunj
and Sri Hit Ras Mandal, performing Dadhi Kando. This is followed by ritualistic
bathing in Yamuna by Goswamis after which they return to their abodes.
The celebrations come to an end on the 13th,day of brighter fortnight
commemorating Chhathi (Sixth day after birth of Sri Radhikaji), on which
date again sumptuous Sringar Bhog and Raj Bhog offering are being made
to the Deity. During Raj Bhog Sakri include specialties such as Kheer,
Pakauri, Peet-Bhat (Yellow Rice), Mohanbhog etc. besides of firings as
that on birthday. On the birthday, i.e. Sri Sri Radha Astami, the Goswamis,
as well as devotees, put Tilak on the forehead of Dhandhi and Dhandhin
and reward them with shawls and money, as if it has been done Sri Vrishbhanuji
on that day.