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

28^th February Shivratri: The first Chaupai of Holi to be taken out from Ladliji temple

07^th March: Faag invitation to all’

                    Laddoo Holi in the evening at Ladliji palace

08^th March: Latthmaar Holi in Barsana

09^th March: Latthmaar Holi in Nandgaon

10^th March: Rangbhari Holi of Vrindavan & Holi of Shri Krishna’s                         

                    Birthplace

                    Flower Holi at Baake Bihari temple, Vrindavan

                    Gathering at Shri Krishna’s birthplace

11^th March: Holi at Dwarksdheesh temple

                    Holi in Ramanreti, Gokul

12^th March: Holi at Bankebihari temple in Vrindavan

                    Holi Dola of Chaturvedi community

13^th March: Holika Dahan in the entire Braj

14^th March: Dhulandi, festival of colors

15^th 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.

16^th March: Huranga of Nandgaon

17^th March: The traditional Huranga of the village Jab

18^th March: The Charkula dance of Mukhrai

18^th March: Bathain Huranga

20^th March: Gidoh’s Huranga

21^st March: Rang Panchami

                    Khaira’s Huranga

22^nd 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!