Holi Festival in India: colours in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna

19/3/2024

TRADITIONS | SERIES Celebrations

In the sacred city of Mathura, where the timeless tales of Lord Krishna come alive, the Holi Festival unfolds as a kaleidoscope of colours, laughter and uninhibited joy.

BY HANAN, 3 minutes read

Celebrated with unparalleled fervour and enthusiasm, the Holi festivities in Mathura bring together pilgrims and revellers in a vibrant dance of hues that transcends cultural and spiritual boundaries.

Mathura's Holi extravaganza: a spiritual celebration

Mathura, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, becomes the epicenter of Holi celebrations, creating a unique blend of spirituality and exuberance. As the festival approaches, the city transforms into a canvas for the grand spectacle of colours, symbolising the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring.

Traditional Holika Dahan: the bonfire of triumph

Holi in Mathura begins with the traditional Holika Dahan, a symbolic bonfire that commemorates the triumph of virtue. Devotees gather around bonfires, singing hymns and witnessing the effigy of Holika, the demoness, being set ablase. The atmosphere is charged with devotion and anticipation, setting the stage for the riot of colours that follows.

Lathmar Holi: a colourful battle of love

One of the unique traditions associated with Holi in Mathura is the Lathmar Holi, celebrated in the nearby town of Barsana. Here, women playfully wield sticks while men try to protect themselves, creating a vibrant and entertaining battle of love. The air is filled with laughter and the hues of gulal (coloured powders), as participants immerse themselves in the joyous revelry.

Rangeeli Holi in Dwarkadheesh Temple: divine colour play

In the heart of Mathura, the Dwarkadheesh Temple hosts the Rangeeli Holi, a divine celebration where Lord Krishna is adorned with colourful powders. Devotees and visitors alike engage in joyous colour play, expressing their love and devotion to the divine, creating an atmosphere of spiritual celebration and communal harmony.

Practical advice: navigating the colourful festival

For those embarking on the Holi adventure in Mathura, practical advice includes dressing in old and modest attire, wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes and applying oil or moisturiser on the skin to ease colour removal. Being open to the cultural traditions and respecting the space of fellow revellers enhances the overall experience.

Holi sweets and delicacies: a culinary delight

No Holi celebration in Mathura is complete without indulging in the delicious sweets and delicacies synonymous with the festival. Traditional treats like gujiya, malpua and thandai add a delightful culinary dimension to the festivities, offering a taste of the rich heritage and flavours associated with Holi in North India.

Colourful tradition

As the sun sets on Mathura's Holi celebrations, the city echoes with the laughter, joy and vibrant hues of the festival. Holi in Mathura is not merely a visual spectacle, it's a living mosaic of tradition, spirituality and the timeless tales of Lord Krishna. Participants and observers alike carry with them the vivid memories of a celebration that transcends borders, connecting people through the universal language of colours, love and the enduring spirit of Holi in the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

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