Braj Ki Holi 2024 full calendar: Dates of the 10-day Holi celebrations in Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana
The festival of colors – Holi, in the Braj region of India including Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana holds a very special meaning. Besides the common “love” symbol, Holi in the Braj area is mainly known to be rich in traditional cultural elements; it keeps its followers as well as tourists from many different countries entertained by the ten days of celebration. Playing with colors, and temple rituals combined with live folk shows give you not only the opportunity to party but also experience the culture. Here is a complete calendar of the 10-day Holi celebrations in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana for the year 2024:
Laddoo Holi- March 17, Sunday
The ‘Laddoo Holi’ is celebrated on March 17, Sunday with a lot of fun and enthusiasm in the Sheet Ji temple in the district of Barsana in Mathura. Pandya Ji known basically as Panda and a Brahmachari under the priest caste from Barsana goes to Nandgaon to play Holi. The moment when the Panda comes back to Barsana, the people of Barsana welcome him with laddoos that have been passed down from generation to generation. The devotees of Shriji Temple come and sit in large numbers here, sweets (sweet balls) are thrown at them amidst the running way of colors, song, and dance. People enjoy their time and food a lot. For them, sweets are more than just treats; they regard them as a blessing. Recollection of the latter days when Krishnaji unshowered Radha Ji with flowers is reminiscent of people showering the statues of Shri Krishna and Radha Ji with flowers.
Lathmar Holi – March 18 Monday
The lath-playing Holi festival of Barsana is one of the most known in the world attracting thousands of devotees. It is celebrated on March 18- Monday.
Barsana was the ancient name of Gokul, where devout Radha used to live, and Lord Krishna and his childhood friend used to visit to play Holi with Radha. They used to play Holi with all joyful desire among Radha and her friends, who used to chase them with bamboo sticks or lath. Now, we act in the ritual form that holds the tradition. In the modern days, the men who are from Nandgaon visit Barsana to be hit up by the women with the stick they possess. The Nanda maidens get their turn the day after as they are plotting vengeful revenge.
The next day – March 19- Tuesday Barsana boys come to Nandgaon to throw color on the women but the women countered their attack with their bamboo sticks, to again celebrate Lathmar Holi. These events usually culminate in healthy competition and a function that the entire world is proud of.
Phoolwali Holi – March 20, Wednesday
The incomparable joy of seeing streets filled with colorful flower petals during Phoolon Wali Holi or the “Holi of Flowers” event is celebrated on March – 20, Wednesday. Lord Krishna and Radha’s MYTHOLOGY which expresses their friendship were the source of it. Interestingly, with this approach, the celebration of Holi exemplifies gentle, friendly, and unspoiled contact with nature. Hereby, it promotes harmony and rejuvenation among us.
Read More – Holi 2024: How the festival of colours is celebrated in different parts of India
Chhadi Mar Holi in Gokul- March 21, Thursday
Chaddi Mar Holi is celebrated on March 21, Thursday in Gokul which is around 15 km away from Mathura, this is a similar subculture to Lathmar Holi. In areas of large laths, small sticks are used by women to playfully beat men.
Widow’s Holi – March 23, Saturday
Widow’s Holi or “Holi of the Widows,” has a tragic but affectionate place in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, where widows, sometimes denied their time of celebration due to strict social norms, enjoy the festival of colors Contrary to the imposed limitations of society, they rejoice in the festival of Holi wholeheartedly, thereby gesturing their victory in the procedure of love rising above despair, and the taking back of their lost happiness and dignity.
Read More – Holi 2024 Bhojpuri Songs: Top 5 Popular Peppy Tracks To Play On This Festival Of Colours
Holika Dahan – March 24, Sunday
The Holika Dahan or Holi symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The communal tale mentions that Hiranyakashipu got very high when Prahlad was said to be very devoted to his God, Lord Vishnu, and, joining Holika against Prahlad, had Prahlad burned alive. Indeed, Holika’s grant of a boon ironically turned back against her, appearing as Prahlad emerged unhurt while Holika was consumed by fire. This custom is a symbol of the triumph of virtue over vice in which the community joins to burn the image of Holika. The occasion is full of songs, wishes, and celebration.
Holi – March 25, Monday
Holi symbolizes the eve of the victory of good and the arrival of spring, which is a Hindu celebration. About Lord Krishna, it can be said that the fiction suggests how He once used rainbow colors to manifest his affection for Radha. This artifact was an emblem of unity, forgiveness, and overcoming darkness with light. Celebrants take colors big and others also paint on their bodies, join in singing, and share sweets in a process that encourages harmony and renewal of the communities.
Huranga Holi – March 26, Tuesday
Huranga Holi is a unique tradition observed in Dauji Temple, Mathura, where women playfully strip men of their shirts and beat them with sticks. According to folklore, it commemorates Lord Krishna’s jest with the women of Barsana. This playful exchange symbolizes Krishna’s playful interactions with the gopis, adding a lively dimension to the festival’s festivities.
Holi 2024 in Vrindavan, Barsana, and Mathura will remain, engraved in the hearts of all who will be fortunate to take part in this festival. In these sacred towns, where the playful antics of Lord Krishna and Radha come alive amidst a sea of colors, Holi isn’t merely a festival, it’s a spiritual journey, a testament to the enduring bond between humanity and the divine.
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