Anyone who gets a chance to attend the enthusiastic Holi celebrations in Brijbhoomi will never lose such an opportunity. Visiting this holy place on the occasion of Holi is a treat in itself. If you’re confused on why Holi is celebrated in Vrindavan and Mathura with so energy, Mathura is a birthplace of Lord Krishna and Vrindavan is the place where he grew up in his childhood that is being located about 11 km away from Mathura.
Holi is considered to be such a tremendous and huge festival that Holi celebrations start a week before and continue for a few days after the actual day of the festival. The excitement amongst the locals is so infectious that visitors also get excited about the festival.
As per the legend, it is believed that Lord Krishna visited Radha’s village on this special day and had offended the women of Barsana, chasing him away. Since that time only, many of the men from Nandgaon Lord Krishna’s village especially made a visit to Barsana in order to play Holi in the town.
Also, Women playfully beat men with sticks while singing traditional folk songs. This lively and spirited event symbolizes the playful teasing between Lord Krishna and Radha, adding a touch of mythology to the festivities.
Bankey Bihari temple is considered to be the hub of Holi celebrations in Vrindavan. This temple was built in the 19th century, having four gates, among which three of them are for entry, and only one for exit purposes are being used. Holi celebrations in Bankey Bihari start off with Phoolon ki Holi and end up with colours and gulal being spread out around.
The Phoolon ki Holi is such a beautiful sight that travellers want to capture. It is quite remarkable to see people celebrate a festival with flowers and pure joy. The scenes near the Bankey Bihari Temple are fun and out of the world.
The Dwarkadhish Temple also hosts grand celebrations during Holi that devotes from all corners of the world come to witness. The temple is covered with flowers and gulal. The festive atmosphere is electrifying, and devotes also get to see the Darshan of Lord Krishna’s idol in the temple.
The lives of widows living in Vrindavan are filled with the strictest rules and regulations. Widow Holi has been introduced in order to add some colours to the white lives of widows. In Widow’s Holi, all the widows living in Vrindavan will come out of their homage and play colours at Pagal Baba Widow Ashram.
Holika Dahan is nothing but burning off the mannequin of Holika. One of the biggest effigies is being burnt out at the Holi Gate, followed by many of the cultural programs. On every small crossroad, there will be a small, intimate function where women come and pray to the Lord. Holika Dahan is celebrated a day before Holi, and it signifies the legend of Prahlad and Holika.
This year, Holi is on 25 March 2024, so Holika Dahan is on 24 March 2024. The eve of Holi is also called as “Chotti Holi” in some regions of India.
Rasleela is a special ceremony that we get to see during Holi 2024. The streets of Vrindavan and Mathura come alive with colourful processions known as Rasleela. Participants dressed as characters from Hindu mythology, especially Lord Krishna and Radha, danced and sang their way through the narrow lanes, spreading joy and cheer. These processions showcase the rich cultural heritage and religious significance of Holi in the region.
If you’re looking for a place to celebrate Holi with friends and family, Mathura and Vrindavan are the ideal places as these places have high cultural significance with the festival. The joy and spirit with which holi is celebrated in these regions is mindblowing. Holi celebrations are the best cultural extravaganza that travellers love to explore. Devotees from around the world come to experience the magic and magnificence of this joyous occasion.
