The Braj region has been immersed in Holi’s vibrant colours and fragrant flowers, encompassing Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana, in an extravagant celebration of love, joy, and spirituality.

After the lively Laddu Maar Holi and Lathmar Holi, the hues of Holi adorned the birthplace of Lord Krishna with vibrant natural colours and fragrant flowers on Wednesday.

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The birthplace of Lord Krishna is resonating with divine fervour during this auspicious time. Stages have been set up and cultural programmes are being performed throughout Mathura and Vrindavan, where local and renowned artists are participating.

Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana hold special significance during the festival of Holi, attracting devotees and tourists alike from across the globe to partake in the joyous occasion.

On Wednesday, the streets of Vrindavan echoed with playful laughter as devotees gathered at the Banke Bihari Mandir to take part in the exuberant Holi festivities. Meanwhile, in Mathura, the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple and the Dwarkadheesh Temple reverberated with drum beats and joyous hymns as devotees immersed themselves in the spirit of the festival.

Devotees also embarked on the Panch Kosi Parikrama, where approximately a lakh of devotees participated until noon. Throughout the pilgrimage route, nearly 1,000 quintals of natural colours made from Tesu flowers were showered upon the devotees.

Amidst the jubilant revelry, a serene moment unfolded in the morning at the Vishram Ghat, adjoining the Dwarkadheesh Temple. Before commencing the Holi celebrations at the temple, the priests of the Dwarkadheesh Temple worshipped Yamuna Ji, the revered River Goddess on the ghat. Worshipping Yamuna Ji holds immense significance on this day. With solemn devotion, the devotees offered flowers, vermilion, fruits, rice grains, and other sacred items during the puja. The River Goddess was also offered a traditional sari, symbolising the deep-rooted reverence for nature in Braj’s cultural ethos.

Simultaneously, at the Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, the idol of Lord Banke Bihari Ji was placed on a silver throne in the courtyard. Sitting there, the deity joyously played Holi with silver pitchers filled with colours, delighting in the festivities. The priests of the temple inaugurated the Holi celebrations by showering devotees with abir and gulal. Amidst the cascade of colours, everyone, including the priests, the deity, and the reverent devotees, rejoiced.

The Braj region stands as the epicentre of Holi celebrations, where tradition intertwines with festivity, and spirituality merges with merriment. It is here, amidst the idyllic landscapes and ancient temples, that the age-old tradition of Holi finds its roots. Legend has it that Lord Krishna, accompanied by his companions, initiated the playful custom of throwing colours and flowers at Radha Rani and her friends, marking the inception of this joyous festival.

As the festivities continue to unfold, locals and visitors alike are invited to immerse themselves in colours, music, and devotion that characterises the Braj Rangotsav celebrations. From the bustling streets of Mathura to the serene environs of Vrindavan, every corner of this sacred land pulsates with the energy of Holi, inviting all to experience its magic first-hand.