Mathura/Vrindavan Feb 28 (IANS) Thousands of devotees and pilgrims watched the famous "Lathimaar Holi" of Barsana with keen excitement and boisterous cheers.
Dressed in colourful costumes, the singers from Nandgaon arrived Friday afternoon after consuming 'bhaang' (a preparation from the leaves and flowers of the female cannabis plant) and 'thandai' (a cold drink prepared with a mixture of almonds, fennel seeds, rose petals, saffron, milk and sugar) at Peeli Pokhar but had to wait for a while as preparations were going on at the Rangeeli Gali compound.
Crossing the narrow lanes of Barsana they reached the Shri Ji temple atop the hill where 'samaj gayan' and music was in full flow late Friday evening.
After the customary rituals, they climbed down to reach the compound of the theatre Rangeeli Gali.
Soon groups of veiled beauties, the Huriyarins of Barsana wielding their oiled batons arrived on the scene. Responding to the high crescendo of shouts and songs the women pounced upon the waiting men with their 'lathis' (batons).
The 'gops' (men from Nandgaon) jumped high as the batons rained on their heads protected only by a leather sheath.
Frenzied pilgrims from across India and NRIs (non-resident Indians) watched with awe and amusement, as the whole area was enveloped in a cloud of myriad colours of 'gulal' (coloured powder).
"We had full entertainment and experienced a spiritual catharsis of unprecedented dimension. An unforgettable scene that time cannot erase," said a pilgrim from Mumbai, Rajesh Bhai.
Most of the pilgrims who had come from distant places left in the evening. A few stayed back for another round of celebrations at Nandgaon Saturday.
Talking about the uniqueness of Barsana Holi, Huriyarins (gopis) Anita Sharma, Shyam Lata Sharma, Rajni Sharma, Jamuna Devi and Vijay Laxmi Sharma told IANS: "This tradition dates back to the 'Dwapar yuga' of Shri Krishna-Radha and is a clear demonstration of equality and empowerment."
Meanwhile, the temple of Dwarkadheesh in Mathura and Bankey Bihari in Vrindavan are gearing up for the 'Rang Bharni Ekadashi Holi' celebrations Sunday.
"In Barsana more than a lakh pilgrims turned up. In Mathura and Vrindavan, we are expecting a massive invasion of pilgrims from far off places," said a local priest Girdhari Lal.
Bharat Jodo Yatra Today: India Jodo Yatra proceeds in Hingoli, Maharashtra, Rahul will go to Gujarat next week
Congress's Bharat Jodo Yatra proceeded in Maharashtra's Hingoli district this morning. Crowds are gathering in the yatra being led by Rahul Gandhi.
Indian Navy: Kalvari class submarine yard 11879 handed over to Navy, India's strength at sea increased
The fifth Kalvari class submarine of Project 75, Yard 11879, was handed over to the Navy today, the Indian Navy said on Tuesday. Officials said, under Project 75, indigenous construction of six
Election Expenditure: BJP spent 340 crores in the elections of five states, Congress no less
The BJP spent Rs 340 crore in the assembly elections held in five states earlier this year. The party spent the most in UP. At the same time, Congress spent Rs 194 crore on campaigning in these
Maharashtra: The matter of entry of transgenders in the police department will be heard in the High Court on November 30.
The Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal had directed the government to make a provision for transgenders in the application form for posts under the Home Department. But the Maharashtra government has
Sudha Murty: Sudha Murty took blessings from Javed Akhtar by touching his feet, people are praising her on social media.
Famous writer and social worker Sudha Murthy recently won everyone's hearts with her modesty and simplicity at the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF). A video of her is becoming increasingly viral on
Karnataka: Guidelines issued regarding Diwali, only green crackers allowed to be sold
The Karnataka government on Saturday issued guidelines regarding Diwali. The state government has allowed the sale of only green crackers. Along with this, people have been advised to strictly follow
Putin is doing what Hitler did: Soldiers statue with rifles deployed in Russia, 'soldiers' will distribute Christmas gifts instead of Santa
Russia engaged in war with Ukraine is showing warlike passion in every act. Christmas was also no exception to this. This time in many cities in Russia, instead of Santa Claus, statues of soldiers
Corona: bailout package may be announced soon, PM Modi can appeal for help
The central government may soon announce a bailout package to deal with the negative impact on the economy due to the shock to various sectors due to Corona virus. Regardless of how much the bailout
Why is there no trust between farmers and the government?
Negotiations between the central government and the farmers' representatives who are opposing the new agricultural laws may have been initiated late, but the consensus is that negotiations are the
Bihar Election: Election moving towards direct competition between NDA and Grand Alliance
The campaigning for the first phase of the three-phase polling scheduled for election in 243 seats in the Bihar Assembly has ended. Votes will be cast on Thursday for 71 seats of this round.
