The Holi festival of Mathura, also known as the Braj Holi, is famous worldwide. The ‘Phag’ festival in Mathura begins on the occasion of Vasant Panchami. Among the various types of Holi celebrations in Braj, notable ones include the Lathmar Holi of Barsana, Laddoo Holi at Radharani’s palace, Chhadimar Holi of Gokul, Huranga of Rawal, Holika Dahan and the colourful Holi festivities. People from every part of the globe visit Mathura to experience the Braj Holi celebrations, with the Lathmar Holi and Laddoo Holi being particularly unique. Preparations for Holi in the Braj region commence on Phulera Dooj.
On the first day of Holashtak, the Gopis of Barsana extend invitations to the Phag festival in Nandgaon on Phalgun Shukla Ashtami. That evening, upon receiving the acceptance message for the Phag invitation at the temple of Radharani, Laddu Holi is celebrated. Then, on Phalgun Shukla Navami, the Lathmar Holi of Barsana takes place, during which the men from Nandgaon are greeted with sticks and colours. If you wish to participate in the renowned Holi celebrations of Mathura this year, it is advisable to consult the Holi calendar. For the complete schedule of the Braj Holi festivities, one can refer to the program provided by Acharya Rasraj Mridul Ji Maharaj of Vrindavan.
Phulera Dooj falls on the second day of the waxing phase of the Phalgun month. On this day, Lord Shri Krishna engages in Holi celebrations with flowers.
On March 17, which falls on a Sunday, the Phag Invitation Festival takes place at the Radharani Temple in Barsana, accompanied by Laddu Holi festivities. Invitations for the Nandgaon Phag Festival are dispatched from the Ladli Ji Temple in Barsana. Subsequently, in the evening, a group from Nandgaon arrives at Ladli Ji’s temple with a message accepting the invitation. As a gesture of acceptance, they are offered laddus to consume and Laddu Holi celebrations ensue.
The following day after Barsana’s Lathmar Holi, the Lathmar Holi of Nandgaon is celebrated. The men from Nandgaon, known as Hurayare, visit Lathmar Barsana to partake in Holi festivities. The Gopis adorn them with colours and welcome them with sticks.
On March 20, which falls on a Wednesday, Phoolwali Holi is celebrated in Vrindavan. Additionally, Holi celebrations take place at the Mathura, also known as Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, alongside the observance of Rangbhari Ekadashi. On this day, devotees worship Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati and offer them Abeer and Gulal. This Holi celebration is also observed in Kashi.
Following Phoolwali Holi in Vrindavan, Gokul Ki Chhadimar Holi is organised and celebrated in Gokul.
This year, Holika Dahan is scheduled for March 24. Holika Dahan traditionally occurs on Phalgun Purnima during an auspicious time without Bhadra. However, this time, due to Bhadra, there is no auspicious time in the evening for Holika Dahan. As a result, Holika Dahan will take place late at night.
On March 25, which falls on a Monday, Holi of colours is celebrated nationwide, marking the day after Holika Dahan. Rang Panchami, which falls on the fifth day of the waning phase of the Chaitra month will be celebrated to conclude the Holi festivities.
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