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Darshan timings by season
| Season | Morning darshan | Evening darshan |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (≈ March–October) | ≈ 7:45 am – 12:00 pm | ≈ 5:30 – 9:30 pm |
| Winter (≈ November–February) | ≈ 8:45 am – 1:00 pm | ≈ 4:30 – 8:30 pm |
Temple timings change with the season, festivals and special occasions, and published schedules differ between sources. These are typical hours last checked on 17 Oct 2026 — confirm locally on the day you visit.
Special darshans in the year
Banke Bihari is known for darshans that happen only on particular days. Expect the largest crowds of the year on these dates:
- Mangala aarti is traditionally performed only once a year, on Janmashtami night.
- Charan darshan (darshan of the deity's feet) traditionally takes place on Akshaya Tritiya.
- Holi week, Janmashtami, Radhashtami and Sharad Purnima bring very heavy crowds and changed timings.
What darshan is like
The temple is small for the number of visitors it receives. A curtain in front of the deity is drawn and opened at short intervals during darshan, and the crowd moves in waves. Hold on to children, keep valuables in a zipped bag and expect to stand for a while on busy days.
- Weekdays and early in the session are usually the calmest.
- Weekends and Ekadashi bring heavy crowds from Delhi NCR.
- Leave footwear at a stand or in the car; the lanes are crowded and slippery in the rains.
Getting there
The temple stands in Vrindavan's old town, where the lanes are too narrow for cars. Taxis drop visitors at the nearest permitted point, from where it is a short walk or e-rickshaw ride. From Mathura the drive is about 13–15 km — see Mathura to Vrindavan distance. Book a car for the day with taxi service in Vrindavan and plan the rest of the day with the Vrindavan temple timings guide.
Frequently asked questions
Usually around 7:45 am in summer and 8:45 am in winter, with an evening session from about 5:30 pm (summer) or 4:30 pm (winter). Confirm locally — hours shift around festivals.
No. It closes between the morning and evening sessions.
Traditionally only once a year, on Janmashtami night.
Not the gate. Cars stop at the nearest permitted point and visitors walk or take an e-rickshaw through the lanes.