Braj Parikrama is held in Shravan and Bhadrapada Month (July
to September) and it commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna. The sacred pilgrimage
encompasses the 12 forests, 24 grooves, River Yamuna, Govardhan Hill and all
the important towns associated with the life and times of Lord Krishna. Devotees walk through all these places associated with Lord Krishna.
Vishram Ghat in Mathura is the starting point of the Braj
Parikrama.
The devotees bathe in Yamuna at Vishram Ghat and commence
their Parikrama.
Many devotees perform the entire Braj Parikrama barefoot.
The annual pilgrimage attracts people from different parts
of India and around the world.
The 12 forests that are part of Braj Parikrama are:
- Bahulavan
- Bhadravan
- Bilvan
- Bhandirvan
- Kamyavan
- Khadiravan
- Kumudavan
- Lohavan
- Madhuvan
- Mahavan
- Talavan
- Vrindavan
The 24 grooves in Braj Parikrama are:
- Gokul
- Govardhan
- Barsana
- Nandagram
- Sanket
- Paramadra
- Aring
- Sessai
- Mat
- Uchagram
- Kelvan
- Sri Kund
- Gandharvavan
- Parsoli
- Bilchhu
- Bcchavan
- Adibadri
- Karahla
- Ajnokh
- Pisaya
- Kokilavan
- Dadhigram
- Kotvan
- Raval