Holi is one of the most joyful festivals celebrated not only in India but within Hindu communities all over the world. Excitement for Holi is on another level every year, especially among kids who just want to enjoy the day painting every other person’s face with Holi colour powders.
The significance of Holi is much higher. It’s not only about having fun and eating gujiyas, but it’s an auspicious occasion which reminds us about the ultimate victory of good over evil and dharma over adharma. This day makes us remember the history of Holi and holika dahan where Lord Vishnu saved his biggest devotee Prahlad from the Asura King, Hiranyakashyap.
As for the Holi celebration in 2023, every state in India has its different style of celebrating. However, if you want to enjoy the true traditional Holi Celebration in India then you must visit these palaces: Vrindavan, Mathura or the Braj Bhumi, where Lord Krishna was born, raised and enjoyed his childhood.
Holi Celebration on Braj Bhumi
Braj Bhumi involves Vrindavan, Mathura, Barsana, and Gokul. During Holi, you will witness a whole another level of celebration where people across the globe gather around to play colours. You will see a massive rush because of which you will not be able to take another step forward. Actually, the celebrations here begin days before the exact date of Holi, from Basant Panchami and people continue to play till the day of Phalgun Purnima. To enjoy this massive celebration we will recommend you arrive at Braj Bhumi at least 10 days before the actual date. You will see the massive crowd covered in red, yellow, blue, green and many more colours.
All Types of Holi Celebrations in Vrindavan Mathura
Laddoo Holi of Barsana
Holi is celebrated in Barsana with flowers and laddoos, which is a rounded ball of sweetness, on Falgun Shukla Ashtami. Furthermore, Barsana is the birthplace of Radha Rani, the Indian Goddess, and there is a dedicated temple built for her for the devotees to visit.
So, how does laddoo holi is played? It’s simple, on the day known as Phag Amantran Utsav, the laddoos are thrown at each other in Barsana. They are bright yellow in colour and made from Bundi. Yellow is also the favourite colour of Lord Krishna.
Lathmar Holi of Barsana and Nandgaon
The most famous and interesting form of Holi Celebration is Lathmar Holi, played by the people of Barsana and Nandgaon on the day after Falgun Shukla Ashtami. As people follow this tradition, women chase men and beat them up with large & thick sticks called Lathis and that’s why it is called Lathmar Holi.
The history behind Lathmar Holi is that when Krishna used to come and meet Radha for Holi in Barsana, he teased her and her friends or Gopis a lot. He makes fun of them to an extent that they all get mad at him and chase him while carrying lathis to beat him. So, with Lathmar Holi the tradition is being kept alive from one generation to another.
Chhadimar Holi of Gokul
A smaller version of Lathmar Holi played in Gokul, is called Chhadimar Holi, played the day after Ekadashi. Krishna spent his infant years at Gokul, he played on every street in Gokul as a toddler. In most of his temples in the city, Krishna can be seen relaxing on Jhoola or Swing. And as per the ritual of Chhadimar Holi, Krishna in his toddler form is marched around the city by the devotees and they play Holi while walking carrying sticks.
Phoolon Wali Holi of Vrindavan
This is the most unique form of Holi Celebration, where the people of Vrindavan play Holi with flowers instead of colours. Flowers are called Phool in the Hindi language and they are used as colours in Vrindavan on the Holi occasion, that’s why this tradition is called Phoolon Wali Holi. It is played on Ekadashi before Holi at 4.00 pm at Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan. It only takes around 15-20 minutes to play Phoolon Wali Holi.
Also read:
Holi 2023: Correct Date, Quotes, WhatsApp, Wishes, More
Widow’s Holi of Vrindavan
In old times and even still now, a widow’s life is considered joyless, colourless and without any motive. They were kept away from the society where married women take part in different functions and other joyous events. Their families sent them to ashrams to live in, after the death of their husbands, for the rest of their lives . With an odd mindset, they were not willing to take care of them and considered them a burden.
However, now things have changed and in Vrindavan at Pagal Baba’s Ashram, the widows play holi with different colours and enjoy being with Krishna. But still other than these auspicious events their life is sad.
