Nathdwara · Lakes & Southern
Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara is a famous Vaishnava shrine dedicated to Shrinathji, a seven-year-old form of Lord Krishna, and is the chief temple of the Pushtimarg sect. The deity's black marble idol is widely believed to have been installed here in 1672 after being moved from Vrindavan. Nathdwara's bhakti tradition and the daily devotional rituals (bhog) draw pilgrims from across India.
Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna, is celebrated with great fervour at the Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara. Special darshans, devotional kirtans and a decorated swing (jhulan) mark the night-long celebrations. Thousands of Pushtimarg devotees gather to offer prayers and witness the midnight birth ceremony.
Annakut, held the day after Diwali, is the grand 'mountain of food' offering at the Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara. Devotees offer a huge display of vegetarian dishes (bhog) to the deity in thanksgiving. The ritual reflects the Govardhan Puja tradition central to Pushtimarg Vaishnavism.
Haryali Amavasya is a popular monsoon festival celebrated at the Shrinathji Temple when the deity is adorned with flowers for the holy swing (jhulan) festival. The celebration is associated with rain, greenery and devotion in the Pushtimarg tradition. Devotees decorate the shrine with floral vignettes depicting Krishna's life.