Kansa Vadh

The festival of Kansa Vadh celebrates the victory of good over evil. On this day Lord Krishna killed ‘Kansa’ and reinstated ‘King Ugrasena’ as the Ruler of India. Kansa Vadh is observed on the ‘dashami tithi’ (10th day) during the ‘Shukla Paksha’ (the phase of bright fortnight of moon) during the Hindu lunar month of ‘Kartik’. In the Gregorian calendar, this date falls in the month of November. According to the Hindu mythological stories, Kansa was an evil ruler of Mathura and Lord Vishnu in His 8th avatar as ‘Krishna’ killed Kansa and realised His grandfather and parents from prison. The festival of Kansa Vadh is a celebration of ‘Dharma’ over ‘Adharma’. This unique Hindu festival marks the annihilation of evil and restores goodness and joy everywhere. Kansa Vadh is celebrated with utmost rejoice and enthusiasm in Mathura and adjoining regions of Uttar Pradesh.

Significance :

The festival of Kansa Vadh holds special religious significance for the followers of Lord Krishna. It commemorates the triumph of goodness over evil. According to the Hindu legends, Kansa, the evil ruler of Mathura performed several ‘Adharma’ or atrocities during his ruling period. He also imprisoned his father, sister Devaki and her husband. When Kansa was prophesied by Narada that Devaki’s 8th son will be the reason of his death, he imprisoned his sister and mercilessly killed all her children. In spite of his efforts, Balarama and Lord Krishna survived and grew up in Vrindavan as cattle herder. They were parented by Nanda and Yashoda. When Kansa got to know that Krishna was Devaki’s eight children he made countless attempts to kill him but all of them went futile. After his last attempt, Sri Krishna (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) killed Kansa and released his parents from confinement. King Ugrasen was restored his crown and people of Mathura were set free from all the miseries. From then onwards this day began to be celebrated as Kansa Vadh. It is believed that the celebrations of Kansa Vadh keeps epidemic away from the region.

Rituals during Kansa Vadh:

• On the day of Kansa Vadh, Hindu devotees worship Lord Krishna along with Radha, His consort. Sweets and several other delicacies are prepared and offered to the deities.
• A statue of Kansa is made and the followers of Lord Krishna later burn it. This ritual symbolizes that evil is short-lived and goodness and truth prevails in the end.
• On Kansa Vadh a huge procession is taken out. Devotees recite the mantras of ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’ and there is atmosphere of festivity all around.
• The festival of Kansa Vadh is celebrated with great enthusiasm with friends and families. People also apply colors and flowers on each other to express their bliss and happiness.
• On the day of Kansa Vadh, the town of Mathura takes on colorful armour and comes alive. Several cultural events like dramas, music and dance are held at different places. Kansa Vadh Leela, a skit portraying the complete event is very renowned and completely enjoyed by all.

2017 Date :30th October, Monday.