Holi - Holashtak Timings

Holi is the time to forgive and forget old enmities. Holi is not only a social event but also it has its religious significance. The main Holi festivities span for two days. The first day has only religious significance when people perform Puja ritualistically before Holika Dahan. The second day has only social significance and no Puja activities are associated with it. For most of the tourists and foreigners it is the second day which is known as Holi. However for the Hindus, it is the first day which has more significance and is considered the main Holi day.

The first day of Holi is known as Holika Dahan. Holika Dahan is also known as Chhoti Holi which literally means small Holi. People use little colors on the first day and hence the name Chhoti Holi. Chhoti Holi should not mean that it has less religious significance. The second day of Holi is known as Dhulandi (धुलण्डी) and more popularly as Rangwali Holi.

As per Hindu lunar calendar it is Phalguna Purnima day which decides the first day of Holi. The second day of Holi always follows the first day. As mentioned above the main Holi festivities span for the two days. However the preparation of Holi begins eight days before of the first Holi day. This day is known as Holashtak (होलाष्टक) and begins on Phalguna Ashtami during Shukla Paksha.  Most temples in Mathura and Vrindavan organize Holi events during these eight days of Holashtak.

In 2013, Holashtak would begin on 20th March and would end on 27th March. It should be noted that Holashtak is an inauspicious time to conduct marriage and any other auspicious ceremonies. However the effect of Holashtak is limited to certain area of the Northern India. The places on the banks of river Vyas, Ravi and Satlaj, all of which are in Punjab, and the Pushkar area of Ajmer are affected with Holashtak. However most people in North India, even those residing outside the mentioned places, avoid any auspicious ceremonies during this time. Holashtak is less known event in the South India.

Holika Dahan is a community event which is performed at streets and roads junction. On the first day of Holashtak people choose the place of Holika Dahan. The chosen place is sanctified with holy water of Ganges and few dried woods are collected and placed on the sanctified spot. The ritual of collecting dried woods, which are fallen from trees naturally, continues for the next eight days. By the last day of Holashtak the spot has good amount of dried woods which is used to burn demoness Holika symbolically.

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Lathmar Holi at Barsana

In 2013, the world famous Lathmar Holi at Barsana would be played on 21st March.

Holi celebrations are none other than those of Mathura and Vrindavan, the birth place of Lord Krishna. In most temples, the Holi festivities start on Vasant Panchami and culminate after 40 days on Phalguna Purnima. The last 8 days out of total 40 days are known as Holashtak. The most visible Holi is played during these eight days. The last day of Holi falls on Phalguna Purnima and it is the most important day when people burn Demoness Holika symbolically in huge bonfire. The most prominent Holi with wet colors and water is played next day after bonfire and it culminates the Holi festivity.

The world famous Lathmar Holi at Mathura is played in Barsana which is remote satellite town of Mathura. During Lathmar Holi women folks try to protect themselves and symbolically beat men with wooden sticks to resist any attempt to smear them with wet and dried colors. It is believed to be the most ancient way to play Holi started in the time of Lord Krishna.

Lathmar Holi at Barsana - 2012

The Goddess Radha, consort of Lord Krishna, was from Barsana and Lord Krishna was brought up in Nandgaon. As per Hindu mythology Lord Krishna and His troop used to visit Barsana to play Holi with Radha and other female cowherds known as Gopis. This tradition of playing Holi between both towns is still kept alive by these village folks.

As per tradition Gulal, the dried colored power, is sent to Nandgaon by people of Barsana as an invitation to visit and play Holi with the female folks of Barsana. The invitation is send on the first day of Holashtak and on the next day men folks of Nandgaon visit Barsana to play Lathmar Holi.

folk dancing during Lathmar Holi at Barsana - 2012

In 2013, the invitation to play Lathmar Holi would be sent on 20th March. After receiving the invitation men folks of Nandgaon would visit Barsana on 21st March. On the same day there would be community singing at Shri Jee temple and after that historic and mythological Holi of Lathmar would be played at Rangili Gali in Barsana.

The new Keshava Dev temple at Janmabhoomi celebrates Holi on Rang Bharani Ekadashi which falls about 4 days before Purnima.

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Rang Bharani Ekadashi at Janmabhoomi

Rang Bharani Ekadashi falls in Shukla Paksha of Phagun month and this year it would be celebrated on March 23, 2013. The day of Vasant Panchami marks the beginning of Holi celebrations in Mathura and people of Mathura start their Holi festivities from this day onwards. Celebration of Holi starts in all temples of Radha and Krishna from the day of Vasant Panchami.

It is believed that Radha and Krishna played Holi with each other on Rang Bharani Ekadashi. This Ekadashi is also known as Amalaki Ekadashi or Amla Ekadashi in other parts of India.

Some people fast on this Ekadashi, while others go for Panch Koshi Parikrama of Vrindavan. The world famous Lathmar Holi is held on the occasion of Rang Bharani Ekadashi inside Krishna Janmabhoomi premises. The local administration and the tourism department organize special cultural programmes during Holi.

