Holi in Vrindavan, INDIA

The celebration of Holi in Mathura-Vrindavan starts exactly a week before the actual day of Holi (when its celebrated in the whole nation).

For those who aren't aware,

Holi, known as the ‘festival of colors’ is celebrated on the full moon day falling in the month of Phalguna (Feb-Mar). Various colors and water are thrown on each other, amidst loud music, drums etc to celebrate Holi. Like many other festivals in India, Holi also signifies a victory of good over evil. As per ancient mythology, there is a legend of King Hiranyakashipu with who Holi is associated.

Now in Vrindavan it's celebrate for the whole week, everyday at different places.

DAY 1 Lathmar Holi in Barsana

Barsana Holi celebrations start about a week before the actual date of Holi. Barsana is a village near Mathura, and it was the village of Radha. It is famous for its LATHMAR HOLI in which women beat men (playfully) with sticks. Barsana is the place where Radha used to live, and Krishna used to visit this place to put colour on Radha.

Lathmar holi in Barsana

DAY 2 Holi in Nandgaon

Celebrations in Barsana is followed up by similar celebrations in Nandgaon (Krishna’s village) on the very next day. Nandgaon has found a reference in religious texts as the place where Krishna spent most of his childhood days. According to legends, after Krishna went to Barsana to put colour on Radha and her friends came to Nandgaon on the next day to put colour on Krishna. And hence, Holi celebrations shift from Barsana to Nandgaon.

Nandgaon temple

Holi celebration in Nandgaon temple

DAY 3 Celebrate Holi Vrindavan

Where: Banke Bihari temple, Vrindavan.

The Banke-Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is one such place to enjoy the festivities as it hosts a week-long Holi celebration here. During these days, the idol of Bihariji (Krishna’s another name) is dressed up in white coloured clothes and it is brought closer to his devotees to play Holi. Vrindavan Holi is played with coloured water and gulal, a form of colour made using organic substances like flowers and kesar. Goswamis (priests in the temple) sprinkle colours on everyone using buckets, water guns, etc. The whole atmosphere is made even more lively with music (bhajans) in the background and people dance to the tunes while enjoying the colors.

Flowers Holi in Banke Bihari Temple

DAY 4 Widow's Holi, Vrindavan.

Where: Gopinath Temple, Vrindavan around noon.

Widows in India have always led a difficult life. They were often banished form their homes and were forced to live in ashrams in Varanasi and Vrindavan. They wore white clothes and never played with colours. A few years back the widows of Pagal Baba Widow Ashram, Vrindavan decided to break this convention and play with colors.

Though it started only two years back, it's already a must-do event during Holi celebrations. If you reach early and have time, do make a visit and meet them. I am not sure, but if possible, do play with them as well...always good to spread love on festivals :)

The celebration continues till the actual HOLI DAY.