Holi, the festival of colors, is a Hindu festival, loved and celebrated all over
the world. Holi denotes the arrival of spring and the end of winters.
It also celebrates the love story of Krishna and Radha and we would not
be wrong if we call it the Indian way of celebrating Valentine's day.
Holi finds its mention in various Hindu texts such as the Narad Puran, the Bhavishya Puran, and the Dasakumara Charita.
Holi also finds its mention in the works of the 4th-century poet Kalidas and The 7th century King Harshavardhana.
Today,
Holi is celebrated in the form of lucrative holi parties in many parts
of the country. Usually, these parties are spread out over two days and
that makes them a nice place to celebrate Holi if you are a tourist or
just want to experience Holi by playing with the colors.
The
origin of Holi is attributed to Lord Krishna and if you want to
experience holi the way our ancients used to, there are no other places
better than our ancient Krishna temples. These temples have kept the
spirit of Holi alive when most of our generation is flocking away from
our roots.
Although there are many such ancient temples in
India, I will be talking about three of the most unique Krishna temples
where you can get an unforgettable holi experience like no other.
1. Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka, Gujrat
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| Dwarkadheesh Temple, Dwarka |
One
of the most important temples in India, perhaps the world is the
Dwarkadhish temple in Dwarka, Gujrat. For Hindus, Dwarka is considered
one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites as it has a rare feat of being
one of the Char Dhams as well as it is one of the seven holy cities of
the "sapt puris."
It is believed to have been constructed by the
great-grandson of Lord Krishna Vajranabh. The magnificent temple is 80
meters in height which makes it as tall as a 25 storied building.
The
city of Dwarka celebrates Holi at the Dwarkadheesh Temple. The festival
attracts pilgrims, devotees, and tourists from all over the world.
Rituals start a few days ahead of Holi and are accompanied by music, festivities, and cultural programs.
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| Holi decorations at Dwarkadheesh temple |
On the 15th day of the Phalguna month, a grand celebration for Holi is organized followed by Dhuleti on the next day.
In the evening of Holi(the first day), people burn Holika(Holika Dahan) to mark the victory of good over evil.
On The second day, Holi is played with colors (‘Dhuleti’).
The
End of the celebration is a sight for the eyes. Devotees offer prayers
and colors to Lord Krishna and then take a dip in the sacred water tank
inside the temple, accompanied by sacred chants of the temple priests.
The temple management also has online presence. Click here to visit their website..
2. Shree Krishna Janam Bhoomi Temple, Mathura
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| Krishna janam Bhoomi Temple, Mathura |
Mathura
is the birthplace of Lord Shri Krishna. It is the reason we see some of the most beautiful Holi celebrations happening to be in and around the city
of Mathura.
The Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple in Mathura hosts one such grand Holi celebration every year. Krishna Janam Bhoomi temple is famous for its lath mar holi.
This temple is believed to be built at the
exact place of birth of Shri Krishna, and hence is one of the most
important sites for Krishna devotees.
The Krishna Janam Bhoomi temple has faced
multiple invasions and has been destroyed multiple times in history. But
all we can say is all the attacks have only made the faith of devotees
stronger.
Holi is special in Mathura. During Holi, Devotees from all around the world gather here to play Holi together.
Holi signifies the victory of good over evil, also celebrates the love story of Krishna and Radha.
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| Holi being played at Krishna Janam Bhoomi |
At the time of Holi, the temple is decorated in a colorful pattern. Cultural dramas and shows featuring Krishna-Radha and Holika-Prahlad are organised for the viewers. the celebrations continue for a week.
3. Jagannath Temple, Puri
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| Jagannath Temple |
The
Jagannath temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Vishnu is
worshipped here in the form of Lord Jagannath. One of the char dhams,
this temple has been invaded 18 times and built 19 times in history. The
present temple was rebuilt in the 10th century by King Anantavarman
Chodaganga Deva, of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
Jagannath temple
is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, the deities are pulled on huge
raths(temple cars). Unlike the stone and metal idols found in most Hindu
temples, the main idol here is made of wood and is replaced every 12
years.
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| Dol Purnima at Jagannath temple |
Holi is celebrated as Dol Purnia here and is celebrated
for 5 days. a large number of devotees come here to worship Lord
Jagannath on this day.
the wooden idol of Lord Jagannath is
taken out on a palanquin(palki) and shown to devotees on the main
streets of the city. some Women take part by dancing and singing
devotional songs. and people on the streets throw color (gulal) at them.
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| Lord jannath being carried on a palki |
A
special ritual of carrying the idol by Gwalas(Milken) is also performed
every year. Since Krishna was also a gwala, it becomes a very special
event of the festival here.
In the evening, the ritual of Holika Dahan is done to mark the triumph of good over evil.
The
next day is the day of colors but lord Jagannath is always the first
one to play Holi and this is why people apply color to Lord Jagannath
first and then start playing holi with colors.
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