Jhulan Yatra celebrated ahead of Janmashtami

Temples in Orissa celebrated Jhulan Yatra which literally means swing procession ahead of Janmashtami, the festival marking the birth of Lord Krishna. During the 17-day long festival idols of Lord Krishna and his consort Radha are placed on beautifully decorated swings and nights are spent in singing and dancing before the deities. Though the origin of the festival is not known, it is believed Jhulan Yatra is the first major festival after the famous Chariot festival.