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.
Pandora Papers leak has created panic in the politics of Pakistan. There are 700 Pakistanis on th
Rajasthan Royals had to face defeat by 37 runs against Gujarat Titans in the 24th match of the IP
The Israeli army has claimed that its troops have surrounded Gaza City from all sides. Israeli PM
Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday held a high-level meeting in Delhi on the issue of security
Arun Govil, who played the character of Ram, is saddened by the demise of actor Arvind Trivedi, w
This big information came before PUBG's return to India, know how data will be safe
PUBG lovers are eagerly awaiting its return to India. It is believed that this game is going to r
'In-Residence' programme for writers, artists begins on March 7
New Delhi, March 5 (IANS) The "In-Residence" programme for 2015 for writers and artists will be
Ukraine is left alone in the war in Europe. He is facing the wrath of Russia. Russian tanks are s
National Testing Agency/NTA has declared the result of JEE Mains June session exam. The testing a
IIT-Kharagpur to launch short term courses
Kolkata, March 24 (IANS) Indian Institute of Technology-Kharagpur is launching short-term cour
