People from all corners of India, rather, world gather at
Mathura-Vrindavan every year to feel the essence of Holi in the land of
Krishna. People relive the legends of Holi associated with Radha and Krishna
and play pranks the young Krishna played with the cowgirls called gopis. The
underlying feeling of this fun-frolic was love and devotion. Even today,
romance can be experienced in the very atmosphere in the Krishna-nagari. One
just needs to breathe in this air and drench oneself in the feeling of love
and romance. Myriad colours of Holi are simply a facade on this.
Celebrations Continue for a Week
With an immensely strong bonding with Lord Krishna, people of Mathura and
Vrindavan celebrate Holi for over a week. Each major Krishna temple
celebrates Holi on a different day.
Of immense interest for the tourist is the celebrations which take place at
the famous
Bakai-Bihari Temple at Vrindavan. Drenched in the colours
of Holi people can be found totally immersed in the spirit of devotion here.
Another interesting place for Holi celebrations is
Gulal-Kund in Braj;
a beautiful little lake near Govardhan mountain. Here, the festival is
commemorated on a more regular basis. Pilgrims can see the re-enactments of
Holi throughout the year at this lake. Local boys, acting in the
Krishna-Lila drama troupes re-enact the scenes of Holi for the pilgrims.
So much is the passion of the people here, that they throng these temples
every day and get drenched in coloured water...all in the name of the Lord
they love so much.
The Legend
The tradition of playing colours on Holi draws its roots from a legend of
Radha and Krishna. It is said that young Krishna was jealous of Radha's fair
complexion since he himself was very dark. He narrated his woe to mother
Yashoda, who teasingly asked him to colour Radha's face in which ever colour
he wanted. In a mischievous mood, Krishna applied colour on Radha's face.
The tradition of applying colour on one's beloved is being religiously
followed till date.
