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.
Russia and Ukraine War: Missiles hit the dam in Ukraine, and people were ordered to evacuate
Residents of Krivoy Rih, Ukraine, have been asked to evacuate after missiles hit a large reservoi
New Delhi. Some 1500 years ago there was a philosopher in China. The name was Lao Tsu. They used
‘My Hyderabadi brother, stay there only…’ Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis attacked AIMIM chief Owaisi.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis has once again targeted All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Musl
Realme GT 5G smartphone specifications and price leaked, this phone will compete
Chinese mobile phone company Realme is ready to launch its Realme GT 5G smartphone. It has alread
Former Australian cricketer Shane Warne has passed away. Both the teams paid tribute to him befor
Lucknow
In Uttar Pradesh (Uttar pradesh), the matter of running one thousand buses of Con
Prakash Padukone, the father of world-renowned band Mitton player and well-known actress Deepika
China's apps slipped down the ranks of popularity
China's applications, which were once very popular in the online segment among the Indian people,
Center vs Kejriwal: Whose right on transfer-posting of officers? Supreme Court hearing on November 9
The Supreme Court has fixed the date of hearing on the petition of the Kejriwal government seekin
Odisha monk campaigns to save indigenous cow
Puri (Odisha), March 25 (IANS) A monk in Odisha has launched a campaign to save the state's nati
