आज बिरज में होरी रे रसिया होरी रे रसिया, बरजोरी रे रसिया उड़त गुलाल लाल भये बादर- केसर रंग में घोरी रे रसिया
The identity of Holi in Braj is unique, in some places, it is Lathamar Holi and at some places the courageous panda passing through the fire seems to remind the mythological Kacha Prastad. Somewhere there is the hubbub of Huranga and somewhere else the charming scenes of Chhadimar Holi played with little Kanha are thrilling. The scenes of Holi of flowers played on the stage and Laddumar Holi in the grand temple of ‘Shriji Radharani’ of Barsana attract the attention of the country and the world. During Laddumar Holi, there is a competition among all the devotees to catch those laddus. Some catch them and put them in their bag, while some eat them at the same time considering them as Prasad of their worshipper.
There are many stories of celebrating Holi in our country but the belief in Braj is that Lord Shri Krishna first played Holi with his beloved Radha Rani. The tradition of Holi in Braj is mentioned by the English collector F.S. Paus has explained this in detail in his famous book ‘Mathura: A District Memoir’ published in 1874.
After the farewell of winter, as soon as Basant Panchami, the holy festival of Mother Saraswati, arrives, the colours of Holi start spreading in the temples of Mathura-Vrindavan and every day in some temple of Vraj,
The unique flavour of cultural events starts disintegrating. Clouds of colours are seen flying in the streets. This series of colorful fun-filled programs continues for about forty days and ends after Rang Panchami.
As soon as Holikashtak begins, a calendar of various Holi festivals played in Braj is brought out. Which Holi will be played on which day in which area of Braj, is written in this calendar so that Holi celebrants and devotees can reach that place as per their convenience.
Holi of Braj has a deep connection with songs and music. Many Krishna-devotee poets have composed poems imagining Holi between Krishna and Radha. A mixture of devotion, joy and a lot of fun can be seen in various types of Holi held at different places in Braj.
As soon as Holikashtak begins, a calendar of various Holi festivals played in Braj is brought out. Which Holi will be played on which day in which area of Braj, is written in this calendar, so that Holi celebrants and devotees can reach that place at their convenience.
