Shrinathji Patotsav at Nathdwara Temple is observed on Krishna Saptami in Faagan Month (Falgun Month) as per the traditional Rajasthani Hindu calendar (North Indian Hindi calendars). In 2022, Shrinathji Patotsav date is February 23. As per Gujarati calendars, it marks the Krishna Saptami in Magh Month.
Meaning of ‘Paat’ is ‘to place the swaroop of Lord in Sinhasan’. This utsav is called ‘Patotsav’. There are several incidents in Shreemad Bhagwat Mahapurana regarding placing Lord Shree Krishna on Sinhasan. Some of the incidents are:
1. Raas Panchadhyayi: After the Gopigeet, Shree Prabhu re-appeared before Shree Gopikas. After the darshan, Shree Gopikas made Shree Prabhu to sit on Sihasan i.e. “PAAT”.
2. Shree Sudama also made Shree Prabhu sit on ‘Pat’ when Shree Prabhu visited his home.
3. Dharmaraaj Yuthisthira, in Rajsuya Yagya, made Shree Prabhu to sit on throne and did the poojan.
Thus with all the above bhavas, ‘Patotsav’ was started to be celebrated.
This day marks the day when Shreeji had come to Shri Girdharji’s House at Satghara Mathura when shri Gusainji was in Gujarat. One day shreeji asked Girdharji that “I have not seen our house. Won’t you show it to me”. On this Girdharji replied “Bawa its your house and you can come any time If you want I will take you there today itself”
So they all left for Satghara where shreeji played holi with all seven sons of Gusainji their Bahujis and Gusainjis betijis. Shreeji asked what will u gift me on this occasion.and girdharji along with all other balaks bahujis and betijis gifted all the ornaments they had. Bhamini bahuji forgot to gift her nose ring and Shreeji asked even for that and she gifted that also to him.This is how Girdharji did “sarva samarpan”
From this day Patotsav is celebrated in all the houses of Pushtimarga commemorating the visit of Shreenathji to their house .
Shringar : Kesaria Vastra, Dohera Kenarika Gherdar Baga, Choova ki choli Shrimastak par khidki ka bag, loom ki kalgi, Piroja ke aabhran, chhota shringar, safed thada vastra
Vishesh Krama: from today swang are played in front of Shreeji.and from today during rajbhog brijwasis sing rasiya playing Dhol and Chang