Holi in Mathura

Holi in Mathura is an important Indian religious festival. It is celebrated with color and gaiety throughout India. Holi in India is celebrated in spring during the Indian month of 'Falgun'. To be specific it is celebrated on 'Falgun' Full moon day. It is celebrated with plenty of color. People of all ages join in this merriment.

The Holi festival is associated with the coming of spring after the culmination of winter. In north India Holi is also termed as 'Basant Utsav' (spring festival). Holi, the festival of color may be traced during Lord Krishna's childhood.

Lord Krishna was born in Mathura and brought up in Vrindavan, a village on the opposite bank of the river Yamuna. According to legend, Lord Krishna was very jealous of Radha who was fair complexioned while he himself was dusky. On complaining this to his mother Yashoda, she suggested Krishna to smear Radha with whatever color he desired. This was the beginning of Holi becoming a festival of colors.

Holi festival in Mathura is celebrated with fun and frolic in fond memory of Lord Krishna and Radha. Mathura Holi is celebrated for over a week.

On each day of the week Holi is celebrated in a different temple. Together with Mathura, Holi is celebrated with fervor in Vrindavan. Holi in Bakai-Vihari Temple in Vrindavan is particularly significant.

Holi festival in Mathura also celebrated as 'Gulal-Kund' in Braj, a marvelous lake near the Govardhan hill. Tourists and pilgrims drench themselves in color while visiting this sacred site. This ritual is a regular practice in this lake.

Holi in Mathura is a significant festival which is held on March new moon day. Pilgrims and tourists from all over India and abroad throng to Mathura in Uttar Pradesh to participate in this week long ritual. Mathura is well connected by road and rail from Delhi and other parts of India.

Last Updated on : 18 March 2011