Get ready for the vibrant festival of Holi in the sacred towns of Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana! Here’s the schedule for the festivities:

1. Barsana Laddu Holi (March 17, 2024):

Start your Holi journey in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The celebrations here begin with the Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon. On the 17th of March, head to Barsana, where the women of the town playfully beat men with sticks, replicating the mythological event of Radha playfully hitting Lord Krishna. 

• Location: Shriji Temple, Barsana
• Highlights:
  • Experience the unique tradition of Laddu Holi.
  • Devotees playfully throw desi ghee laddus at each other.
  • Arrive by noon (around 12:00 PM) to witness the festivities.

1. Lathmar Holi in Barsana (March 18, 2024):

The next day, witness the Lathmar Holi in Nandgaon, where men from Nandgaon visit Barsana to play Holi with the women. 

• Location: Radha Rani Temple, Barsana
• Highlights:

1. • • Witness the famous Lathmar Holi.
     • Women playfully hit men with sticks (lathis) in jest.
     • The celebration begins around 2:00 PM and continues until evening.

2. Lathmar Holi in Nandgaon (March 19, 2024):

On the 19th of March, Mathura hosts the Phoolon Wali Holi at the Banke Bihari Temple. This unique celebration involves the priests showering devotees with flower petals. The following day, experience the Holi procession at the Dwarkadheesh Temple, where the idol of Lord Krishna is taken out in a grand procession.

1. • Location: Nand Bhavan, Nandgaon
   • Highlights:
     • Participate in the lively Lathmar Holi.
     • Enjoy the playful banter between men and women.
     • Arrive during the afternoon for the festivities.

2. Phoolwali Holi in Vrindavan (March 20, 2024):

Vrindavan, the playground of Radha and Krishna, is a must-visit during Holi. On the 20th of March, the famous Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan hosts the Phoolon Wali Holi, similar to the celebration in Mathura. The next day, the town witnesses the colorful Huranga festival at Dauji Temple, where men are drenched in colors by the women of the temple.

1. • Location: Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
   • Highlights:
     • Revel in the colorful Phoolwali Holi.
     • Flowers replace traditional colors during this celebration.
     • Explore the vibrant temple premises.

2. Other Notable Holi Events:

   • Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple Program (March 20, 2024): Attend the special program at the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
   • Stick Mar Holi in Gokul (March 21, 2024): Experience the playful stick Holi.
   • Widow’s Holi in Vrindavan (March 22, 2024): Witness the unique celebration at Radha Gopinath Temple. On the 22nd of March, experience the mesmerizing Widow’s Holi at the Meera Sahabhagini Ashram, where widows from Vrindavan break societal norms and celebrate Holi with utmost joy. The celebrations continue with the grand Holi procession on the 23rd of March, where idols of Radha and Krishna are taken out in a procession accompanied by music, dance, and colors.
   •  Join the bonfire ceremony at Banke Bihari Temple. Barsana, the village where Radha grew up, is famous for its unique Lathmar Holi. On the 24th of March, witness the colorful and playful celebrations as men from Nandgaon visit Barsana, and women chase them away with sticks. The next day, the celebration continues in Nandgaon, where men from Barsana visit to play Holi with the women.
   • Main Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan (March 25, 2024): Immerse yourself in the grand Holi celebrations.
   • Huranga Holi in Baldev (March 26, 2024): Conclude your Braj Holi experience at Dauji Temple.

Significance of Brij Ki Holi:

• Braj ki Holi celebrates love, unity, and the victory of good over evil.
• Immerse yourself in the divine journey of Radha and Krishna.
• Capture the kaleidoscope of colors and dance to traditional songs.

Travel Tips:

• Clothing: Wear comfortable, light-colored clothes.
• Footwear: Opt for closed-toe shoes or sandals.
• Hydration: Stay hydrated during the energetic celebrations.
• Photography: Capture the moments respectfully.
• Local Customs: Respect traditions and enjoy the joyous spirit.

Best Ways to Reach Mathura and Vrindavan For Holi 2024

1. From Delhi to Mathura:

• Distance: Approximately 160 kilometers (99 miles).
• Mode of Transport:
  • By Road: Take a road trip from Delhi to Mathura (approximately 3 hours).
  • By Train: Several trains connect Delhi to Mathura.
• Highlights:
  • Explore Mathura’s temples, including Dwarkadheesh Temple and Sri Krishna Janam Bhumi.
  • Visit Vishram Ghat, where Lord Krishna rested after defeating Kansa.

2. Mathura to Vrindavan:

• Distance: Around 20 kilometers (12 miles).
• Mode of Transport:
  • Shared auto-rickshaws or small autos.
• Duration: Approximately 20 minutes.
• Highlights:
  • Explore Vrindavan’s temples, including Banke Bihari Temple and Madan Mohan Temple.

3. Other Nearby Towns:

• Nandgaon:
  • Associated with Lord Krishna’s childhood.
  • Witness Lathmar Holi during the festival season.
• Barsana:
  • Believed to be the home of Goddess Radha.
  • Visit Radha Rani Temple.
• Gokul:
  • Where Krishna spent his childhood.
  • Explore temples dedicated to Lord Krishna.
• Govardhan:
  • Visit Govardhan Hill, lifted by Lord Krishna.
  • Perform a parikrama (circumambulation) around the hill.

4. Agra (Optional Side Trip):

• Distance from Mathura: Approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles).
• Attraction: The iconic Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Estimated Travel Costs (for budget planning):

• Mathura to Nandgaon: ₹100
• Nandgaon to Barsana: ₹50
• Barsana to Govardhan: ₹50
• Govardhan to Mathura: ₹50
• Govardhan Parikrama: ₹100
• Local Travel near Govardhan: ₹50
• Total: ₹2200