‘Jhulanotsav’ begins in Mithila
Summary
Jhulanotsav, the traditional Swing Festival, has begun across the Mithila region with devotional songs, decorated swings and temple celebrations. The festival in Mahottari and Janakpur runs until the full moon day of Saun and remains one of Mithila’s distinctive cultural traditions.
Key Points
- Jhulanotsav began in the Mithila region on Shukla Tritiya of Shrawan, with devotional songs dedicated to Vishnu and Lakshmi echoing through temples and monasteries.
- The festival features idols of Ram-Sita and Radha-Krishna placed on decorated swings, which devotees rock while singing Jhula songs.
- Celebrations are centered in places such as Matihani, Janakpur, Jaleshwar and Bardibas, with special prominence in Mahottari.
- Local tradition says the festival entered Mithila around 1787 BS through saint Surkishor Das and marks the start of the annual festival cycle in Mithila.
