Thousands of devotees gathered this week to mark the spiritual beginning of Holi, immersing themselves in clouds of gulal, rhythmic chants, temple rituals and age-old traditions that transform faith into festivity. At the heart of Vrindavan’s jubilant scenes stood the revered Banke Bihari Temple, where the annual Holi Utsav drew massive crowds eager to witness and participate in one of the most cherished celebrations in the Braj region. Meanwhile, in Ayodhya, saffron-clad saints and Naga sadhus came together at the iconic Hanumangarhi Temple to observe Rangbhari Ekadashi — a sacred day that ceremonially marks the onset of Holi in the temple city. Together, these twin celebrations signaled not just the arrival of a festival, but the awakening of devotion expressed through color, community, and culture.
A Sea of Devotion at Banke Bihari Temple
The atmosphere inside Banke Bihari Temple was electric yet reverent. Devotees from across India — and increasingly from around the world — converged within the temple’s historic walls, their hands filled with vibrant powders, their voices rising in synchronized chants of “Radhe Radhe” and “Hare Krishna.” As priests initiated the rituals, colored powder rained gently from above, covering worshippers in shades of pink, red, yellow and green. The sacred celebration was not chaotic; it followed a rhythm, a tradition refined over centuries. Here, Holi is not merely a festival of colors — it is a divine reenactment of Lord Krishna’s playful leelas in Braj. Many devotees described the moment as deeply emotional. Some closed their eyes in prayer as gulal settled on their foreheads. Others lifted children onto their shoulders so they could glimpse the idol of Lord Krishna, adorned in festive attire. The temple, already one of the most visited shrines in India, seemed to pulse with collective joy. Worshippers offered flowers, sweets and prayers before joining the color play. Priests, smiling and chanting, moved through the crowd, blessing visitors while gently smearing color onto their faces. For believers, this gesture symbolizes divine grace — the blessing of Krishna himself. The Braj region, especially Mathura and Vrindavan, holds unmatched importance during Holi. Mathura, widely regarded as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, becomes the epicenter of week-long festivities leading up to the main festival day. Streets are decorated, cultural performances are staged, and temples host special aartis that draw massive gatherings. In this sacred geography, Holi is not a single-day event. It unfolds gradually, building momentum through rituals such as Phoolon ki Holi (Holi with flowers), Lathmar Holi in nearby Barsana, and temple-based celebrations like the one witnessed at Banke Bihari.
Rangbhari Ekadashi: Ayodhya’s Sacred Beginning of Holi
While Vrindavan bathed in hues of devotion, Ayodhya marked its own spiritual milestone. Rangbhari Ekadashi, observed on the eleventh day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna, holds special significance in the temple town. At Hanumangarhi Temple, Naga sadhus and saints assembled early in the morning. Draped in saffron robes and adorned with rudraksha beads, they gathered for prayers before applying gulal to one another in symbolic celebration. The atmosphere was solemn at first, filled with devotional hymns and ritual chants. Gradually, it transformed into a vibrant display of fraternity and faith as colors filled the air. A particularly significant ritual involved carrying the temple’s holy flag, or nishan, in a ceremonial procession. The act symbolizes the spiritual victory of devotion and marks the formal beginning of Holi celebrations in Ayodhya. As the procession moved through temple courtyards, devotees joined hands, offering flowers and chanting in unison. For Ayodhya, Rangbhari Ekadashi is more than a calendar date — it is the spiritual gateway to Holi. It blends the ascetic traditions of saints with the joyous participation of common devotees. The city’s narrow lanes echoed with conch shells and bells, while visitors applied colors respectfully, mindful of the day’s sacred undertone. With thousands of devotees pouring into temple towns, authorities stepped up security arrangements to ensure smooth celebrations. Additional police personnel were deployed around temple premises, entry points and major intersections. Barricades were installed to regulate queues and prevent overcrowding inside sanctums. Local administrations closely monitored traffic flow, especially in Vrindavan, where narrow lanes can quickly become congested. Emergency medical teams were stationed nearby, and surveillance cameras kept watch over high-footfall areas. Officials emphasized that safety measures were precautionary, designed to allow devotees to celebrate without disruption. Public announcements guided visitors about entry timings, restricted items and crowd movement protocols. The logistical effort reflects how Holi in these sacred towns has grown into an event of national scale, drawing pilgrims from distant states and even international tourists eager to witness authentic temple celebrations.
The festivities also bring a significant economic boost to local communities. Hotels in Mathura and Vrindavan report near-full occupancy in the days leading up to Holi. Vendors selling sweets, flowers, devotional items and colored powders see brisk business. Artisans and performers benefit from cultural programs staged throughout the region. In Ayodhya, the spiritual tourism wave continues to expand, and events like Rangbhari Ekadashi further reinforce the city’s prominence on India’s religious map. Pilgrimage-driven commerce — from eateries to souvenir shops — thrives during such occasions. Beyond economics, the celebrations strengthen social bonds. Families travel together, friends reunite, and strangers exchange smiles under clouds of color. In a world often divided by differences, Holi offers a momentary suspension of boundaries. As Holi approaches next week, anticipation continues to build. In Mathura, preparations are underway for grand processions, cultural performances and elaborate temple rituals. Devotional songs fill marketplaces, and artisans work tirelessly to craft decorative items. Temples across the Braj region are planning themed celebrations for each day leading up to Holi. Floral decorations, special bhog offerings and extended darshan hours are expected to draw even larger crowds. Ayodhya, too, will witness processions and devotional gatherings in the coming days. Saints and devotees will continue rituals that blend spiritual discipline with festive joy. What stands out in both cities is how ancient traditions adapt to modern realities. Digital displays guide pilgrims. Social media broadcasts live glimpses of temple rituals. Yet the core essence remains unchanged: faith expressed through color. Young devotees capture selfies under showers of gulal, while elders recount stories of past Holis. The intergenerational continuity keeps the tradition vibrant. Despite rapid urbanization and technological shifts, temple-based Holi retains its authenticity. Even for first-time visitors, the experience can be transformative. The sensory immersion — the fragrance of flowers, the resonance of bells, the warmth of shared celebration — leaves a lasting imprint. The Holi Utsav at Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan and the observance of Rangbhari Ekadashi in Ayodhya have set the stage for one of India’s most beloved festivals. Through prayer, procession and playful color, devotees have reaffirmed a tradition that blends devotion with delight. As thousands gathered in temples, applied gulal, carried sacred flags and chanted in unison, the message was clear: Holi is not just a festival of colors — it is a celebration of faith, unity and renewal. With security arrangements in place and preparations intensifying, Mathura and Ayodhya now stand ready to welcome the full splendor of Holi, carrying forward a living tradition that continues to inspire millions year after year.
