Devotees gather at Dwarkadhish temple for vibrant Braj holi celebrations

Thousands of devotees and tourists gathered at Mathura’s iconic Dwarkadhish Temple as Braj Holi 2026 began with traditional fervour, marking the start of nearly ten days of vibrant and spiritually rich festivities across the Braj region.Unlike most parts of the country where Holi is celebrated for a day or two, Braj ,comprising Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Nandgaon and Gokul hosts an elaborate sequence of celebrations rooted in devotion to Lord Krishna.

VIDEO | Uttar Pradesh: People gather at Mathura's Dwarkadhish Temple for vibrant holi celebrations.

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Laddu Mar and Lathmar Holi Traditions
The festivities traditionally begin with Laddu Mar Holi at the Radha Rani Temple in Barsana, where priests shower laddus from the temple balcony as a symbol of welcome. The celebration usually takes place between 3 PM and 5 PM, marking the ceremonial invitation to Nandgaon.Lathmar Holi, one of the most iconic events of Braj Holi, was celebrated on February 25 in Barsana, where women playfully struck men from Nandgaon with wooden sticks, while the men shielded themselves in good humour. The following day, the celebration shifted to Nandgaon at Nand Bhawan Temple, where roles were reversed. Folk songs, drum beats and clouds of colour filled the temple courtyards on both days.
Phoolon Wali Holi and Rangbhari Ekadashi
On February 27, Vrindavan witnessed Phoolon Wali Holi at the famed Banke Bihari Temple and other temples, where flower petals were showered on devotees during evening aarti instead of coloured powder, creating a serene devotional atmosphere.Rangbhari Ekadashi marked the formal beginning of colour celebrations inside temples, with gulal offered to Lord Krishna as a symbolic start to the vibrant festivities.
Widow Holi Promotes Social Inclusion
Widow Holi at Gopinath Temple and nearby ashrams in Vrindavan once again reflected social reform and inclusion. Widows, who were traditionally excluded from festivals, participated in colour celebrations, symbolising compassion and dignity.
Holika Dahan and Lunar Eclipse Advisory
According to the Hindu Panchang, Holika Dahan will be observed on March 3, 2026, followed by Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi on March 4. Community bonfires will be lit across Mathura and surrounding towns after sunset, including at Vishram Ghat and Dwarkadhish Temple.However, a total lunar eclipse will also occur on March 3. Temple authorities have indicated that rituals and bonfire timings may be adjusted, with ceremonies expected after 6:47 PM IST once the Sutak period concludes. Phalguna Purnima Tithi begins on the evening of March 2 and ends on the evening of March 3, with Holika Dahan performed when Purnima prevails after sunset.
Rangwali Holi and Dauji Ka Huranga
On March 4, the streets of Mathura and Vrindavan will come alive with colours, devotional songs and festive gatherings from morning until afternoon. Areas around Banke Bihari Temple and Dwarkadhish Temple are expected to witness especially vibrant scenes, with devotees celebrating with gulal, gujiya and thandai.The celebrations will conclude on March 5 with Dauji Ka Huranga at Dauji Temple in Baldev, where playful colour-throwing and unique temple rituals bring the Braj Holi calendar to a spirited close.With its blend of devotion, tradition and colour, Braj Holi 2026 continues to draw pilgrims and tourists from across India and abroad, reaffirming Mathura’s place at the heart of India’s most iconic Holi celebrations.