Braj Ki Holi, the vibrant festival celebrated with fervour in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh, is all set to kick off with Barsana’s iconic Laddu Mar Holi. Let’s take a delightful journey into the history, significance, and unique traditions of this pre-Holi extravaganza.
A Colorful Prelude to Holi
As the nation gears up for Holi on March 25, the Braj region gets into the festive spirit well in advance. From Mathura to Vrindavan and Barsana, devotees of Lord Krishna eagerly anticipate the joyous 10-day celebrations of Braj Ki Holi. The festivities, steeped in devotion and merriment, attract hordes of revelers from across the country.
Laddu Mar Holi Unveiled
The festivities commence with Barsana’s famed Laddu Mar Holi, marking the beginning of the Braj Ki Holi celebrations. At the revered Shriji temple, devotees eagerly await the moment when priests shower them with laddoos flung from the temple rooftop. Amidst laughter and playful banter, participants joyfully engage in the tradition of throwing laddoos at each other, symbolizing the mischievous antics of Lord Krishna and the Gopis.
Unraveling the Legends
Legend has it that the tradition of Laddu Mar Holi traces back to a playful exchange between Lord Krishna’s father from Nandgaon and the residents of Barsana, Radha’s hometown. The priest sent by Krishna’s father was greeted with warmth and hospitality, including a thaal of laddoos. In a jovial mood, the priest playfully hurled laddoos at the Gopis, thus inaugurating the delightful tradition of Laddu Mar Holi.
Marching Forward: Lathmar Holi
Following the jubilant celebrations of Laddu Mar Holi, the festivities shift gears to Lathmar Holi on March 18. Men from neighbouring towns, particularly Mathura, visit Barsana to partake in this unique celebration. Here, women playfully wield sticks, teasing and engaging in spirited banter with the visitors. A similar tradition unfolds in Nandgaon on March 19, as men from Barsana playfully tease the women with lathis.
Celebration upto 26 March
Other celebrations include Phoolwali Holi at Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan (March 20), Chhadi Mar Holi in Gokul (March 21), Widow’s Holi at Radha Gopinath Temple, Vrindavan (March 23), Holi of flowers at Banke Bihari Temple (March 24), Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan (March 25) and Huranga Holi in Baldev at Dauji Temple (March 26).
A Festive Odyssey
The revelry doesn’t end here. From Phoolwali Holi at Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan to Chhadi Mar Holi in Gokul, the celebrations continue till March 26. Each event is steeped in tradition and carries its own unique charm, adding to the tapestry of Braj Ki Holi festivities.