Holi Celebration in Mathura: If we go to a few pages of Hindu mythology, we will see how Lord Krishna, the revived form of Lord Vishnu, used to joke with the gopis and throw colors and water at them. The same enthusiasm and playfulness are what Holi is! It gives us a perfect day where we can play with colours, share food with our friends and family members, and dance to the classic Holi songs. And how exciting will the 2022 Holi be if you celebrate it on the same land where Lord Krishna was born! We are talking about Mathura, the holy city of Uttar Pradesh! As always, the festival of Mathura Holi 2022 is going to be very fun and full of enthusiasm.
Besides that, here’s the thing! Mathura and its neighbors, Vrindavan, Gokul, Baldev, Barsana, and Nandgaon, are all strongly associated with Lord Krishna, his childhood, and his pastimes! And India has all the ideal places to celebrate Holi. So, we will first talk about the Holi celebrations of Mathura. And then, we will also give you a glimpse of the ways of celebrating Holi in its neighboring regions.
Also, when you include these events in your Holi trip to Mathura, remember, to book a flight to Agra as there is no airport in Mathura and then travel from Agra to Mathura by road.
Let’s celebrate Holi in Mathura-style!
This is how we would suggest you to plan a Mathura Holi tour. Keep Mathura as your base camp and travel to its neighboring areas to participate in its famous events. Let’s start with base camp! According to the Hindu calendar, the Holi festival is going to last for 9 days. Days 7 and 8 are the two days celebrated in Mathura. here are the details!
Holika Dahan and grand proccession: Day 1 in Mathura (day 7 of 2022’s Holi Schedule)
Legends say that King Hiranyakashipu wanted to take the life of his son Prahlad to be an ardent follower of Lord Vishnu. The king gave this task to his sister Holika. He was blessed with a power that made him resistant to fire. Hence, he planned to burn Prahlad. But destiny had planned something else as Prahlad survived and she got burnt! This is the story of the victory of good over evil and this is what Holika Dahan is all about. This ritual is celebrated all over India. Mathura also celebrates Holika Dahan in its own way. A big fire has been made near Holi Gate. People gather around the fire and perform religious rituals.
As the title suggests, there are two Holi events in Mathura on the first day. Holika Dahan is actually conducted after sunset. The other is a large Holi procession, which is held around 3 pm and continues till sunset. The procession starts from Vishram Ghat and ends at Holi Gate. Vehicles are decorated with flowers, children dress up as Radha and Krishna and all walk, sing, and dance with the procession! We suggest, you reach Vishram Ghat around noon and then come to Holi Gate with the procession. Then, have some breakfast and watch Holika Dahan.
Main Holi celebrations: Day 2 in Mathura (day 8 of 2022’s Holi Schedule)
The main festival of Holi begins! It is not easy to name the best place to celebrate Holi in Mathura. Because the festivities at the Holi Gate and its surrounding areas as well as at the Dwarkadish Temple are equally enjoyable. In both places, you can play with colors, dance to the beat of traditional drums, and have fun. We wouldn’t say favorites, but for the best bhang and gujiyas, you must visit Dwarkadish Temple. Actually, do it! Celebrations in the temple begin much earlier. So first go to the temple and then go to the Holi Gate.
What else awaits on your Holi trip to Mathura?
As we said, the 2-day festivities of Mathura are days 7 and 8 of the entire 2022 Holi program. The festivities continue with the same enthusiasm for the remaining 7 days!
Laddoo Holi and Lathmar Holi in Barsana: Day 1 and 2 of 2022’s Holi Schedule
Laddu Holi? This is what it sounds like! People throw laddus (famous Indian sweets) at each other instead of colours. The event marks the first day of Holi and is held at the Radha Rani Temple. Coming up on the second day’s Lathmaar Holi, again, this is what it sounds like. The women beat the men fiercely with sticks. This ritual also originates from the childhood story of Lord Krishna! Krishna, along with his friends, went to Barsana to meet Radha, and there Radha and her gopis chased Krishna and his friends with sticks!
Lathmar Holi in Nandgaon: Day 3 of 2022’s Holi Schedule
If you have somehow missed Lathmar Holi in Barsana or want to relive it (after all it is a lot of fun), then visit Nandgaon on the third day. Here the celebrations begin in the evening.
Phool Wali Holi and Widow’s Holi in Vrindavan: Fourth and Sixth Days of Holi Schedule of 2022
Both of these are among the most popular festivals in India. Phool means flower. On the fourth day, devotees gather at the Banke Bihari temple, and flowers are showered on them. And Day 5 is absolutely a great and much-needed event. You know how widows are not allowed to wear colored clothes or are limited to using only white. Widow Ki Holi breaks that stereotype by allowing widows to play with colours. To witness and be a part of that event, make your way to the Gopinath Temple.
Chaddi Maar Holi in Gokul: 5th day of the 2022 Holi schedule
No, we didn’t forget day 5 and how can we do it when something so exciting is happening in Gokul, a fun version of Lathmar Holi. Yes, one more chance to see the women beating the men with silver in Gokul Dham!
Huranga Holi in Baldeo: Day 9 of 2022’s Holi Schedule
Don’t worry because the 9-day March festivals in India are over. Because you will get to end your Holi journey on a grand note! Huranga Holi is also similar to Lathmar Holi (yes, another chance to see Lathmar). But beating men with sticks is much more than women. Along with this, women also tear men’s clothes in a hurry!
You all are probably excited to plan a trip to Mathura this Holi. Keep the excitement going while planning your trip and then, enjoy a fun, colorful, and safe Holi!
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