Holi 2017: Splash of Colours in Vrindavan
Holi, a celebration of colours, is a unique festival celebrated widely in India and among Indian diaspora abroad. A festival that marks the end of winter and onset of spring sees people embrace nature by submerging in colours. The festival also celebrates peace, happiness and tranquillity. Holi is all about sharing moments of vivid joy with friends, family and dear ones.
Holi colours turn more vibrant and the celebrations have a special symbolism at Vrindavan, in northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, which is believed to be the childhood abode of Lord Krishna, a Hindu deity. Thousands of devotees from across India gather each year to mark the festival here.
The festivities begin with colourful flowers, marking the arrival of spring. Devotees chant bhajans (Hindu hymns) praising Lord Krisha and showering flowers across the city, which they call ‘Phoolonwali Holi’ (Holi of flowers).
Immediately after ‘Phoolon wali holi’, the cloud of gulal (natural powders of colours) engulfs all and the the atmosphere turns into a majestic fervour of the festivities.
Faces turn red, green, yellow and in all other colours you can imagine, as a result of which faces can hardly be distinguished. Shri Bankey Bihari Mandir, the temple dedicated to Lord Krisha, is the main spot of the Holi festivities.
Another significant addition to the holi celebration this time around was that hundreds of widows from the ashrams of Vrindavan and Varanasi joining the revelry, keeping aside the archaic tradition of widows not being allowed to take part in festivals.
Media India Group brings to you glimpses of the colourful sojourn from this mystically holy city of Vrindavan. Happy Holi!
