Mathura | The programme for the world-famous Barsana Holi festival has been officially announced, setting the stage for three days of vibrant celebrations steeped in devotion and tradition. From February 24 to February 26, Barsana and Nandgaon will once again become living theatres of Radha-Krishna’s divine love, drawing devotees and visitors from across India and abroad.
The festivities will commence on February 24 with the traditional Laddu Holi at the Shri Ji Temple in Barsana. The following day, February 25, the iconic Lathmar Holi will be celebrated in the courtyard of Radha Rani, while on February 26, the same divine spectacle will unfold in Nandgaon, completing the three-day main celebration.
Although the main events span three days, Barsana Holi is part of a much larger 40-day tradition. The celebrations formally begin on Vasant Panchami, when the Holi pole (Danda) is erected at the Shri Ji Temple. From that day onward, Samaj Gayan (devotional singing) continues in the temple until Phalgun Purnima. The ritual takes a significant turn on Mahashivratri, when the first Chaupai of Lathmar Holi is sung, marking the ceremonial beginning of Radha Rani’s courtyard festivities.
According to historical accounts, the tradition of Barsana–Nandgaon Lathmar Holi dates back to Vikram Samvat 1569. Initiated by the revered Rasik Saint Narayan Bhatt, this celebration is not merely a festival of colours but a sacred expression of devotion, love, and playful reverence that continues to be observed with the same dignity and enthusiasm even today.
As per the detailed schedule, the Phalgun Mahotsav will enter its main phase on February 24 with Laddu Holi. As soon as devotees receive the sacred prasad, the melodies of Phag will resonate through the temple, and the entire dham will be immersed in gulal. On February 25, during Lathmar Holi in Barsana, Huriyarins will appear in the Rangili Gali with veiled faces and sticks in hand, while Huriyare from Nandgaon, carrying decorated shields, will arrive in Radha Rani’s courtyard. With the first symbolic strike, chants of “Jai Radhe” will echo throughout the area. On February 26, the celebration will move to Nandgaon, where women from Barsana will dance through the streets to folk songs, drums, and traditional instruments.
Meanwhile, extensive preparations are underway to ensure smooth arrangements for devotees, including security, crowd management, and darshan facilities. Temple servitors, organising committees, and the local administration are working in coordination to manage the massive influx of pilgrims.
Temple servitor Ras Bihari Goswami said that the 40-day Holi celebration begins with the erection of the Holi pole on Vasant Panchami, followed by continuous Samaj Gayan and the formal start of Lathmar Holi on Mahashivratri. Ghanshyam Bhatt, spokesperson of the Brajacharya Peeth, noted that Lathmar Holi is a living symbol of the eternal love and playful devotion between Radha and Krishna, making Barsana’s Holi a unique spiritual and cultural heritage of Braj.
