Sankari Khor, Barsana

Sankari Khor is a famous narrow passage located in Barsana, between the Brahma-Parvat and Vishnu-Parvat hills. This passage has a charming story behind it, as it was frequently used by the playful gopis, or cowherd girls, who carried milk across the hills using kavar.

As the gopis made their way along Sankari Khor, mischievous Kanha (Lord Krishna) and his friends would often jump out to steal their milk, yogurt, and butter. Although it began as harmless fun, the gopis soon grew tired of the daily mischief. Determined to teach Kanha and his friends a lesson, they planned a clever surprise.

One day, they decided to set a trap. Groups of gopis hid in the caves and dense bushes around Sankari Khor, while a few others carried pots of milk and yogurt as bait. As Kanha and his friends blocked the gopis and tried to snatch their milk and yogurt, the hidden gopis quickly came out from their hiding places. In no time, they captured Kanha and his friends, pinched their cheeks until they were swollen, and tied their hair to tree branches. “Will you still try to steal from us?” they asked, scolding them with laughter.

One of Kanha’s friends, Madhumangala, who was particularly playful, pleaded to Lalita saying, “Please, forgive me! I was only following Kanha. I promise I won’t do it again!”

The fun didn’t stop there. Radhika and some other gopis dressed Kanha up like a woman, adorning him with a blouse, skirt, and bangles. They even painted vermilion in his hair part, put anklets on his feet, and gave him a pot of yogurt to carry on his head. Then, Lalita, standing at the top of the hill, threw a stone at the pot, breaking it and soaking Kanha in yogurt. The gopis and the sakhas (friends) burst into laughter, and Kanha was left feeling very embarrassed.

Finally, the gopis told Kanha, “Vow that you will never again try to Steal our yogurt!” Kanha, holding his ears, repeated after them, promising that he wouldn’t trouble the gopis again. This playful episode is celebrated and remembered at Sankari Khor, capturing the joyful spirit of Krishna’s childhood pranks and the friendship between him and the gopis.