Mathura Vrindavan & Barsana Holi 2026

Holi festivities officially begin at the Radha Rani Temple. Priests throw laddus (traditional sweets) at devotees, devotional songs echo through the temple courtyard, and the atmosphere becomes joyful and festive. Laddu Holi symbolizes the invitation to Krishna from Radha’s village and marks the ceremonial start of Holi in Braj.

One of the most famous Holi celebrations in the world. Men from Nandgaon visit Barsana, where women welcome them with sticks (lath) while men try to protect themselves using shields. This playful ritual represents Radha and Krishna’s divine teasing. Streets fill with music, colors, dance, and thousands of visitors. Arrive early to avoid heavy crowds near Radha Rani Temple.

The celebration moves to Nandgaon the next day. Now men from Barsana visit Nandgaon, where women of Nandgaon continue the stick-play tradition. This reciprocal tradition strengthens the cultural bond between the two towns and recreates Krishna’s childhood stories.

Instead of colored powder, flower petals are showered on devotees while priests sing bhajans. The temple courtyard becomes a sea of flowers — peaceful, divine, and visually stunning. One of the most photographed Holi events in India.

A powerful social celebration held in Vrindavan. Traditionally, widows were not allowed to celebrate Holi. Today, widows participate in color celebrations, sing devotional songs, and the event symbolizes equality and social change — sending a strong message of inclusion and joy beyond societal barriers.

In Gokul, Chhadi-Mar Holi is celebrated with traditional sticks inside temple premises. This event reflects Krishna’s childhood memories and brings together local devotees in a deeply devotional atmosphere.

Raman Reti is believed to be the sacred sandy area where Krishna played as a child. Devotees apply gulal, bhajans and kirtans continue throughout the day, and spiritual gatherings attract pilgrims from across India. This celebration is calmer but deeply devotional.

Holika Dahan marks the victory of good over evil. Bonfires are lit across Mathura and Vrindavan symbolizing the burning of Holika and the protection of Prahlad. Families gather for prayers, and temples conduct special rituals in the evening.

This is the main Holi color day. Streets turn into a sea of colors, devotees throw gulal, and music, dance, and celebrations continue all day. It is the most energetic and vibrant day of the entire festival.

Huranga Holi is celebrated at the famous Dauji Temple. The tradition includes women playfully tearing men’s clothes, colors thrown in large quantities, and devotional music inside the temple courtyard. It is considered the grand finale of Holi in Braj.

The extended Huranga celebration continues in Baldeo for devotees who wish to experience one more day of festive energy — a wonderful farewell to ten days of divine color and devotion.