Kansa Vadh 2025: The Triumph of Dharma Over Adharma

Festival Date: Saturday, 1 November 2025
Tithi: Kartik Shukla Dashami (10th day of the bright fortnight)
Main Deity: Lord Krishna (8th avatar of Vishnu)
Celebrated in: Mathura, Vrindavan, and across Uttar Pradesh

Significance of Kansa Vadh

Kansa Vadh marks the divine victory of Lord Krishna over the tyrant Kansa, symbolizing the eternal triumph of Dharma (righteousness) over Adharma (evil). According to Hindu mythology:

• Kansa, the cruel ruler of Mathura, imprisoned his father Ugrasena, sister Devaki, and her husband Vasudeva.
• A prophecy foretold that Devaki’s 8th son would be Kansa’s destroyer.
• Despite Kansa’s attempts to kill all of Devaki’s children, Krishna and Balarama survived, raised by Nanda and Yashoda in Vrindavan.
• Krishna eventually returned to Mathura, killed Kansa, and restored King Ugrasena to the throne, liberating his parents and the people of Mathura.

This day is celebrated as Kansa Vadh, a reminder that evil may rise, but it is always vanquished by divine justice.

Rituals and Celebrations

• Worship of Krishna and Radha: Devotees offer sweets, fruits, and delicacies to the divine couple.
• Burning of Kansa Effigy: A symbolic statue of Kansa is created and set ablaze, representing the destruction of evil.
• Processions and Bhajans: Streets come alive with Hare Rama Hare Krishna chants, music, and dance.
• Kansa Vadh Leela: A dramatic retelling of Krishna’s victory is staged in temples and public grounds.
• Colors and Flowers: People smear each other with colors and shower flowers to express joy and spiritual liberation.
• Mathura’s Grandeur: The city of Krishna’s birth transforms into a vibrant celebration hub with cultural programs, dramas, and devotional gatherings.

Beliefs and Legacy

• The festival is believed to ward off epidemics and bring health, happiness, and protection to the region.
• It reinforces the Krishna Bhakti tradition, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan.
• Kansa Vadh is a precursor to Diwali, setting the tone for the season of light and righteousness.