Mumbai: The grand festival of Holi has officially begun in the sacred lands of Mathura and Vrindavan from February 3, 2025. Renowned worldwide, Braj Holi attracts devotees not just from India but from all corners of the globe to witness and participate in the divine celebration with Lord Krishna and Radha Rani. Over the next 40 days, the entire Braj region will be immersed in colours, devotion, and festivities dedicated to Lord Krishna, making it one of the longest and most vibrant Holi celebrations in the world.

Unlike the usual two-day Holi festivities in most parts of India, Braj Holi is an extended affair that brings alive the spirit of devotion through unique customs, playful traditions, and historical rituals. Each day of these 40 days is filled with a different form of Holi celebration, ranging from flower Holi to the famous Lathmar Holi, drawing thousands of visitors to this sacred land.

Holi in Braj Lasts for 40 Days

The Braj region, encompassing Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and Gokul, celebrates Holi for an astonishing 40 days. The celebrations are a mix of cultural heritage, religious significance, and unmatched vibrancy. Devotees engage in various forms of Holi, including:

• Phoolon ki holi (flower holi): A mesmerising event where Holi is played using fragrant flower petals instead of colours.
• Lathmar Holi: A unique tradition in Barsana where women playfully hit men with sticks (lath) while the men try to shield themselves.
• Laddoo holi: A delightful event where sweets (laddoos) are thrown as part of the celebration.

The celebrations officially begin on Basant Panchami, the day when devotees at Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan welcome the festival with a vibrant display of gulal (coloured powder).

How Holi Begins in Braj

Basant Panchami marks the commencement of the Holi festivities in Braj. On this day, Lord Krishna’s idol at Banke Bihari Temple is adorned in yellow garments, symbolising the arrival of spring. The idol is also smeared with gulal, signifying the start of Holi. This tradition has been followed for centuries and sets the tone for the upcoming colourful celebrations.

Inside the temple, the atmosphere becomes enchanting as clouds of gulal fill the air, and devotees engage in devotional dances and bhajans (spiritual songs). The sight of devotees joyfully playing Holi with Banke Bihari himself makes this event truly divine and mesmerising.

Braj Holi 2025 Schedule

The Holi celebrations in Braj follow a meticulously planned schedule, ensuring devotees experience every unique aspect of the festival. Here is the complete calendar for Braj Holi 2025:

1. February 3 – Holi begins with the ceremonial installation of the Holi flag at Ladliji Temple in Barsana.
2. February 28 – The first chaupai of holi is suung at ladliji temple on the evcasement of maha shivratri.
3. March 7 – Invitation for Holi is sent to the sakhis (female companions of Radha), followed by the playful Laddoo Mar Holi at Ladliji Mahal in the evening.
4. March 8 – Lathmar Holi is celebrated in the famous Rangili Gali of Barsana.
5. March 9 – Nandgaon hosts its own Lathmar Holi.
6. March 10 – Rangbharani Holi at Vrindavan, Holi at Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, and Phoolon Ki Holi at Banke Bihari Temple.
7. March 11 – Holi Celebrations at Dwarkadhish Temple and Ramanreti in Gokul.
8. March 12 – Devotees participate in Holi at Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan and Chaturvedi Samaj’s Holi procession in Mathura.
9. March 13 – Holika Dahan, the traditional bonfire night across Braj.
10. March 14 – Dhulendi, the main day of colours.
11. March 15 – Dauiji will be houted at Baldeo.
12. March 16 – Nandgaon will be rotated.
13. March 17 – Traditional Shutings in Jab Village.
14. March 18 – Chakula Dance at Mukharai.
15. March 21 – A PPsonti, I'm Not A Rang.
16. March 22 – Holi at Ranganathji Temple in Vrindavan.

Experience the Magic of Braj Holi

Braj Holi is not just a festival; it is a divine experience where devotion meets celebration. The streets of Mathura and Vrindavan transform into a colourful spectacle, filled with music, dance, and spiritual fervour. The echoes of ‘Radhe Radhe’ and ‘Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari’ resonate through the air, adding a mystical charm to the entire festival.

From playing Holi with flowers to experiencing the energetic Lathmar Holi, every moment in Braj during these 40 days is enchanting. If you seek to witness the true essence of Holi, visiting Braj during this period will undoubtedly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Braj Holi

Braj Holi is more than just a festival of colours—it is a celebration of divine love and devotion. The unique traditions, historical significance, and mesmerising sights of Holi in Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and Gokul make it a must-visit event for every devotee and traveller. As the festival unfolds over 40 days, it immerses everyone in a spiritual and joyous ambience, making it one of the grandest Holi celebrations in the world.

So, if you are planning to celebrate Holi in 2025, Braj should be at the top of your list! Witness the magic of Krishna’s land and indulge in a festival that truly defines the spirit of Holi.