Braj Ki Holi - Feb '18

For a memorable Holi experience, embark on a journey to Vrindavan, breathe in the sacred air of festivity and get drenched in the feeling of romance and love. The colours of Holi add a blissful facade on it and experience something which photographers of the world dream about – the pulse racing experience of Braj Ki Holi at Barsana and Nandgaon.

Dates : 22nd February ’18 to 26th February ‘18

Company : India Photo Tours led and mentored by Mr. Dheeraj Paul

The Holi-celebrations at Nandgaon and Barsana, both in Mathura District, UP, takes place approximately a week before the actual date for Holi. At both these villages, girls are believed to be Radha’s incarnate, and men represent Krishna. All the events are around the core-essence of the Radha-Krishna love story. In Barsana one can experience Lathmar Holi and here the holi is played with dry colour powder and no water is used. In Nangaon the holi is played with colours and water. In Nadgaon we can also see the transgenders dancing brilliantly to the tune of music.

History :

Legend has it that Lord Krishna visited his beloved Radha's village on this day and playfully teased her and her friends. Taking offence at this, the women of Barsana chased him away. Keeping in sync with the story, the men from Nandgaon visit the town of Barsana every year, only to be greeted by women with sticks (aka lathis). The ladies hurl sticks at the men, who try to shield themselves as much as they can. The unlucky ones are captured by the enthusiastic women who then, make the men wear female clothing and dance in public.

On the first day of Lathmar Holi, gops (shepherds) from Nandgaon come to Barsana to play Holi with the gopis (shepherdesses) of Barsana. The festival begins with a ceremony at the Radha Rani temple, which is said to be the only temple in the country that is dedicated to Radha. After this ceremony gops then march out of the temple on the Rang Rangeeli Gali where they stop to play holi with the gopis, who stand in groups along the street. The second day gops from Barsana go to Nandgaon to play holi with gopis at Nandgaon.

The next day, it is the turn of gops (shepherds) from Barsana who go to Nandgaon to play holi with gopis (shepherdesses) at Nandgaon. They reciprocate by invading Nandgaon and drench the womenfolk of Nandgaon in water mixed with colours. This day, women of Nandgaon beat the invaders from Barsana. Holi played at Barsana is unique in the sense that here women chase men away with sticks. Males also sing provocative songs in a bid to invite the attention of women. Women then go on the offensive and use long staves called "lathis" to beat men folk who protect themselves with shields

History Source : Wikipedia

The festival provides a mind blowing Photo opportunity - deep in the streets of one of the most popular rustic destination – the villages , the temples and colourful streets of Barsana and Nandgaon, to capture the colourful, mystic and spectacular phenomenon of this unique Braj Ki Holi. To enjoy the festival one should also get immersed with the festive mood, enjoying the colours and dancing to the tunes.

Tips :

• The place is full of dust and water. Hence utmost care has to be taken to protect the equipment. The mentor will provide all safety instructions and it is extremely important to follow these

• With people coming from all over the country, it is important to take care of personal belongings. I was told that pick-pocketing, theft of mobile phones etc. is very high.

To view the album --> http://braj-ka-holi--fe-1.gopsview.com