Widows Holi celebrated in Vrindavan with colors and joy

Vrindavan: The unique ‘Widows’ Holi’ celebration in Vrindavan has become a powerful symbol of change, highlighting inclusion and compassion. Vrindavan, the town where Lord Krishna spent his childhood, has long been a refuge for widowed Hindu women who, due to societal rejection, face many challenges. These women often rely on support from the government, NGOs,.

Vrindavan: The unique ‘Widows’ Holi’ celebration in Vrindavan has become a powerful symbol of change, highlighting inclusion and compassion. Vrindavan, the town where Lord Krishna spent his childhood, has long been a refuge for widowed Hindu women who, due to societal rejection, face many challenges. These women often rely on support from the government, NGOs, and local temples and ashrams.

This celebration marks a significant shift in tradition, allowing widows—once excluded from festivals—to partake in the vibrant Holi festivities with joy and enthusiasm.

As Holi approaches, people across the nation have started their preparations. Markets are busy as people buy colors and pichkaris, homes are adorned with decorations, and sweets like gujiyas are being made.

Earlier this week, the Rangbhari Ekadashi festival at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple kicked off the Holi season, five days before the main festival. The atmosphere was filled with color and excitement. In Nandgaon, the ‘Lathmar’ Holi celebrations began on Sunday, signaling the start of a week-long celebration in Mathura. Additionally, the Laddu Mar Holi took place at the Shri Ladliji Maharaj temple in Barsana, with devotees joyously throwing sweets at each other.

This year, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated Rangotsav 2025 at Shri Radha Bihari Inter College in Barsana, Mathura, where he showered flower petals on the crowd. During his visit, he emphasized that after the development projects in Ayodhya and Prayagraj, Mathura and Vrindavan would now undergo significant development. Adityanath stated that the state government would spare no effort in this regard. He also mentioned that under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, cities like Kashi and Ayodhya have seen remarkable transformation, and now it was time for Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana to experience similar growth, including the cleaning of the Yamuna River.