Braj Holi 2024: Holi will be celebrated nationwide on March 25, 2024, with a Holika Dahan on March 24, followed by colorful festivities on March 25. There are many customs in India, particularly in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh, where the festival is deeply rooted in the Lord Krishna story.
Mathura, Vrindavan, Gowardhan, Gokul, Nandagaon, and Barsana are especially renowned for their Holi rituals. A traditional festival in Barsana, Lathmar Holi, is celebrated worldwide.
Schedule of Holi 2024 festivals in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana
It kicks off with Barsana Laddu Holi and Lathmar Holi, followed by other significant Holi celebrations at prominent temples during the 40-day Holi festivities in Braj.
- March 17: Phag Invitational Festival and Laddu Holi at Radha Rani Temple, Barsana
- March 18: Lathmar Holi at Radha Rani Temple, Barsana
- March 19: Lathmar Holi at Nandgaon
- March 20: Phoolwali Holi at Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
- March 20: Program at Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
- March 21: Stick Mar Holi at Gokul
- March 23: Widow’s Holi at Radha Gopinath Temple, Vrindavan
- March 24: Holika Dahan and Holi of flowers at Banke Bihari Temple
- March 25: Main Holi celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan
- March 26: Huranga Holi in Baldev at Dauji Temple
Significance of Holi
Brij Ki Holi is deeply rooted in mythological tales, each tying into the intricate origins of this vibrant festival. Lord Krishna once complained to his mother about the contrast between the skin tones of himself and Goddess Radha in his childhood.
As a result of this, Radha’s mother applied colorful hues to her complexion, and the joyous tradition of Braj Ki Holi was born. Radha and her companions engage in playful stick-wielding jests with Krishna during his annual journey from Nandgaon to Barsana.
Another captivating tale revolves around Prahlad and Hiranyakashyap, wherein Prahlad’s unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu incurred his father’s wrath.
To obtain his son’s allegiance, Hiranyakashyap devised a devious plan involving his sister Holika, who was fireproof. In spite of this, divine intervention protected Prahlad while Holika perished in flames, resulting in Holika Dahan as a symbolic practice during the festival.
Furthermore, Hiranyakashyap’s subsequent challenge to Prahlad led to the manifestation of Lord Vishnu as Narasimha, a half-lion, half-human being who tore Hiranyakashyap apart, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
