In the gardens by Radha-kunda stood a beautiful swing. Its seat resembled a blossoming lotus. Flowers and garlands adorned its sides. Soft cushions rested on the seat. Leaves and decorative strings hung above it. The trees offered their cool shade. Radha and Krishna arrived with Their friends. Behind them was a playful garden celebration. Now everyone looked toward the flower-covered swing. Another joyful game was beginning.
Vrinda and Kundalata approached the swing. The sakhis helped Radha and Krishna take Their seats. Everyone gathered around the flower seat. Some stood before it and others behind it. They sang songs full of love. Then they carefully set the swing in motion. The garlands swayed gently with the first movement. Radha looked at Krishna beside Her. He smiled as He listened to the friends. Their song spread through the garden.
The swing moved forward and back. Leaves above it trembled in the breeze. Flower ornaments swayed beside Their faces. The friends gradually made the game livelier. Radha was surprised by the swift motion. She held close to Krishna and called to the sakhis. They heard Her excited appeal. Smiles appeared on their faces. Krishna remained beside Radha on the seat. The shared game filled everyone with joy.
The friends wished to take part themselves. They climbed onto the places around the lotus seat. Lalita and Vishakha served with attention. Champakalata and Chitra cooled Them with fans. Tungavidya and Indulekha brought drinks. Rangadevi and Sudevi carried fragrant adornments. Each sakhi had her own small task. Their service was filled with affection. Songs continued as the swing moved. The flower garden became a place of shared joy.
Vrinda and Kundalata set the swing moving again. The seats around its center resembled lotus petals. The friends looked toward Radha and Krishna. The account describes a wondrous sight. Krishna appeared beside each of the friends. Each could feel His closeness. Their faces shone with wonder. Radha too saw Her sakhis' happiness. The swing moved amid song and laughter. Love was shared with everyone present.
Krishna invited Lalita closer to Him. Radha watched Her dear friend with a smile. Kundalata made a playful remark about the sight. In her words their names became a play on stars. The other sakhis laughed at the joke. Then Vishakha too had a place beside Krishna. One by one the friends joined the pastime. Each had a moment of closeness and joy. Radha watched their happiness. Her love included Her friends as well.
At one moment Radha stepped off the swing. Lalita and Vishakha remained beside Krishna. Radha Herself began to move the seat. Her friends rejoiced at that service. They sang as they moved forward and back. Then other sakhis had a turn to sit. Radha and Her friends helped them in the game. Laughter rang among the flowering branches. No one was left outside the joy. Each gift of attention became another song.
Lalita whispered something to Radha. Radha smiled and climbed on again. She sat on Krishna's left side. The sakhis gathered around Them once more. The friends gently pushed the swing. Flowers moved with each sway. The singers' voices filled the garden. The scent of lotuses rose from the water. The moment was filled with music and closeness. Radha and Krishna rejoiced with Their sakhis.
After the game the friends helped Them step down. Everyone stayed together among the trees. Some still hummed the melody. Others arranged the flower garlands. Vrinda cared for the garden and its guests. Lalita and Vishakha continued their service. Krishna looked at His joyful friends. Radha was happy that everyone had taken part. The swing slowly settled in the breeze. The song remained in the hearts of those present.
This pastime is called jhulana, the swing festival. In it flowers, music, and service come together. Vrinda and the sakhis prepare the joyful moment. Radha and Krishna share that joy with them. The friends do more than push the swing. They also sing, fan, and serve. Radha returns their care with tenderness. Each participant contributes to the shared celebration. Beside Radha-kunda the lotus swing stays in memory. Its movement recalls a love that is shared.