Holi

In Braj (Vrindavan and Mathura), during Holi, there is never a shortage of things to do. The festivities at different villages and temples were left tired and gasping for breath. Additionally, cannabis is readily available. On the first day, Laddu Holi is celebrated in Barsana. The event is more of a preparatory one, to kick start the festivities. Pujas are performed at the Radha Rani temple to set the atmosphere for Lathmaar Holi, which is played on the following day. On the day of Lathmaar Holi in Barsana, the temple is decorated, and people visit in the morning to seek blessings from the deities. The people play Holi in the temple premises itself. The constant beats of dhols (drums) set the mood for the ensuring merrymaking. The temple shuts briefly for lunch and reopens in the evening when the women of Barsana barge in with their lathis to beat up the men of Nandgaon. The men, in turn, come equipped with shields to ave themselves. However, many come unarmed and willingly enjoy a beating or two. The scene is quite euphoric to witness – a bunch of women beating up a few men with lathis amidst constant hooting from the people watching them and shutterbugs running around to capture the frenzy. Adding the right hue to the frame is the gulaal that seems to be floating in the air. In Mathura, a massive cultural program is organized at the Krishna Janmabhoomi complex. Various artists stage plays on Lord Krishna and his life, the story of Holi, etc. In Vrindavan, people play Holi at Banke Bihari temple and move from temple to temple in a large procession.