Whenever the place, VRINDAVAN and MATHURA comes to our mind, only two things strike:-
1. Lord Krishna
2. Braj ki Holi
“BRAJ KI HOLI“, the auspicious colour festival linked with Lord Krishna’s life.
According to our Hindu mythology Lord Krishna,who was well-known for his naughty nature, complained to his mother about his dark skin tone in contrast to Radha’s beautiful complexion. In response, his mother suggested that he colour Radha’s face to match his colour.This playful act of colouring Radha’s face with colour eventually became the tradition of playing with colour and water. People play Holi and apply colour to their loved ones which symbolises love, friendship and the arrival of spring.
In Mathura and Vrindavan, the festival is celebrated in different forms like Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon, where sticks are used to create playful beats, to which young men and women dance; Phoolon wali Holi in Gulaal Kund near the Govardhan Hill, during which Ras Leela is performed, and Holi is played with colourful flowers; and Widow’s Holi at Vrindavan.
The festivities of Braj ki Holi typically last for several days and involve various unique customs and rituals:
Lathmar Holi: One of the most famous aspects of Braj ki Holi is the Lathmar Holi, which takes place in the town of Barsana. During this event, women playfully hit men with sticks (lathis), while the men try to protect themselves with shields. This reenacts a mythological event where Lord Krishna, along with his friends, visited Barsana and was greeted in a similar playful manner by the local women, particularly Radha and her friends.
Rang Panchami: In Vrindavan and Mathura, the celebration culminates on Rang Panchami, the fifth day of the full moon fortnight in the Hindu calendar month of Phalgun (usually March). On this day, people come together to throw colors (gulal) at each other, dance to traditional folk music, and sing devotional songs dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha.
Raas Leela: In addition to playing with colors, the festival also includes performances of the Raas Leela, a traditional dance-drama depicting the divine love between Lord Krishna and Radha. These performances are often held in temples and other community spaces.
Temple Celebrations: Temples in the Braj region, such as the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan and the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple in Mathura, hold special ceremonies and processions during Braj ki Holi. Devotees visit these temples to offer prayers and participate in the festivities.
Overall, Braj ki Holi is not just a celebration of colors but also a vibrant expression of the region’s cultural heritage, mythology, and devotion to Lord Krishna. It attracts visitors and devotees from all over India and the world, making it one of the most renowned and cherished festivals in the country. This is not only the festival of colours , instead this is the occasion where everybody stands equally no matter who is poor or rich, high caste – low caste,etc.