Holi colors are thousands in Braj. Everything here is for Krishna and Krishna is for everyone. This is the reason that while Holi is played on the day of Phalgun Purnima across the country, this process starts in Brajmandal a month in advance. From the Holi of Laddus to Lathmar Holi, from Holi of flowers to Dau ji’s hurange … The color of Holi in Braj is different from every part of the country.
The biggest special thing is that even today it is played according to the expressions and characters of Holi Katha, in which the entire Brajmandal joins and plays his own character. Every creature living in Braj (not only humans) considers himself close to Krishna and has written that Kavivar Rasakhan has been written for this desire centuries ago that …
Manush Hau, the same Rasakhan Basau Braj Gokul village Guaran
Whatever you say, I said, Basu, my Charaun Nit Nand’s Dhenu Manjharan.
Related news
If you want to do the same to Giri, the Chhatra Purandar Karan,
Joe Khag Hau Basro Karun Mili Mili Kalindi-Kool-Kadamb’s Daran.
People from far and wide reach out to see this witness of the people of Braj and become a part of this Holi. Holi begins with the singing tradition of Rasiya songs in temples since Vasant Panchami and then it spreads from home, house to street, street to street, road to chaubare and chaubare to village and village and city. By 15 days, from the entire Mathura city to Gokul-Vrindavan, only the color of gaiety remains shadow.
Laddus start with Holi
Holi starts with Holi of Laddus in Braj. Starting from Barsana village, this Holi is considered a symbol of invitation. According to the belief, Radha symbolizes Nandgaon laddus and starts Huddang of Nandgaon. The view of this Holi of sweet laddus is worth seeing.
A folklore of how Laddu Holi started. It is said that Nandababa, troubled by Kansa’s atrocities, went away from Gokul with the entire village and started living there after settling Nandgaon. They had old relations with Barsana village and in Teej-festival-Vrat used to celebrate with the two villagers, but after leaving Gokul, when the distance between the two villages increased, it felt that the series would be broken, then Radharani’s father went to Nandgaon to invite Holi with Laddus at the behest of Radharani’s father Vrishabhanu ji. Since then this series started.
Then Krishna’s children filled it even more. The groups of Gop Sakhas used to come to invite Kanhaiya to play Holi and he used to snatch laddus on the way and loot them. This process of looting laddus also became a part of sports and raas and thus Holi with laddus started.
In today’s era, invitation laddus are sent from Radhaji temple of Barsana to Nandgaon and then Panda from Nandgaon’s temple from Bihari ji’s temple reach Radhaji temple at this invitation. Here they are welcomed with enthusiasm and a bundle of laddus is presented in farewell. These laddus are looted on devotees.
Barsana’s famous Lathmar Holi
Lathmar Holi is one of the most popular Holi of Braj. In this, Huriyare of Nandgaon reaches Barsana and try to drench the gopikas in color. In response to this, the gopis kill them with sticks and defend themselves from a shield made of clothes. This unique Holi on the beat of Dhol-Mridang fills with enthusiasm and enthusiasm.
Braj’s Lathmar Holi is not only a celebration of colors, but is a unique confluence of love, mischief and tradition. This Holi is mainly played in Barsana and Nandgaon and its roots are related to the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha Rani. According to mythological beliefs, Shri Krishna used to come to play Barsana Holi from Nandgaon with his friends. When she used to colors Radha and her friends, the gopis used to attack them with sticks (Lath) to defend themselves.
Lathmar Holi is not just a festival of colors but also an ancient example of women empowerment. A folklore is prevalent that Kansa used to go on every day to kill Krishna-Balaram. Once, he sent some of his soldiers and planned to kidnap Braj Gopikas. For this, Kansa chose the day of Holi. Kansa soldiers joined the team as Huriyare of Nandgaon. Krishna came to know about this. He planned in association with his friends and gopis. According to this plan, the gopis beat up the soldiers of Kansa, who were disguised as the Hurriyas.
After this, Lathmar Holi became the identity of Braj.
Flower Holi
Holi of flowers is a symbol of Radha and Krishna’s intimate love. It is said that on the date of Phulera Dooj, Shri Krishna was married to Radha Rani and this marriage was done by Brahmaji himself. This marriage took place in the form of Bhagwat, in which both Radha-Krishna were in their God part. In the joy of this marriage, all the gods were happy to rain flowers on both of them and Radha-Krishna also participated in this Holi with his friends. Even today, when the Hindu marriage is not able to get the right date for anyone’s marriage in the ritual, then he is married to Phulera Dooj, because this date is Abujh Muhurta for marriage marriage. After this belief associated with Radha-Krishna, Holi of flowers also became part of the culture of Mathura.
Dhulendi and Sote Holi
Holi of Dhulendi is celebrated in a special way in Braj. On this day, love and fun between the brother-in-law are also seen. The brother -in -law adds colors on the sisters and the sisters beat them with a solution made of soaked clothes. This Holi is considered a symbol of increasing love and harmony in family and social relationships.
Dauji’s Huranga: Holi is played in honor of Balarama
Holi in Braj concludes with Dauji’s Hunga. This Holi is played in honor of Lord Krishna’s elder brother Balarama. While Krishna is considered to be the friend of the entire Braj, Balarama is worshiped as everyone’s elder brother. On this day a special event is held in Mathura, Radha-Krishna is offered and then the celebration of Dhulendi reaches its peak.
Holi in Braj is not just a festival, but a confluence of tradition, culture and devotion. Here every street, every chaupal and every temple are seen in the color of Holi. This is the reason that people from all over the world reach Brajdham to enjoy this unique Holi.