THE HOLI FESTIVAL OF BARSANA AND NANDGAON
In the vibrant extravaganza of Indian festivals, one stands out for its exuberance, diversity, and sheer jubilation – the Holi Festival. Also known as the Festival of Colors, Holi is a celebration that transcends religious and social boundaries, bringing people together in a riot of hues. This ancient Hindu festival has gained global recognition for its unique and joyous traditions, making it a must-experience event for people around the world.
Origins and Legends:
Holi has deep roots in Hindu mythology and is often associated with various legends. One of the most well-known stories is that of Holika and Prahlad. According to Hindu mythology, Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, was saved from the evil intentions of his demoness aunt Holika by the divine intervention of the god. This victory of good over evil is commemorated during Holi, with the lighting of bonfires on the eve of the festival, known as Holika Dahan.
The Festival of Colors:
Holi is renowned for its lively and colorful celebrations, during which people of all ages and backgrounds come together to play with colored powders and water. The streets transform into a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues as friends and family joyously smear each other with gulal (colored powders) and throw water balloons, leaving everyone drenched in the spirit of the festival.
BARSANA LADDU HOLI
Barsana Laddu Holi is a unique and vibrant celebration that takes place in Barsana, a small town near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, India. This colorful and joyous event is an integral part of the larger Holi festivities and is known for its distinctive tradition involving the playful exchange of sweets, particularly laddus (round sweet flour-based balls). Generally this celebration happens on the 7th day after the new moon. On this day, dwellers from Lord Krishna’s village Nandgaon come to Shri Radha Rani’s village Barsana to invite them to reach their village to mark this auspicious festival by playing Holi. They make this day memorable by exchanging sweet laddu, recite chants and play with Gulal powder. The get together happens in the premises of famous Radha rani Temple at Barsana.
BARSANA LATHMAR HOLI
Lathmar Holi is celebrated on the very next day at Barsana at the same temple. People from Nandgaon and all around throng in the temple since morning and indulge themselves joyfully in playing Holi with water colour and colour powder dancing in the rhythm of Dholok, Nakara, Bugle and many more musical instruments.
The key feature of Barsana Lathmar Holi is the playful and symbolic “Lathmar” or stick-fighting ritual. The women of Barsana playfully chase the men from the neighboring town of Nandgaon with sticks, and the men try to protect themselves. The women, armed with sticks, reenact the legendary tale of Radha and her friends driving away Lord Krishna, who, in turn, visits Barsana to playfully tease and engage in this friendly battle.
NANDGAON LATHMAR HOLI
The very next day, people from Barsana come to Nandgaon to celebrate Holi. they meet the village people with big procession carrying flags, drums and flowers at the century old Nandlala temple and organise Samaj and play colour and Lathmar Holi there. Nandgaon Lathmar Holi, with its unique blend of mythology, tradition, and community participation, attracts both locals and tourists. The lively atmosphere, filled with the sound of drums, traditional music, and the vibrant hues of gulal, makes Nandgaon Lathmar Holi a captivating and culturally significant experience within the broader canvas of Holi celebrations in India. The event of SAMAJ , where the Barsana people seat together and recite the sacred chants while people from Nandgaon drench them with water and powder color and flower petals is the most vibrant part of the day’s celebration.
LATHMAR HOLI OF NANDGAON
WIDOW HOLI
Widow Holi in Vrindavan is a unique and heartwarming tradition that takes place in the ancient town of Vrindavan, India. Widows, often marginalized and neglected in mainstream society, find solace and a sense of community during this special celebration.
Historically, widows in India were expected to lead a life of austerity and seclusion, with many societal restrictions imposed upon them. However, the Widow Holi in Vrindavan challenges these norms by providing an opportunity for widows to come together and participate in the joyous festival of colors without the societal stigma that often surrounds them.
During Widow Holi, these women, who have lost their spouses, gather to play with vibrant colored powders, dance, and sing. The event symbolizes the breaking of social shackles and the embracing of life’s joys despite personal losses. It is a powerful testament to the resilience and strength of these widows, as they reclaim a sense of identity and community.
Widow Holi not only brings a sense of liberation to these women but also raises awareness about the need for social reform and inclusivity. The event has gained attention and support from various quarters, when an NGO from India named “SARAL FOUNDATION” first conceptuated and started it on 2015, emphasizing the importance of treating widows with dignity and ensuring that they have the right to participate in cultural and social activities.
In essence, Widow Holi in Vrindavan is a celebration of life, resilience, and the spirit of breaking free from societal constraints, offering hope and empowerment to a marginalized section of society.
WIDOW HOLI OF VRINDAVAN
Holi, the Festival of Colors, is a celebration that goes beyond the splashes of pigments and water. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and the spirit of unity and joy. As people come together to revel in the vibrancy of Holi, they not only celebrate an ancient tradition but also contribute to a global aspects of cultural exchange and shared happiness. So, let us all embrace the colors, culture, and connection that Holi brings and revel in the beauty of this extraordinary festival.
This is just a highlight of Holi Festival of Barsana and Nandgaon from a photographer’s viewpoint. There are much more to see, feel and capture about this festival. If you want to see and know more about it, join me this summer and freeze the enchanting beauty of this century old festival of rituals in your camera. Click here for more details!
