Mathura and Vrindavan are famous for their vibrant Holi celebrations. Legend has it that as a child, Lord Krishna would playfully complain to his mother about Goddess Radha’s fair complexion compared to his dark skin. Following his mother’s advice, Krishna would smear colors on Radha, giving rise to Braj ki Holi. Every year, Krishna would travel from his village, Nandgaon, to Barsana, where Radha and her friends would playfully beat him with sticks.
In Barsana and Nandgaon, Holi kicks off a week before the festival’s official date. In Mathura and Vrindavan, various forms of Holi are celebrated. Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon involves playful beats with sticks, accompanied by dancing. Phoolon Wali Holi near Govardhan Hill sees Ras Leela performances and colorful flower celebrations. Widow’s Holi in Vrindavan is particularly emotional, allowing widows to partake in the festivities they were once forbidden from.
At the Banke Bihari Temple, tourists flock to witness priests showering devotees with colored powders and flowers, reminiscent of Lord Krishna’s playful actions. Dwarkadhish Temple also hosts lively Holi celebrations. At Dauji Temple near Mathura, the Harunga festivities occur a day after Holi, where men pour colored water over women, followed by playful thrashing with torn shirts.
The famous Lathmar Holi of Barsana
During Lathmar Holi in Barsana, men from Nandgaon gather on the outskirts of the village, gearing up for a battle representing Krishna’s army. Meanwhile, women in Barsana spend months preparing thick wooden staffs for the occasion. After visiting the Radha Rani Temple, the Nandgaon men head to the “Rangeeli Gali” central area where the festivities kick off.
Amidst jests and playful banter, the women of Barsana start playfully hitting the men from Nandgaon. The scene is incredibly vibrant and intense, with colorful costumes, energetic movements, and a sense of danger for anyone caught amid the celebration, risking injury or damage to their camera.
The stunning beauty of Nandgaon Holi
In Nandgaon, street photography during Holi offers an unforgettable experience. Not only do you capture amazing shots, but the locals also warmly welcome visitors. Villagers often invite guests into their homes for tea, meals, and conversations, creating lasting connections. Over time, villagers recognize returning visitors, sometimes even calling ahead to confirm their presence for Holi. Nandgaon’s Holi celebrations are well-organized, making street photography exceptionally rewarding.
Holi in Nandgaon takes place the day after Barsana’s celebration, with men from Barsana joining in for Lathmaar Holi with Nandgaon’s women. The “Samaj Kirtan” ceremony at Nandgarm temple, starting around 4 PM, is a highlight.
Locals from both villages sing love ballads of Radha and Krishna while showering colors, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. The atmosphere is magical, with the courtyard filled with singing and swirling clouds of colors, making it an unforgettable experience.
Vrindavan is another place to enjoy Braj Holi
In Vrindavan, the Bankey Bihari Temple offers excellent opportunities for Holi photography, but it can be challenging due to the large crowds, increasing the risk of stampedes. You can capture beautiful Holi shots at the Radha Raman, Iskon, and Prem Mandir. Vrindavan also hosts Vidhva Holi, where Hindu widows play with flowers in an ashram.
Flower Holi is celebrated in many Vrindavan temples, creating a magical atmosphere as people sing and throw petals into the air. Besides the Braj region, Varanasi and Pushkar in Rajasthan are fantastic places to experience Holi.
Complete Calendar of Holi of Braj
Laddoo Ki Holi – 17th March 2024
At the Radha Rani Temple in Barsana, priests throw besan laddoo and motichoor laddoo over the devotees. Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha both have a special fondness for laddoos.
Lathmar Holi, Barsana – 18th March 2024
This is an event you cannot afford to miss! Males from Nandgaon travel to Barsana to play Lathmar Holi with local ladies. The Lathmar Holi of Barsana and Nandgaon is an alluring spectacle to witness.
Lathmar Holi, Nandgaon – 19th March 2024
Now, it’s the turn of men from Barsana to participate in the Lathmar Holi celebrations in Nandgaon. They play Holi with the local ladies, creating a vibrant and joyous atmosphere.
Fulon Ki Holi, Mathura – 20th March 2024
In Braj, Holi is more than just throwing a beer and gulal. Fulon Ki Holi is celebrated enthusiastically at the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. Residents and tourists gather to douse each other with colorful powders and flowers. The air is filled with the captivating scent of marigolds, jasmine, and roses.
Stick Mar Holi, Gokul – 21st March 2024
Braj Ki Holi is a festival of colors and customs and an authentic expression of the vibrant cultural legacy of love embedded in Hinduism. People worldwide come to participate in this traditional festival, which preserves the eternal tale of happiness and love between Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna.
Widow’s Holi, Vrindavan – 23rd March 2024
Despite their challenges, widows come together to celebrate the Widow’s Holi in Vrindavan. Dressed in white sarees, they join in the joy of Holi, painting each other’s faces with bright colors. This tradition shows their strength and unity, reminding everyone that Holi is for everyone, no matter their situation.
Holika Dahan and Holi of Flowers–24th March 2024
As the sun sets, families gather around bonfires for Holika Dahan, praying for goodness to prevail over evil. The crackling flames cleanse the air, welcoming the joyous spirit of Holi. Devotees celebrate the Holi of Flowers inside the Banke Bihari Temple. Instead of colors, they use fragrant petals of roses and marigolds, spreading love and devotion.
Main Holi In Mathura Vrindavan-25th March 2024
Mathura and Vrindavan host the biggest Holi celebration. People gather, throw colorful powders and water at each other, and enjoy music and sweets. It’s a time for everyone to unite, have fun, and celebrate love and happiness.
Huranga Holi in Baldev at Dauji Temple-26th March 2024
During this unique celebration, men and women engage in playful exchanges, where women playfully strip men of their shirts, and men try to protect themselves. It’s a fun-filled event marked by laughter and cheer. The vibrant atmosphere at Dauji Temple during Huranga Holi is one of joy and excitement, where people come together to revel in the spirit of togetherness and merriment.
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