Holi in Vrindavan and Mathura
The atmosphere of these Brij towns changed from calm and cool to cheer and excitement during Mathura Vrindavan Holi. The vibrant colors in the air show the joy of people as winter makes way to spring and devotion takes centerstage.
The loud and continuous sound of the drums, songs and music, as well as the bells in the temples fill the air that was quiet just a couple of days ago! The wind smells beautiful with the fragrance of the flowers and sweets are exchanged among people.
A Magical Experience
The sounds, activities, and Gulal filling the air like colorful mist create a magical atmosphere that marks the Mathura Vrindavan Holi celebration.
Ideally, Mathura or Vrindavan Holi is much more than a festival of colors. It is a show of devotion to Lord Krishna and the faith of people. Mathura and Vrindavan Holi is also about showing respect to the myths in the Hindu religion and the eternal love between Lord Krishna and Radha, and it is done in different ways in different regions during Vrindavan and Mathura Holi.
The Holi of Flowers
Commonly known as Phoolon Ki Holi, this specific Holi celebration involves flowers more than colors. This special form of Holi is mainly celebrated at the famous Banke Bihari Temple in the center of Vrindavan town.
People start gathering at the temple as the sun rises and wait in silence. As the temple door swings open and the bells ring, thousands of flowers and petals of marigold, rose and jasmine are thrown in the air. The faces and heads of devotees are covered with these petals.
There is no shouting or rush. People chant prayers and sing songs praising Lord Krishna. The entire atmosphere is peaceful with nature painting the moments with flower petals.
Widow’s Holi
Not too far away from Vrindavan, Holi is also celebrated in a different way. Here it is considered as the new beginning for all, even widows. Actually, widows in India are expected to stay away from celebrations and laughter, dressed in white and leading a life in silence.
However, it is not so in the Pagal Baba Ashram. Here the widows come forward and break their silence and tradition. They throw Gulal in the air, some for the first time in life, laugh and enjoy with others to be a part of the celebration.
The white sarees look unique with colorful patterns in green, yellow, pink and more. Their faces are covered with the same colors, not looking sorrowful as usual but glowing with joy. The Holi festival here is not just an ordinary festival here for the widows. It is their second chance to be happy.
Lathmar Holi
Lathmar Holi is the most popular form of Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan, observed in Barsana and Nandgaon villages in Uttar Pradesh. Local men and women engage in a playful battle where women beat men trying to throw colors at them.
In this fun battle, men from Nandgaon come with colors and shields in hand, well-prepared to avoid what is coming. The women of Barsana with wooden sticks in hand stand in rows while the crowd wait and watch. As the men throw colors women beat them with sticks. The men pretend to run, laughing and dodging the sticks but the women chase them away.
This form of Holi celebration is centuries old and is refreshed every year to recreate the playful act between Lord Krishna, Radha and their friends.
The Grand Holi
Typically, Holi in Mathura is celebrated in the grandest way in the Dwarkadhish Temple. On this day, Matura becomes the main place of attraction. Inside the temple, people sing, dance and throw Gulal all over while chanting the name of Lord Krishna, reaching to the heavens. The temple and the town become a lively painting full of colors. People also enjoy the processions in the streets where Lord Krishna travels in a grand chariot through the city, a unique aspect of Holi in Mathura.
Come and witness Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan where it is not just a festival of colors but a timeless story of faith and unity.
