With just a few days left for the grand festival of Holi, celebrations have already begun in the temple city of Vrindavan with Rangbhari Ekadashi. Long queues were seen outside major temples on Friday as worshipers gathered since early morning.
Traditional ‘Rasiya’ chants filled the air, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the city.
The celebrations have also become accessible to worshipers around the world. Shri Banke Bihari Temple has launched its live streaming service for darshan. The broadcast began at 7.55 am inside the temple premises and from 1 pm on official social media platforms, news agency ANI reported.
The priests at the temple said that Lord Banke Bihari began the celebrations by symbolically playing Holi with the devotees.
Gyanendra Kishore Goswami, a priest, said the ritual began with Thakur ji sprinkling saffron, rose water, tissu extract and Pichkari scented water on Radha Rani. A cheerful exchange of colors ensued.
Tracing the tradition back to the Dwapar Yuga, he said he believed Radha first applied the color to Lord Krishna’s cheeks, suggesting the origin of Holi in Braj.
After the Ekadashi ritual, gujiya and jalebi are served as prasad. The deity was wearing white clothes and will continue to wear them until Dhulandi, when pink clothes will be worn.
Holi celebrations will be held during morning and evening darshans.
Historian Prahlad Pallabh Goswami said that the custom of singing Holi Rasiya in Braj has a long history. He pointed out that Hindu and Muslim poets contributed to these works. Hymns like “Aaj Biraj mein Holi re Rasiya” echo in the temples and narrow alleys of the city.
Anant Goswami, another temple priest, said Swami Haridas was singing devotional verses while serving the deity. This tradition continues until today. Devotees also participated in the Holi flower. Laddu Holi and Jalebi Holi will be organized in the coming days.
Shashank Goswami, one of the temple goers, said that the devotees showed great enthusiasm despite the heavy crowding. However, he expressed concerns about the movement restrictions imposed by the authorities, saying they caused inconvenience to the elderly, women and local residents.
Safety measures amid heavy presence
Officials have temporarily shut down power supply to three local transformers at Sher Ghat, Kisi Ghat and the road leading to Jugal Ghat near Radha Pallab temple as a precautionary measure. Authorities said large crowds were moving near electricity panels.
Sub-divisional officer Sandeep said supplies would be restored once the crowd retreats. He explained that the major temples did not face any power outages.
Police, fire, electricity and health teams were deployed along the Parikrama Marg area. District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh said officials were instructed to check the use of harmful chemical colours.
Chief Inspector of Police Shlok Kumar said that a strict protest had been ordered. Necessary action will be taken against miscreants, especially those who behave inappropriately towards women, children and the elderly.
The authorities are also monitoring rumours. A QR code system has been introduced to provide information on hospitals, parking spaces, police assistance centers and health camps.
Foreign devotees join the celebrations
At Radha Damodar Temple, more than 200 foreign devotees joined the celebrations. The rituals began during darshan the previous night. The deities played Holi using silver peshkari while wearing Basanti clothes. Prasad was distributed to the devotees.
A procession carrying drums and nagara will pass through prominent areas of the city to invite devotees for the evening celebrations, said Sukrati Lal Goswami, of Radha Ballabh Temple. He added that today also marks the divine wedding of the deity.
Noted saint Swami Awadhchanand said that Holi in Prague is not just celebrated but “lived”, with devotees expressing their devotion through song and dance.
(with ANI inputs)
