Braj Holi 2026 Rangotsav: Braj Holi is not like the usual one day Holi festival. It is a long celebration that lasts nearly 40 days across the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh. This area is famous for being the land where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. The festival combines devotion, music, folk traditions, and lots of fun with colours. People from all over India and the world come to watch and take part in the celebrations in towns like Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and Nandgaon. Each town has its own special style and rituals.
When Does Braj Holi 2026 Begin?
Braj Holi 2026 will begin on January 23, starting with Basant Panchami, which marks the beginning of the Rangotsav celebrations. The festival slowly grows bigger and more colourful over the next 40 days, continuing until Rang Panchami, which comes a few days after the main Holi.
Many visitors plan their trips around specific events rather than just the final Holi day. One of the first important rituals is planting the ‘Holi ka Danda’ in the temples. During this time devotees offer gulal and fresh flowers to Radha Rani and Krishna, showing their love and devotion in a very heartfelt way.
Braj Holi 2026 Schedule For 40-Day Rangotsav In Vrindavan, Barsana, Mathura And Nandgaon
| DATE | DAY | EVENT | PLACE |
| 23rd January 2026 | Friday | Basant Panchami (Holi Celebrations Begin) | Banke Bihari Ji Temple and All Braj Temples |
| 24th February 2026 | Tuesday | Laddu Maar Holi (Phag Nimantran) | Shriji Temple, Barsana |
| 25th February 2026 | Wednesday | Lathmar Holi (Barsana) | Rangili Gali, Barsana |
| 26th February 2026 | Thursday | Lathmar Holi (Nandgaon) | Nand Bhawan, Nandgaon |
| 27th February 2026 | Friday | Rangbharni Ekadashi / Foolon Wali Holi | Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan |
| 1st March 2026 | Sunday | Chhadimar Holi | Gokul |
| 2nd March 2026 | Monday | Raman Reti Holi / Widow Holi | Gokul And Vrindavan |
| 3rd March 2026 | Tuesday | Holika Dahan | Dwarkadhish Temple (Mathura) and Other Temples |
| 4th March 2026 | Wednesday | Dhulendi | Across Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Nandgaon And Gokul |
| 5th March 2026 | Thursday | Dauji Ka Huranga | Dau Ji Temple, Mathura |
What Happens During the 40 Days
Every town in Braj has its own special way of celebrating. Mathura begins the festival with temple rituals and cultural programs. Vrindavan is famous for Phoolon Ki Holi, where flowers are used instead of colours.
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Barsana and Nandgaon are known for Lathmar Holi, where men and women playfully hit each other with sticks while throwing colours. For 40 days, devotees dance to devotional songs and celebrate the pastimes of Lord Krishna and Radha.
