Holi, the colourful festival, is celebrated throughout the length and breadth of the country. However, the most celebrated Holi is played in the Braj region of Barsana, Nandgaon and Vrindavan, which is associated with Lord Krishna.
The Unique Holi in Vrindavan
The Holi at Barsana, the birthplace of Radha, a village 42 km away from Vrindavan, is of particular interest. Legend has it that Lord Krishna visited his beloved Radhas village on this day and playfully teased her and her friends. Taking offence at this, the women of Barsana chased him away. Since then, men from Krishna’s village, Nandgaon, come to Barsana to play Holi with the girls of the town. But, instead of colours, they are greeted with a lath (long bamboo sticks or staff) by the gopies. Hence, the name Lathmaar Holi.
Lathmar Holi in Barsana
Men come fully padded as they are fully aware of what kind of welcome awaits them at Barsana, and also the fact that they are not allowed to retaliate on that day. In this mock battle of sorts, they try their best not to be captured. The unlucky ones are, however, forcefully led away and get a good thrashing from the women. All in the spirit of Holi.
The Radha Rani Temple of Barsana
Barsana is the only temple dedicated to Radha in India. In the sprawling compound of the Radha Rani temple atop a small hillock in Barsana, thousands gather to witness the Holi in full vigour. A bucketful of colours is thrown on the devotees, many of whom have come from far and wide. The air is thick with the scent of flowers and perfume. Rose petals and coloured powder rain on the pilgrims as they visit the Radha Rani temple. A chopper also flies above on this occasion, which throws colour and rose petals on the devotees. In the streets below, groups of devotees can be seen singing Holi songs and shouting Sri Radhey or Sri Krishna.
Lathmar Holi in Nandgaon
The next day, it is the turn of the men from Barsana. They reciprocate by invading Nandgaon and drenching the womenfolk of Nandgaon in colours of kesudo, a naturally occurring orange-red dye and palash. Today, the women of Nandagon beat the invaders from Barsana. The week-long Holi celebrations continue in the various Krishna temples on different days. The celebrations are filled with clouds of colours and, of course, much fun. The womenfolk of Barsana start preparations for this beautiful festival of colours a month in advance.
Holi in Vrindavan 2025
Unlike the typical one or two-day Holi celebration, the Holi in Vrindavan and the broader Braj region can extend for almost a month, commencing around Basant Panchami and culminating in the main Holi celebrations. Vrindavan is where Lord Krishna spent his formative years, engaging in playful activities with Radha and the gopis (his companions). Every corner of Vrindavan resonates with legends of their divine play, making Holi here a vibrant reenactment of those ancient stories.
This year, the main festivities were celebrated from 08 Mar to 14 Mar 2025 as per details given subsequently. This extended period allows for a diverse range of unique traditions and events:-
Lathmar Holi (Barsana & Nandgaon – March 8-9, 2025)
This playful tradition involves women from Barsana (Radha’s birthplace) playfully chasing and “beating” men from Nandgaon (Krishna’s village) with sticks (lathis). The men use shields to protect themselves, creating a humorous and lively spectacle. This tradition is rooted in the legend of Krishna and his friends teasing Radha and her companions.
Laddu Holi (Barsana – March 7, 2025)
Prior to Lathmar Holi, Barsana celebrates Laddu Holi, where people throw sweets (laddus) at each other, accompanied by devotional songs. These laddoos are considered a blessing from Radha Rani.
Phoolon Ki Holi (Vrindavan – March 10, 2025)
At the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, “Flower Holi” is celebrated, where priests shower devotees with fragrant flower petals instead of colored powders. This creates a serene, beautiful, and eco-friendly atmosphere. It is believed to mark Krishna’s visit to Radha after a period of separation, with the showering of flowers symbolising their reunion and the happiness of the gopis.
Widow’s Holi (Vrindavan – March 11, 2025)
Breaking traditional norms, widows in Vrindavan participate in Holi with colours at temples like Gopinath Temple. This event signifies a move towards inclusivity and joy for those who often face societal restrictions.
Rangbharni Holi (Vrindavan – March 10-13, 2025)
Following the floral celebrations, the traditional Holi with vibrant colored powders (gulal) and water takes place at temples like Banke Bihari. The atmosphere is filled with devotional songs, music, and enthusiastic devotees covered in colours. Priests often use water guns to spray colored water on the crowd.
Holi Procession (Mathura – March 12, 2025)
A colourful procession, often featuring performers dressed as Radha and Krishna, moves from Vishram Ghat to Holi Gate in Mathura, accompanied by music and dancing.
Holika Dahan (Mathura & Vrindavan – March 13, 2025)
The burning of Holika’s effigy symbolises the victory of good over evil. This ritual takes place on the eve of the main Holi celebrations.
Dhulandi Holi (Vrindavan & Mathura – March 14, 2025)
The main day of Holi is celebrated with immense enthusiasm, as people smear each other with gulal and drench each other with colored water. Temples like Dwarkadhish Temple in Mathura hold special celebrations.
Banke Bihari Temple
This iconic temple in Vrindavan is a focal point of Holi celebrations. The idol of Lord Krishna (Banke Bihari) is adorned in white on the first day, and the festivities here, especially Phoolon Ki Holi and Rangbharni Holi, are legendary, drawing massive crowds of devotees.
Spiritual Significance
Beyond the fun and colours, Holi in Vrindavan is deeply rooted in devotion and the legends of Radha and Krishna. The celebrations are seen as a way to immerse oneself in their divine love and playfulness. The devotional songs (bhajans) and the temple rituals enhance this spiritual ambience.
Cultural Experience
Experiencing Holi in Vrindavan offers a unique insight into the rich cultural traditions of Uttar Pradesh. The local customs, the vibrant energy of the crowds, the traditional music, and the delicious festive food all contribute to an unforgettable cultural immersion.
How to Reach Barsana-Nandgaon from Delhi
When you next decide to visit these holy places, this is how you come from Delhi. Nandgaon is a rural area and the distance from Delhi is 175 km, approximately, which can be covered in 3 and a half hours. The Mathura and Vrindavana areas are the most important places of pilgrimage for devotees of Lord Krishna. Krishna was born in Mathura and spent His childhood in Nandgaon in Vrindavan.
Conclusion
In essence, Holi in Vrindavan is not just a festival of colors; it’s a vibrant, extended, and deeply spiritual experience that brings to life the timeless love story of Radha and Krishna through unique traditions and fervent devotion. It’s a chance to witness and participate in a celebration that is both joyous and profoundly meaningful.
