Mathura, February 24 – Lakhs of devotees are expected to join celebrations as the grand religious-cultural extravaganza Rangotsav kicks off from today with Ladoo Holi, followed by Lathmar Holi tomorrow at Barsana.
We are ready to welcome devotees, Barsana is decorated, and we are trying to give it a new look, District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh said. “We are trying to register the Holi as a UNESCO heritage site,” he added.
Ladoo Holi is celebrated in the evening today to celebrate Kanha (Lord Krishna’s) coming to Barsana. Laddus are flung on devotees. It is believed that the tradition was started by Vrishbanu ji, who first distributed Ladoo to celebrate the moment of Joy and Happiness, Madhav Krishna Goswami Sewayat Radha Rani temple, Barsana said. Gulal is playfully thrown on devotees and Goswami’s, he added.
On Wednesday, Huriyars from Nandgaon will reach Radharani temple in Barsana to play Holi. Goswami’s from Radharani temple throw colours and coloured water on guests and perform Samaj Gayan, Madhav Krishna Goswami said.
After completion of Samaj Gayan, they come down to Rangili Gali (street), Phool Gali and Sudama chowk to begin Lathmar Holi. Where females of the Barsana Goswami family play with Nandgaon’s Huriyars. They hit males with lathi (sticks), and Nandgaon Goswami saved them with the help of a shield, he said.
Gujia and Chappan bhog, and Pua (sweet puris) are offered as prasad.
The next day, it is the turn of the Goswami males from Barsana to reach Nandgaon and play Lathmar Holi. Females from Nandgaon beat Huriyare’s from Barsana with sticks, and they save themselves with a shield, Advocate Pawan Kaushik, Sewayat, Danghati temple, Goverdhan said.
Padmashri Krishna Kanhai Chitrakar said that Holi is the heart of Brijbhumi. One cannot feel the magic while sitting at home; you have to be here to feel the joy. Fortunately, In Brij bhoomi we live those moments, which were part of Lord Krishna’s Leelas. That is why it’s popularly called Jag Hori Brij Hora.