Hindola Utsav – Swing Festival – is celebrated with great love, devotion and festivity in Temples for one whole month between Ashadh and Shravan during Chaturmaas. The chal (mobile) Murti of the HariKrishna Maharaj is placed in a decorated swing (Hindolo) and swayed to and fro in divine devotion.
The Hindola is beautifully decorated with flowers, fabrics, and ornaments. Each day, the swing takes on a different theme – sometimes made entirely of flowers, sometimes adorned with fruits, silver, or other precious materials. Devotees gather to swing the Lord and sing devotional songs.
In the scripture Satsangi Jeevan, there are detailed descriptions of how Lord Swaminarayan himself participated in the Hindola Utsav. He would sit in the swing and devotees would take turns gently swaying it while singing kirtans in his praise.
The festival symbolises the loving relationship between God and His devotees, where devotees have the privilege of personally serving and entertaining the Lord.