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Meta description: Celebrations in temples of Vrindavan. Plan a trip to Vrindavan this October-November and experience the culture of Braj.
Deepotsav, the festival of light, celebrates the unique culture of Braj associated with the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna. This month-long festival is celebrated annually in the auspicious month of Kartik (October-November). As per the name, Deepotsav is celebrated by lighting diyas (earthen lamps) with devotion and offering them to the Deities of Srimati Radharani and Lord Krishna. Temples of Braj illuminate with the lights of millions of lamps on this occasion.
Kartik Deepotsav celebrates the sacredness of our culture and tradition with a profound essence of devotion, enriching experience and unwavering enthusiasm. Moreover, it underlines the beautiful relationship and causeless mercy of the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna, for His devotees. Read more to understand the significance of Kartik Deepotsav in Braj and much more.
Kartik month is considered the most spiritually potent of all months in the Vedic calendar. In the Padma Purana, Lord Vishnu declares that Kartik month is dear to Him, and all pious deeds during this time yield eternal spiritual merits. Kartik is also significant for its association with Krishna’s Damodara-lila.
Kartik Deepotsav commemorates the famous Damodara-lila, where young Krishna was bound by Mother Yashoda’s love. Though Krishna is the Supreme, He allowed Himself to be “bound” by the ropes of His mother's affection.
When little Krishna was caught stealing butter, Mother Yashoda tied Him to a mortar with a rope as a punishment. In Sanskrit, dāma means ropes, and udara means abdomen — hence Krishna was called Damodara.
As soon as Krishna saw Mother Yashoda coming, He ran away, but she eventually caught Him. Every time she tried to tie Him, the rope was short by exactly two fingers — symbolizing:
Finally, when Mother Yashoda became tired, Krishna allowed Himself to be bound — showing that love conquers God.
The story of Nalakuvara and Manigriva is deeply related to Damodara Lila.
Nalakuvara and Manigriva were the proud sons of Kuvera. Due to arrogance, they were cursed by Narada Muni to become trees. By divine arrangement, they appeared as twin Arjuna trees in Nanda Maharaja’s courtyard.
Even though they became trees, Narada Muni blessed them that they would eventually see Lord Krishna and be liberated.
When the trees fell, two radiant divine beings emerged and immediately offered prayers to Lord Krishna.
Devotees offer ghee lamps every evening and sing Damodarashtakam. Deepdaan Seva is considered extremely auspicious in this holy month.
Temples across Braj glow with thousands of lamps, devotees perform aartik, and the atmosphere fills with kirtan.
The temple celebrates the entire month with ghee lamp offering at 8 PM daily, singing Damodarashtakam, nauka vihar, Yamuna boat ride, and Shobha Yatra.