Mathura, February 27- Rangbhari Ekadashi marks the beginning of Holi in temples of Vrindavan. Long queue of devotees seen outside major temple. The enthusiasm of devotees makes the entire atmosphere nostalgic.
At Vrindavan’s Bankey Bihari temple Thakur ji played with devotees. Gyanendra Kishor Goswami Sewayat Sri Bankey Bihari temple said. The holi begins with Thakur ji using Kesar, Gulab Jal, Tesu flower (the flame of the forest) and perfume filled water gun (Pichkari) on Radha Rani after which Radhi Rani playfully splash colours on Thakur Bankey Bihari ji.
Origin of Holi dates back to Dwapar Yug, when Radha rani first applied colour on cheeks of Lord Krishna, Goswami added.
Gujia and Jalebi are offered after Ekadashi to thakur ji. The holi will be observed in both morning and evening darshans. Bankey Bihari Lal adorn a white attire , Gyanendra Kishore Goswami said. He will continue wearing the white attire till the day of dhulandi , when he will adorn a Pink attire.
“ Aj Biraj main holi re rasiya, Fag khelan Barsane aaye hai, Holi khelan aye natwar nand Kishore, Natwar Nandkishor were sung not only inside temples but can be herd across narrow streets of Vrindavan, which was making the entire scene vibrant,he added.
Swami Haridas while pampering Thakur Bankey Bihari Lal used to sing “ Naik aage aa shyam tope rang dalu “ the same was sung by sewayat of temples, Anant Goswami, Sewayat Sri Bankey Bihari temple said. Devotees also played Flower Holi with Thakur ji. Laddu Holi will be played tomorrow, which will be followed by Jalebi Holi. Goswami added.
There was limitless energy and passion of devotees to play Holi with their beloved Thakur ji in spite of heavy rush in the temple, Shashank Goswami sewayat at Sri Bankey Bihari temple said. The temple hall was covered with vibrant colours of Holi as devotees played Holi with Bankey Bihari , he added.
However he was pained by arrangements which include movement restrictions made by administration which were creating more troubles for senior citizens, women and locals rather than making it easier for them. he added.
At Radha Damodar temple more than 200 foreigners join Holi celebrations which began from evening darshans yesterday, Krishna Balram Goswami sewayat Radha Damodar temple said. when Thakur ji and Radha Rani played with silver Pichkari (water gun). The deity adorns a Basanti attire. Women men and kids were dancing and singing aj biraj main Holi re rasiya and playing gulal with deity . Gujia and jalebi was distributed as peashad
A possession amid dhol (drum) and nagaras( kettle drum) will be taken out from Radha Ballabh temple which will cover prominent areas of Vrindavan and will invite devotees for Holi celebrations which will start from evening darshans. Sukrati Lal Goswami sewayat Sri Radha Ballabh temple said. This day holds great importance for the temple as the deity got married today. He added.
Prominent saint of Vrindavan Dr Swami Avasheshanad said Holi is lived in brijbhumi . Devotees play with their beloved lord Krishna and RadhaRani, sing and dance which is unparalleled.
The President Justice Ashok Kumar and Secretary Sri Bankey Bihari temple high-powered committee and District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh informed that live streaming of Thakur ji’s darshan is now available on its social media page from 1 pm today, which is available at https://www.facebook.com/thakurjishribankebihariji/,https://www.instagram.com/thakurjishribankebihariji/, https://x.com/ThakurjiSBBji.
The district Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh said that officers are instructed to check use of fake and harmful colours and gulal, which use chemicals .
He said police personnel, fire , electricity and health officials are posted across Parikrama marg in Vrindavan. The officials on duty are told to be polite with devotees.
SSP Shlok Kumar said that the police personnel are instructed to keep strict vigil and take strict action against miscreants who are involved in inappropriate physical / verbal advances with women , children and senior citizens. “ we are keeping an eye on people spreading rumours”, he said.
“We have developed a qr code for convenience of devotees. The qr will carry information about hospitals, parking, Police assistance center and health camps in Vrindavan for devotees”, The SSP said.
