Jhulanbari

The festival of Jhulan is celebrated for five days from Shravan ekadasi to Purnima. It is a jovial celebration of the eternal love between Krishna and Radha, as the reverence of man for God. The idols of Radha Krishna are beautifully decorated during the five days of the festival and the decoration is often changed every day, each day narrating a significant event. This beautiful tradition, a blend of devotion and aesthetics has been preserved through centuries. Although once intricately woven in the life of Vaishnavites, this festival has lost much of its grandeur in today’s fast paced lives. A few bonedi families still preserve this tradition, where devotion is the driving force against all societal odds. The tradition of decorations using clay dolls was a star attraction for children as well. A few such worship places witnessed in 2026 are mentioned here

Radha Krishna Jiu Trust Jhulan bari, 12, D.L. Roy Street / Binod Saha Lane, Chaltabagan, Maniktala, celebrates Jhulanyatra for almost a century. The Mondal family is associated with this worship which continues for seven days - from Ekadashi to Dwitiya. On first day Jugal Besh of Radha-Krishna, second day Ananta Darshan, on third day Ras leela, on fourth day Nouka Bilas, Chandrabali Kunj on fifth day, on sixth day Rai Raja and finally on seventh day, it is called Milan Besh. An important attraction of this festival here is the mela (fair) where savouries, candies, toys and other collectibles draw a huge crowd.

Thakurbari of Banku Behari Saha on Vivekananda Road, Chaltabagan is one of the most picturesque temples with pristine white interiors. The Jhulanyatra is said to have been started by Bijet Behari Saha about 200 years ago. Banku Behari Saha was a wealthy salt merchant whose white palatial mansion stands till today with all its grandeur. Durga puja is held here. A short walk along the lane opposite to this mansion leads to the thakurbari which houses the idol of Radha-Krishna. The light adorned courtyard seems to come alive with the display of dolls showcasing all events associated with Lord Krishna. A Shivalinga is also worshipped here.

Balai Das’ Thakurbari of 3, Crouch Lane, Bowbazar is a very ancient mansion. The temple is founded by Atar Mani Dasi 104 in 1915. Jhulan festival was celebrated in this household much before the temple was constructed. earlier. Apart from Radha Krishna, there are also idols of Lord Jagannath and Jagadhatri pujo is performed by this family. Classical music programme is also held here which was previously graced by Bare Gulam Ali, Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Rabi Shankar and other stalwarts. The family was associated with shipping business, thus a chandelier shaped as a ship adorns this courtyard besides the paintings depicting life of Krishna and photographs of family ancestors.

Jhulan Bari of Ramkanai Adhikary of 28, Baburam Sil Lane, Bowbazar, is one of the most prominent households which celebrates Jhulanyatra for seven generations. The house is acclaimed to hold the first music conference in 1870, which was attended by the maestro of Bishnupur gharana, Jadu Bhatta. Ramkanai Adhikary used to accompany him on the pakhwaaj. Musical programmes are held on these five days even today. Renowned vocalists like Pandit V G Jog, Gnan Prakash Ghosh, Hiru Ganguly, A T Kanan, Malabika Kanan have performed here. The massive mansion is easily identifiable by an aerial bridge which connects two parts of the house. This facilitated the women of the household to visit the courtyard without travelling on road. The ornate courtyard is a silent witness of the old-world opulence with chandeliers, mirrors, carvings, spiritual quotes and paintings from the life of Shri Krishna adorning the facades.

Srimanta Villa popularly known as Chand Surya Bari of 63, Dhiren Dhar Sarani, Bowbazar, was established by Srimanta Pandit. Chandan Pandit, nephew of Srimanta Pandit started this Jhulanyatra of Lakshmi Janardan Jew. Chandan Pandit had a was fascinated with clay dolls in his childhood which manifested in Jhulanyatra where clay dolls depicting life events of Lord Krishna are put on display. The clay dolls prepared by the world-class artisans of Ghurni of Krishnanagar, Nadia were partly lost though many remain. Chandan Pandit built a machine which cyclically projected the rising and setting of the sun and the moon. At this time, electric current was not much in use. The instrument is being used till date. The Pandits are hails from Khirpai of Midnapore. Lakshmi Janardan Jew is the family deity of the Pandits. The Shalgramsila is worshipped in a thakurghar upstairs. During the days of Jhualan the is worshipped in a mandap at the ground floor. According to a family descendant, the courtyard has undergone renovation and repair work, so the building is not as ornate as it used to be.