Where Holi goes on for 50 days | India Gazette

Where Holi goes on for 50 days

India Gazette (IANS) Wednesday 7th March, 2012

It may be a one-day affair in the rest of India, but Holi is a 50-day cultural exposition in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh.

In the five districts of the Agra division that make up Braj, it is a no-holds-barred celebration inspired by the legend of Krishna-Radha and replete with examples of Mughal emperors like Akbar and Jahangir who enthusiastically participated in the festival.

'Normally, it is a 50-day affair starting with Basant Panchami,' said Acharya Jaimini of Vrindavan.

The festivities begin with Holi celebrations at the Dwarkadheesh temple in Mathura. Braj, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is located within a 100-km radius of the Hindu pilgrim town.

'We mostly use natural colours made by mixing tesu flowers with lukewarm water, so that the little Krishna doesn't catch cold,' a temple official said.

Jagannath Poddar, director of the NGO Friends of Vrindavan, said: 'This festival is more socio-cultural than religious as all communities join the festivities, sing, dance and throw colours.'

Referring to 'Lat Maar' holi of Barsana town where woman revellers beat up men with sticks, he said, 'Occasionally, people let out steam through violence!'

In the narrow lanes of Barsana town, thousands of pilgrims, showering colours and rose petals, line up along the 252 steps to the Radha temple on the hill to witness its Lat Maar Holi.

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