Kansa Vadh is a significant local festival celebrated mainly in the Braj region, especially in the city of Mathura. The festival marks the day when Lord Krishna killed the tyrant king Kansa, restoring peace to the region and reinstating King Ugrasena as the rightful ruler of Mathura. This year it will be celebrated on Monday, November 11, 2024.
Kansa Vadh 2024: Date and Time
| Event | Date and Time |
| Kansa Vadh timing | Monday, November 11, 2024 |
| Dashami Tithi Begins | 09:01 PM on Nov 10, 2024 |
| Dashami Tithi Ends | 06:46 PM on Nov 11, 2024 |
Kansa Vadh takes place during the Kartik month, on the 10th day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Dashami) of the Hindu lunar calendar. It usually falls 10 days after the celebration of Deepavali, extending the Diwali festivities for the Chaturvedi community. The day of Kansa Vadh itself is marked by prayers, rituals, and processions in Mathura, commemorating Lord Krishna’s victory.
Kansa Vadh: Significance
Kansa Vadh commemorates the mythological event when Lord Krishna, in His childhood, killed Kansa, His maternal uncle, who had oppressed the people of Mathura. The festival not only celebrates Lord Krishna’s triumph but also symbolizes the restoration of justice and righteousness.
Community Celebrations
This festival holds special importance for the Chaturvedi community, also known as the Chaubey community. The Chaturvedis, who are traditionally known as the "knowers of the four Vedas," are the main celebrants of this event. Interestingly, this festival is predominantly observed by the Chaturvedi community in Mathura, and no other caste in the region takes part in these specific celebrations.
The diaspora of Chaturvedis from around the world—especially from the UAE, including cities like Dubai—make it a point to return to India for this festival, ensuring their participation in this sacred event. Even Chaturvedi families relocated to other parts of India, including Mumbai, make pilgrimages to Mathura during this time. This brings the community together, making Kansa Vadh a highly unifying festival for them
Dev Uthan Ekadashi and Teen Van Parikrama
The day following Kansa Vadh coincides with Dev Uthan Ekadashi, a day significant for spiritual observance. On this day, the traditional Teen Van Parikrama is performed in the Braj region, covering the three towns of Mathura, Vrindavan, and Garun Govind. This ritual is believed to have been performed by Lord Krishna Himself, as a penance for the sins of killing Kansa.
The devotees of Mathura, as a part of this tradition, walk this sacred pilgrimage route, following in the footsteps of Lord Krishna. The Teen Van Parikrama serves not only as a religious duty but also as a cultural event that strengthens the bond between the devotees and the land of Braj.
Kansa Vadh is not just a celebration of Lord Krishna's victory over evil, but also a day that brings together the Chaturvedi community from around the world. It is a time of prayer, cultural rituals, and spiritual reflection, further enriched by the Teen Van Parikrama that follows. For many, this festival is a way to reconnect with their roots, honor their traditions, and celebrate the divine intervention of Lord Krishna in restoring peace and justice.
Also Read | Dev Uthani Ekadashi 2024 Date and Time: When is Devutthana Ekadashi Vrat, and What is Its Significance?
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