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.
UN chief and Biden also reacted, claims Poland; Russia fired missiles in its territory
Amidst the Russia-Ukraine war, Poland said on Tuesday that two Moscow-made missiles had been fire
BCCI cameraman injured by Rishabh Pant's shot, DC captain apologized by giving 'special message'
Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant apologized to the BCCI cameraman who was injur
There is an atmosphere of tension between India and Pakistan at this time. In Operation Sindoor o
Amidst the tension with India, Bangladesh and Pakistan are getting closer. What is happening in B
Guyana's President Dr. Irfan Ali honored Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the country's highest
Railways launch portal, Mobile app for complaints
Hyderabad, March 6 (IANS) The Indian Railways have launched a web portal and a mobile applicati
A video of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan is going viral on social media. In this video, he is tel
Even on Monday, farmer leaders were busy meeting throughout the day at the Shambhu border and mak
Pakistani players will not be able to play in Big Bash League, PCB refuses to give NOC
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has refused its players to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) sea
On the last day of the election campaign, the Indian National Lok Dal and Bahujan Samaj Party org
