Braj ki Holi - Celebrations Of Holi Festival In Mathura And Vrindavan

Mathura, located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is considered to be the best place to celebrate the colorful and lively festival of Holi. This is because Mathura is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered Hindu deities and the central figure in the Holi festival.

The Holi festival, also known as the "festival of colors," is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna (usually in March). It is a celebration of the victory of good over evil, and the arrival of spring. On this day, people take to the streets and splash each other with brightly colored powders and water, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere.

In Mathura, the celebrations are taken to a whole new level. The city is adorned with colorful decorations and lights, and people from all over the country flock to Mathura to participate in the festivities. The main attraction of the Holi celebrations in Mathura is the Lathmar Holi, where men and women from the neighboring village of Nandgaon visit Mathura and playfully hit each other with sticks while singing and dancing.

Another highlight of the Holi celebrations in Mathura is the Holi Moo Festival, where cows are decorated with colorful garlands and painted with bright colors. This is a symbolic gesture to honor the sacred animal and seek its blessings.

In addition to these unique celebrations, Mathura also offers a range of other attractions for visitors during the Holi festival. These include the Banke Bihari Temple, which is one of the most important Krishna temples in the country, and the ISKCON temple, where devotees participate in traditional Holi celebrations.

Overall, Mathura is the perfect destination to experience the true spirit of the Holi festival and immerse oneself in the vibrant and joyous celebrations. It is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience this colorful and festive occasion.

There are a few key things to keep in mind if you want to celebrate Holi in Mathura:

1. Dress in white clothing: White is the traditional color for Holi, and it is recommended to wear white clothing to fully embrace the spirit of the festival.
    
2. Use natural colors: Synthetic colors can be harmful to the skin and the environment, so it is best to use natural colors made from flowers and herbs. You can buy natural colors from local shops, or make your own by grinding flowers and herbs into a fine powder.
    
3. Participate in the Lathmar Holi: The Lathmar Holi is a unique celebration where men and women from the neighboring village of Nandgaon visit Mathura and playfully hit each other with sticks while singing and dancing. This is a must-see event if you want to experience the true spirit of Holi in Mathura.
    
4. Visit the Banke Bihari Temple: The Banke Bihari Temple is one of the most important Krishna temples in the country, and it is a popular destination during the Holi festival. Devotees visit the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings.
    
5. Visit the ISKCON temple: The ISKCON temple in Mathura is another popular destination during the Holi festival. Devotees participate in traditional Holi celebrations, including singing and dancing, at the temple.

Overall, Mathura is the perfect destination to experience the true spirit of the Holi festival. It is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant and joyous celebrations.