No particular event was there on March 13th, so we visited some temples.
And then on the..
14th of March 2022 - Pichkari Holi & Holi Of Flowers In Vrindavan
We woke up and took a bath and went to have the breakfast.
It was Ekadshi, the representation of day according to the Hindu calender, meaning the 11th phase of the moon.
And on 11th day of the waxing moon Shukal Paksha ki Ekadshi the grand Parikrma takes place every month, and it turns more humongous during Holi.
Countless pilgrims come to this place and walk over the Parikrma Marg to complete a full round of walk around the Govardhan mountain.
So it was complete chaos at the main vrindavan road. So we preferred streets to visit the temples and enjoy the various Holi events.
The Holi of flowers was supposed to happen in Bankey Bihari Temple and Pichkari & Gulal holi was to happen in multiple temples with Radha Vallabh being the main spot.
We started our day with visiting Nidhi Van. It is a small protected vegetation of Tulsi plants. Never in my life had seen so many tulsi plants at one place.
And while exiting from there, in an open area, religious songs were being sung and people played Holi in a relatively more dignified way.
After getting out of Nidhivan we walked through the Yamuna Ghats.
Various types of austerities and relegious activites were going on and being heartily enjoyed by the people at different ghats.
Crossing the ghats we went straight to Radha Vallabh temple.
And it had the most enthusiastic and charming Holi vibes. People were dancing and couples were encircling in pure ecstasy by hooking their hands together. And it was an instant mood upliftment after enduring the rigrous crowds at Parikrma Marg.
Here you can see the celebrations going on at the entry gate itself of the temple.
And flying colors and awesome views dipped in the sounds of exiciting traditional Holi songs captivated us as soon as we moved inside.
After enjoying there for a couple of hours we came outside and it was hot during peak of the afternoon. So we decided to move back to our room. Rest a bit and then come back again.
The revered event of Holi of flowers was supposed to start at 4:00 pm. I was way too impatient and excited to experience it.
But my frieds denied going there.
As it was supposed to happen in the most famous Bankey Bihari temple of Vrindavan. And on the occasion of this extra auspicious day, it was going to be heaps of crowds there breathing at our necks.
So my frieds were reluctant to go there and instead planned to directly attend the Holi to take place in Radha Vallabh temple during the late evening.
But I was curious and obstinate to experience it at least once. Even if I had to return choked and breathless. Lol
So I went, and there was a long queue, not of individuals. But of mob, waiting for the temple's gates to open.
It was indeed even painful at times, with a lot of pushing and trying to remain in control, I flooded the temple with other pilgrims. The flower Holi only lasts for half an hour.
And this was what I could experience.
Flowers were being sprinkled from the roof, incessently and the whole atmostphere was filled with multiple types of soothing and refreshing fragnances.
It indeed felt like being welcomed like some kind emperor or a king, but stuck in the chaos along with many other kings, who just desperately want to patiently see and pray to the diety.
I could only stay in like for 5-7 minutes as the the administrative staff was pulling people out by grabbing their arms at the exit. So I bowed to the diety and thanked for keeping my inspiration and motivation intact to have this spectacular experience. And moved out.
My friends called me and asked me to reach Radha Vallabh to take part in the evening celebration of Holi there.
So we met and entered the temple together. Swarms of devotees were curiously waiting and flying Gulal in the temple.
Soon the deity's veil was lifted and the whole vicinity echoed with Radhe-Radhe Krishna-Krishna and celebrated in joy.
The temple Pundits spilled sacks of gulal and sprayed colored water at us and the whole crowd.
Then we moved upstairs to witness and enjoy the melodious recitations and the playing with colors.
And that's how our day ended, with energy and goosebumps of volatile and charismatic environment of the temple.
After moving out we had the dinner and came back to our rooms.
So, this was how I celebrated Holi festival in an unforgettable 😍 way this year.
If you ever visit India and want to explore the Indian culture and traditions first hand. The Holi festival that happen at Mathura-Vrindavan should be in your bucket list. And its totally worth it to experience it at least once in your lifetime. As that's where the roots of Holi reside and it has originated from.
