Hindola Utsav literally means ‘swing festival’ and Hindola Festival is observed by Swaminarayan Sect in Gujarat. Hindola 2027 begins on July 21 and ends on August 19. During the one-month festival, the idol of Bhagwan Swaminarayan is seated on a swing in the temples and is pulled to and fro (rocked). The festival begins two days after the Guru Poonam day in Ashadh month (June – July) and ends two days after Shravan Purnima
The murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan is seated on a swing during the month and pujas are performed. Hindola festival provides an opportunity for a devotee to immerse in Bhagavan's murti. Hindolas are a mode to meditate on the the Supreme Being or Brahman in the form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Bhagavan Sri Krishna.
Hindola festival finds origin in the life of Krishna Bhagavan – it is believed that Gopis rocked Bhagavan Krishna on a decorated swing in the forests of Vrindavan.