Mathura and Vrindavan, both located in the Brij region of India, are known for their unique and vibrant Holi celebrations. Here are some of the highlights of Holi celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan:
- Phoolon Wali Holi: In Vrindavan, the Holi celebrations kick off with a special ceremony known as Phoolon Wali Holi, where devotees play Holi with flower petals instead of colors. The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is particularly famous for this tradition.
- Lathmar Holi: In Barsana, a town near Mathura, the women beat up men with sticks in a playful way. This is called Lathmar Holi and is said to be a reenactment of Lord Krishna and his friends coming to Barsana to play Holi with Radha and her friends.
- Huranga: In Dauji Temple in Mathura, a unique Holi tradition called Huranga takes place, where men are stripped of their shirts and beaten up by the women with sticks. The men have to pay a fee to escape the beating.
- Rangbharni Ekadashi: On the 11th day of the lunar month of Phalguna, Mathura celebrates Rangbharni Ekadashi, where people smear each other with colors and dance to devotional songs.
- Holi procession: On the day of Holi, a colorful procession is taken out in Mathura and Vrindavan, where people play with colors and dance to the beat of drums and music.
Know more: Same Day Mathura Vrindavan Tour from Delhi
The origin tale of Braj ki Holi
Braj ki Holi has its origins in Hindu mythology and is believed to have been first celebrated by Lord Krishna and his friends in the Brij region. The festival is deeply rooted in the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was born in Mathura and spent his childhood in Vrindavan, where he played pranks on the local villagers and gopis (cowherd girls). One of the pranks he played was throwing colored powder and water on the gopis, which is said to have started the tradition of playing Holi with colors.
Another legend associated with Braj ki Holi is the story of Lord Krishna and Radha’s love. It is said that Lord Krishna was jealous of Radha’s fair complexion and complained to his mother Yashoda about it. In response, Yashoda asked him to smear Radha’s face with any color he wanted. Lord Krishna took this opportunity to playfully apply color on Radha’s face, thus starting the tradition of playing Holi with colors.
Know More: Delhi to Badrinath Tour Package by Car
Over time, the tradition of Braj ki Holi has evolved and has become an important part of the cultural heritage of India. Today, people from all over the world come to Mathura and Vrindavan to witness and participate in the vibrant and colorful Holi celebrations of the Brij region.
Holi Celebrations at different places of Mathura and Vrindavan:
Here are some of the places in Mathura and Vrindavan where Holi will be celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy:
Dwarkadheesh Temple: Located in the heart of Mathura, the Dwarkadheesh Temple is famous for its Holi celebrations. The temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and colors, and devotees play with colors and flowers while singing devotional songs.
Read More: Trip to Rameshwaram and Kanyakumari from Delhi
Banke Bihari Temple: The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is famous for its Phoolon Wali Holi, where devotees play Holi with flower petals instead of colors. The temple is beautifully decorated with flowers, and the atmosphere is filled with joy and devotion.
Nandgaon: Located near Mathura, Nandgaon is known for its Holi celebrations, where locals and tourists come together to play Holi with colors and flowers. The festival is celebrated in a unique way, with the locals throwing colored water on the visitors and tourists.
Barsana: Barsana is famous for its Lathmar Holi, where women beat men with sticks in a playful way. The men are dressed in traditional attire, and the women chase them with sticks while singing folk songs.
Govardhan: Located near Mathura, Govardhan is known for its Holi celebrations, where people come together to play Holi with colors and flowers. The festival is celebrated in a unique way, with locals and tourists building a human pyramid and breaking a pot filled with curd, in memory of Lord Krishna’s childhood.
Know more: Agra Mathura Vrindavan Tour Package
Overall, Holi celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan are unique and vibrant, with each town having its own distinct traditions and customs. The atmosphere is filled with joy, color, and devotion, making it a memorable experience for locals and tourists alike.