Yamuna Pushkaralu 2026
will be celebrated from June 2 to June 13, 2026, marking the sacred
period when Bṛhaspati (Jupiter) enters Karkataka Rashi (Cancer).
This 12-day festival is dedicated to worshipping the holy Yamuna River, one of
the most revered rivers in India.
Mythological Significance
- Divine Origins:
According to scriptures, Yamuna is the daughter of Surya (Sun God)
and sister of Yama (God of Death). Bathing in her waters is
believed to free devotees from the torments of death.
- Connection with Lord Krishna:
After Krishna’s birth, his father Vasudeva carried him across the Yamuna.
When Krishna’s lotus feet touched the river, Yamuna was sanctified
forever.
- Goddess Yamuna:
Worshipped as a Hindu goddess, Yamuna symbolizes purity, liberation, and
divine grace.
Pushkaram Tradition
- Meaning:
Pushkaram comes from Sanskrit, meaning “the one who purifies.”
- Cycle:
Celebrated once every 12 years for 12 sacred rivers, each linked to a
zodiac sign.
- Belief:
A holy dip during Pushkaralu is said to wash away sins and grant spiritual
upliftment.
Rituals & Things To
Do
- Snanam (Holy Dip):
Devotees take a dip at sunrise, especially on the first (Adi Pushkaram)
and last day (Anthya Pushkaram).
- Pitru Karma:
Rituals for ancestors including tarpanam and pind daan.
- Yamuna Aarti:
Evening worship at Mathura and Vrindavan ghats.
- Charity (Dana):
Offering food, clothes, and donations.
- Annadanam:
Feeding pilgrims and saints.
- Parayana & Japa:
Chanting mantras and reciting scriptures.
Where Yamuna Pushkaralu
Takes Place
The festival is observed
along the Yamuna River, with major centers including:
- Mathura (Vishram Ghat):
The most sacred ghat, central to Krishna’s leelas.
- Vrindavan (Keshi Ghat):
Famous for Yamuna Aarti and Krishna’s divine pastimes.
- Agra & Firozabad:
Historic ghats with regional participation.
- Delhi (Yamuna Ghat):
Urban devotees gather for rituals.
- Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam):
Confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.
- Yamunotri (Uttarakhand):
The source of the Yamuna River, a pilgrimage trek for devotees.
Temples to Visit
- Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura
- Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
- ISKCON Temple, Vrindavan
- Yamunotri Temple, Uttarakhand
- Kesi Ghat, Vrindavan
Getting There
- By Air:
Delhi, Agra, Lucknow airports.
- By Rail:
Mathura Junction, Agra Cantt, Delhi stations.
- By Road:
NH-19 and NH-44 connect Mathura, Vrindavan, Agra, and Prayagraj.
- Facilities: State governments arrange special buses, accommodations, and pilgrim services during Pushkaralu.