With a month still to go for the festival of Holi, Braj is already in the celebratory fervor. The festival that will continue for 40 days, which is known as the Faag Mahotsav begins today on the occasion of Basant Panchami as Thakur Baake Bihari Lal has showered the ‘prasadi gulal’ on the devotees from the temple in Braj.
Lakhs of devotees swarmed towards the Baake Bihari temple to immerse in the ‘prasadi gulal’ after the Shringar Aarti and catch a glimpse of Thakur Ji seeking his blessings. Thousands of them gathered outside the premises even before the temple opened in the morning. Thakur Ji’s idol was decorated in the bright colors of spring in yellow hues where he seated on the silver throne marking the beginning of Faag Mahotsav. 56 offerings were made to the deity on Basant Panchami.
The beginning of the festival is from the famous Baake Bihari temple in Vrindavan. Thakur Ji will be decorated in other ancient temples of Thakur Radhaballabh, Thakur Radhamadanmohan, Thakur Radharamanlal, Thakur Radhadamodar among others.
Braj ki holi will last for 40 days in the Braj Kshetra or Braj Mandal, drenching the cities of Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana and Gokul in colors, happiness and devotion. It is believed that during this time heaven transcends on Earth in the land of Vrindavan, the land of Krishna where Lord himself comes to play holi and celebrate the festival with the devotees.
The main festival of Holi will continue for a week from March 7- March 16. Moreover, as many as 22 programs will be conducted during this period. Here is the complete list with the main events is mentioned below:
Braj ki Holi schedule
Today, on February 3 marking the festival of Basant Panchami, the Holi pole will be erected at the Ladliji temple of Barsana
28th February Shivratri: The first Chaupai of Holi to be taken out from Ladliji temple
07th March: Faag invitation to all’
Laddoo Holi in the evening at Ladliji palace
08th March: Latthmaar Holi in Barsana
09th March: Latthmaar Holi in Nandgaon
10th March: Rangbhari Holi of Vrindavan & Holi of Shri Krishna’s
Birthplace
Flower Holi at Baake Bihari temple, Vrindavan
Gathering at Shri Krishna’s birthplace
11th March: Holi at Dwarksdheesh temple
Holi in Ramanreti, Gokul
12th March: Holi at Bankebihari temple in Vrindavan
Holi Dola of Chaturvedi community
13th March: Holika Dahan in the entire Braj
14th March: Dhulandi, festival of colors
15th March: Dauji ka Huranga, which is played owing to the Holi Lord Krishna played with his brother, Baldev Dau’s wife Revati. The devar- bhabhi’s Holi is very famous in Braj region.
16th March: Huranga of Nandgaon
17th March: The traditional Huranga of the village Jab
18th March: The Charkula dance of Mukhrai
18th March: Bathain Huranga
20th March: Gidoh’s Huranga
21st March: Rang Panchami
Khaira’s Huranga
22nd March: Holi of Vrindavan, Rangnathji
The Faag Mahotsav celebrates the festival of colors and the eternal love of Shri Krishna and Radha. It also marks the arrival of spring. Let us all get immersed in the colors of love and spring with Holi this year!