.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Why to visit Holi in Mathura
Holi is celebrated in many different ways across India, but the 10-day Braj Ki Holi festivities are particularly special. These celebrations, inspired by the lives of Shri Krishna and Radha, are full of unique, colourful rituals. They take place in places like Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Nandgaon, and Gokul, where Krishna spent his childhood. It's like stepping into a lively world of tradition and joy, honouring the playful spirit of Krishna Kanhaiya.
So, let's explore the super unique Holi of India:
Laddoo Holi
Laddoo Holi or Laddoo ki Holi, where women playfully throw motichoor or besan laddoos at men, symbolizing how the Gopis mischievously teased Shri Krishna.
- Date: Eight days before Main Holi
- Popular Location: Shri Ji Temple at Barsana (50 km away from Mathura)
Note: The Shri Radha Rani Temple sits atop a hill, and you'll need to climb over 100 stairs to get there.
Lathmaar Holi
Lathmar Holi comes from "lath" meaning "stick" and "mar" meaning "to beat." On the 18th, men from Nandgaon visit Barsana, where women playfully chase and hit them with sticks. The next day, men from Barsana visit Nandgaon, teasing the women with sticks, who in turn chase them away. It's a joyful celebration filled with shouting and drumming, with some men even dressing up as women to dance together.
- Date: Six and seven days before Main Holi
- Time: Starts about 4:30-5 pm
- Popular Location: Nandgaon and Barsana
Phoolon Wali Holi
This Holi is played with flowers instead of coloured powders, making the streets of Mathura burst with a beautiful floral display.
- Date: Five days before Main Holi
- Time: Starts around 4 pm tentatively
- Popular Location: Banke Bihari Temple (Vrindavan), and Dwarkadhish Temple (Mathura)
Chhadi Mar Holi, Gokul
In Gokul, near Mathura, there's a tradition similar to Lathmar Holi where women use small sticks instead of big ones to playfully hit men. It is celebrated in a way like Radha and Krishna teased each other.
- Date: Four days before Main Holi
- Time: Starts around 12 pm tentatively
- Popular Location: Gokul Chandrama Temple (10 km from Mathura)
Gokul Holi
On this day, you can be part of the vibrant Holi celebrations in Gokul, the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood!
- Date: Three days before Main Holi
- Place: Gokul
- Popular Location: Raman Reti Temple (11.6 km away from Mathura)
Widow’s Holi
On this special day, widows wear vibrant colours like red and pink, which they don't usually wear. They gather at Gopinath Temple to play Holi with coloured powders and flowers, sing, dance, and enjoy each other's company.
- Date: Two days before Main Holi
- Popular Location: Radha Gopinath Temple (12 km from Mathura)
Holika Dahan at Mathura
On this day, in the Braj region, people celebrate Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi in a traditional manner by lighting a bonfire. They celebrate the victory of Prahlad over Holika and the triumph of good over evil.
- Date: One day before Main Holi
- Popular Location: Dwarkadhish Temple (3.2 km away from Mathura)
Tradition: In Mathura, there's usually a big parade starting at Vishram Ghat around 3 pm and going all the way to Holi Gate until sunset. During the parade, people dress up as Krishna and Radha and throw colours at each other. You can join the parade to experience the excitement of the locals.
Main Holi
During this celebration, in temples, priests sprinkle natural colors like flower petals and saffron on locals and visitors who join the celebration from all over the country. Usually, everyone celebrates at home and in the streets with colourful water and powder.
- Time: Starts around 10 am
- Popular Location: ISKCON Temple (Mathura)
Dauji’s Huranga Holi
The day after Holi, at the Dauji temple near Mathura, men and women participate in the traditional Huranga game.
- Date: A day after Main Holi
- Time: Starts from 12:30 pm and last till 4 pm
- Duration: approx 3½ hours
- Popular Location: Dauji Temple (20.1 km away from Mathura)
Note: The timings suggested above may vary, kindly confirm upon your visit.
How to reach Mathura?
Here are some ways to reach Mathura:
- By Train: New Delhi to Mathura Junction (Mathura Jn) takes 1 hour approx.
- By Bus: Delhi to Mathura, and the ride usually lasts about 3 hours.
- By Air: Mathura doesn't have an airport, but you can fly to nearby ones. The Kheria Airport in Agra (65 kilometres away); Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi (145 kilometers from Mathura).
- By Taxi or Car: You can rent a taxi or drive your car. Mathura is about 160 kilometers from Delhi, and the drive usually takes around 2 hours.
