Lucknow: The festival of Holi was celebrated with spiritual fervour and devotion at the Ramakrishna Math on the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The celebrations highlighted the deeper spiritual significance of Holi as a symbol of divine love, harmony and inner purification.
The day’s programme began early in the morning with Mangala Aarti at 5:00 am, followed by the chanting of Shri Madan Mohanashtakam and a recitation from the Bhakti Yoga chapter of the Bhagavad Gita under the leadership of Swami Ishtakripananda of Ramakrishna Math, Lucknow.
At 7:15 am, a special online spiritual discourse titled “Holi in the Vision of Sri Ramakrishna” was delivered by Swami Muktinathananda. He explained that Holi, in Indian culture, represents joy, love and spiritual bliss. Referring to the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, he said Holi is not merely a festival of colours but an opportunity for the soul to be immersed in the divine love of God.
“जब मनुष्य अपने हृदय को अहंकार, द्वेष और संकीर्णता से मुक्त कर देता है, तब वह सच्चे अर्थों में ईश्वर के प्रेम के रंग में रंग जाता है,” Swami Muktinathananda remarked, emphasizing that devotion is the divine colour that purifies life and fills it with joy.
Later at 10:00 am, devotional bhajans were performed in the main temple by Swami Muktinathananda accompanied by traditional instruments like dholak and manjira. Monks and devotees participated enthusiastically, singing and circumambulating the temple three times in a devotional procession. The Swami first offered abir and gulal to the idol of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu before applying colours to devotees, marking the symbolic celebration of Holi within the temple premises.
Devotees also took part in joyous dancing and chanting of the Lord’s name, followed by the traditional “Harir Loot” ceremony and distribution of prasad.
Speaking on the occasion, Swami Muktinathananda said Holi is a festival of colours and enthusiasm that symbolises the arrival of spring, fertility, love and the victory of good over evil. He also noted that the birth anniversary of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, revered as an incarnation of Lord Krishna and an embodiment of divine love, coincides with this sacred time.
In the evening, after the Sandhya Aarti, a Shyam Naam Sankirtan was conducted under the guidance of Swami Ishtakripananda. This was followed by a discourse by Swami Muktinathananda on “Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu – The Redeemer of the World.” He highlighted how Chaitanya Mahaprabhu spread the message of compassion, devotion and continuous remembrance of God’s name.
Swami Muktinathananda explained that although Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is regarded as a manifestation of Lord Krishna, he appeared in the role of a devotee to demonstrate the path of pure devotion and service. Through his life and teachings, he inspired humanity to cultivate humility, compassion and unwavering devotion to God.
The programme concluded with the distribution of prasad among devotees, leaving participants spiritually enriched and filled with the festive spirit of Holi.
