Holi is a festival of color and joy. If you want to experience it differently, plan your trip to Vrindavan this time. The holi in Vrindavan is especially famous as the “Braj ki holi” all over the world. According to Hindu Calendar, holi is celebrated in the Phalgun month, which is usually in the month of March. There is a different vigour of Holi celebration in Vrindavan. Let us see how.
How is Holi festival celebrated in Vrindavan?
In Vrindavan, the devotees play holi with the lord himself. To begin, after the morning aarti, the priest opens the gate of the main shrine. He throws a fist full of dry color towards the public. The public is then allowed to visit the lord and put colors on his feet.
One can feel colors in the temple premises, everyone can put color on anyone on this day. Holi is a festival of reunion and fun. Don’t be surprised if you find people colorful people dancing and singing in the streets of Vrindavan.
The Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan celebrates the holi with flowers. Instead of colors, people use flowers petals.
Story behind the Holi festival in Vrindavan
If you are in Vrindavan during holi, at least four people will narrate this story.
Lord Krishna had dark complexion, where as his childhood friend Radha was fair. Once in his childhood, he was perplexed with his complexion and went to his mother- Yashoda with his thoughts. Mother Yashoda suggested to color Radha in a playful manner.
Lord Krishna, did not only color Radha, but also other girls. And his friends also did the same. This is how a childhood game became a tradition.
Is the Holi festival same across India?
Holi is celebrated all over the country. What is common is color and the uncommon is the tradition behind it. For example, in Vrindavan, people relate the festival with Lord Krishna. In the central parts of India, the story of Lord Vishnu who killed a demon on this day is prevalent.
You can read more about how holi is celebrated in different parts of India here.
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