Holi 2024 at Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan: Holi is popularly referred to as the festival of colours. This vibrant festival essentially is the occasion to spread joy, harmony and happiness in the society. The festival of colours is one of the most popular spring festivities. The Holi festival reminds people to let go of grudges and come together to spread joy and love. Friends and family gather to smear colours and splash water while dancing to the beat of dhol.
In Braj Bhoomi, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Holi takes on a unique hue, deviating from the customary splashes of colors seen across the country. Here, it is an enchanting celebration adorned with vibrant flowers, preceding the grand Holi festivities at the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. Devotees congregate at the temple, where the air is filled with a fragrant shower of blossoms, marking a sacred spectacle.
Amidst the revelry of Vrindavan's Holi, devotees assemble at the revered Shreeji Temple. In a tradition reminiscent of Lord Krishna and Radhaji's playful moments, laddus, symbolic sweet balls, are joyfully tossed and blessed. Alongside, worshippers offer flowers to the divine idols, cherishing the spirit of the ancient Holi festivities. Moreover, the event advocates for safety, utilizing natural colors extracted from flowers to impart a profound message.
Phool Wali Holi is quite popular among the tourists who visit the holy city of Vrindavan. Before the Holi day, Phool Wali Holi is celebrated. This year Phool Wali Holi at the famous Bankebihari temple of Vrindavan will be celebrated on March 3, as per the panchang. On this day colourful flower petals are showered on the idols Radha-Krishna at the temple.
Holi is steeped in numerous mythological tales, each contributing to the rich tapestry of its origins. One such legend revolves around the childhood of Lord Krishna. As a young boy, he lamented to his mother about the stark contrast in skin tones between himself and Goddess Radha. In response, his mother suggested a playful solution: applying vibrant colours to Radha's complexion, birthing the joyful tradition of Braj ki Holi. The narrative unfolds with an annual journey undertaken by Lord Krishna from Nandgaon to Barsana, where Radha and her companions playfully wield sticks in jest.
Another captivating story centers around Prahlad and Hiranyakashyap. Prahlad, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, faced opposition from his powerful and malevolent father, Hiranyakashyap. The father desired his son's allegiance to him rather than to Lord Vishnu. A nefarious plot was hatched involving Holika, Hiranyakashyap's sister, who possessed a boon rendering her impervious to fire. The plan involved Holika sitting in the flames with Prahlad in her lap. However, the divine intervention protected Prahlad, while Holika met her demise as the flames engulfed her, penalising her misuse of supernatural powers.
This is how the tradition of Holika dahan or Holika bonfire started being practiced to mark the beginning of this Hindu festival.
Later, Hiranyakashyap was left aghast with the incident and challenged his son to show if his God exists. When Prahlad affirmed the omnipresence of Lord Vishnu, the infuriated father broke down the pillar on which his son was sitting and was shocked to see a half-lion and half-human featured boar coming out of it.
Lord Vishnu took the form of this huge boar, called Narasimha, to rip Hiranyakashyap¡¯s torso apart with his bare nails and kill the king at twilight.
Holi 2024 in India falls on Monday, March 25th, marking the celebration of Rangwali Holi, where people gleefully smear colors on each other. Preceding this vibrant festivity is Holika Dahan, observed on March 24th, a day dedicated to bonfires and traditional rituals. The festival of Phoolon ki Holi, also known as Holi with flowers, continues to attract tourists and pilgrims from both India and abroad. This beloved event not only showcases India's rich customs and traditions but also acts as a platform for cultural exchange and mutual understanding, promoting unity amidst diversity.
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