Vaishnava festival
Balarāma Pūrṇimā: the appearance of Lord Balarāma
The full moon on which Balarāma, Krishna’s elder brother, appeared.
What is celebrated
Balarāma is Krishna’s elder brother, the son of Vasudeva and Rohiṇī. They grew up together in Vrindavan tending the cows. He is depicted with fair skin, dressed in blue and holding a plough.
His name joins bala, strength, and rāma, joy. The strength He gives is not physical but spiritual: He is the one who sustains the devotee in their practice, and so He is considered the original spiritual master.
How it is celebrated
- Devotees fast until noon.
- The forms of Krishna and Balarāma are bathed and offered a feast.
- On the same day Jhulana-yātrā ends, the festival in which Rādhā and Krishna are rocked on a swing.
In 2026 it falls on 27 August 2026, according to the calendar calculated for London. In 2027 it will be on 17 August 2027. Vaishnava dates follow the moon and change every year: check them in the calendar. Each temple organises its own programme; ask at your nearest one.