The Significance of Dola Jatra
Dola Yatra is a Hindu festival celebrated in Eastern India, particularly in Odisha, Bengal, and Assam, following Holi. It is essentially a fair where the deities of the local area are brought out on a chariot to a large pavilion, and people from the local community gather there. A large fair is held at this location. Specifically, the idols of Radha-Krishna and Lakshmi Narayan are brought from their temples on chariots, and people play with colored powder called Gulal there, similar to Holi, and offer it to the deities. The term "Dola" means Chariot, and "Jatra" means fair or Mela. "Jatra" is a term used for Mela or fair in the languages of Odisha and West Bengal. It's a major festival in Odisha.
Dola Jatra is a celebration of the arrival of spring, in which idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are carried from the local area temples in a fabulous procession on a swing dola, and people play with colors and gulal on the spot area. This fair started just after "Dola Purnima" or "Dolotsava" and is celebrated with great pomp and show by the Vaishnava community. It is a major festival for them, during which devotees sing devotional songs to Lord Krishna and Sri Radha.
When is Dola Yatra in 2026?
Dolajatra, Dola Yatra is a regional festival in Odisha, West Bengal, and parts of Assam. Dola Yatra started on March 3, 2026, Tuesday.