Rang Bharani Ekadashi celebrations at Krishna Janmabhoomi - 2012

Holi which symbolizes divine proximity of beloved Lord Krishna and Radha is replayed at the pious stage of Krishna Janmabhoomi.  The sculptures of Radha and Shri Krishna are placed here as if they themselves have come to play Holi. Devotees play Holi with their adorable Krishna and Radha on this pious day. Traditional colors of Holi provide elegance and divinity to the atmosphere which is filled with love and joy. Holi played in different parts of the Braj can be enjoyed here on Rang Bharani Ekadashi.

To revitalize Lathmar Holi, tonnes of Gulal, petals of roses and other flowers are arranged which become the main attraction of Holi of Krishna Janmabhoomi compound. Holi is played with flowers and Gulal which are collected and thrown on each other. This sight of flowers and Gulal along with the echo of Radhe-Radhe reminds one the Dwapar Yuga itself when it was played the first time between Lord Krishna and Radharani.

Artist performing at Krishna Janmabhoomi - 2012

To mesmerize the whole atmosphere drumbeats and traditional Holi songs would be played in the compound. Lathmar Holi is played with timber and shield which revives the ancient tradition of Braj Holi and brings it to life in the modern age.

In order to ensure smooth and secure arrangements in Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, special barricading is done for the occasion. The separate arrangements for seating are done for the men and the women in the sprawling compound.  Devotees visiting this Janmabhoomi program are refrained from carrying any electronic item, match box, Gutkha, cell phones and other restricted items inside the Krishna Janmabhoomi compound.

Lord Krishna and Radha getting worshiped during Rang Bharani celebrations - 2012

Special programmes would be held at holy stage of Krishna Janmabhoomi. Hurrey and Hurriyani from Radhaji’s birthplace, village Rawal, would exhibit Lathmar Holi.  The throne of Krishna and Radha is made such that devotees sitting far off can also sight it easily. The hue of Lathmar Holi is unique. People stand in queue for several hours to get a glimpse of their adorable Krishna and Radha. The various type of clothes, leaves and flowers are used to decorate the stage. The decoration of the stage is done awesomely beautiful.

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Ancient Keshav Dev Temple, Mathura

Ancient Keshav Dev temple is situated close to main Krishna Janmabhoomi complex,  the birth place of Lord Krishna. Keshav Dev, which is one of the thousand names of Lord Krishna, is the deity of this ancient temple. Few years back, a new Keshav Dev temple has been built within the premises of Krishna Janmabhoomi due to which, the fame of old Keshav Dev temple is on the verge of extinction.

Main deity of old Keshav Dev Mandir, Mathura

It is believed that Idgah (mosque) which is adjacent to main Krishna Janmabhoomi at present, was once used to be Keshav Dev temple. During Muslim rule in 1669, Aurangzeb demolished this temple and later built Idgah there. Subsequently, Maratha Scindia founded the present temple near Potra Kund as Keshav Dev temple. This temple is situated in a locality called Mallapura. This locality is named as Mallapura as Kans’ malley used to live here. Kans was Sri Krishna’s maternal uncle and the people who used to guard premises of Kans were known as Malla.

Although all festivals are celebrated with full enthusiasm in this temple but Chhappan Bhog (56 delicacies) which is arranged on Vasant Panchami is the main attraction and provides unique hue to this temple. This day lacs of devotees visit the temple.

On Rang Bharani Ekadashi, Thakur Keshav Dev’s Sawari (ride) is taken out from Gatashram Ghat which ends at Keshav Dev temple. This Sawari is the main center of attraction for foreign devotees. Deepotsav, which means celebration of light in Hindi, is organized in this temple on Chhoti Diwali, which is also known as Narak Chaudas.

Darshan of Thakur Keshav Dev’s 24 Avtars can only be done once in a year. This special Darshan can be done only on Akshaya Teej while rest of the year, Darshan of Chaturbhuji Avatar can be done. On Akshay Teej, devotees throng the temple to sight 24 Avatars of Lord Keshav Dev with lots of charm and curiosity.

In most temples in Mathura, Janmashtami is celebrated on Ashtami Tithi, but resident of Mallapura celebrate Sri Krishna’s birth on Saptami Tithi.

Potra Kund, a water body, which is located near to Keshav Dev temple is renowned because it is believed that people of Mathura used this Kund for the purpose of holy bath after Sri Krishna was taken to Gokul.

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Maa Kali Temple, Mathura

There are nine Siddha Peeths, also known as Shakti Peeths, of Hindu Goddesses in Mathura which includes Mahavidya Devi, Charchika Devi, Chamunda Devi, Kaila Devi, Bagalamukhi Devi and Katyayini Devi. The Shakti Peeths are places of worship consecrated to the Goddess Shakti or Sati. Around two and a half decade back, there was no Maa Kali temple in Mathura. This temple is now one of the most popular shrines in the whole district. Maa Kali is the Hindu Goddess associated with strength and empowerment.

In the Vikram Samvat 2015, year as per Hindu calendar, managing director of Mathura Electric Supply Company - Kalicharan Bhagat developed the desire to build Maa Kali temple in Mathura. He presented his idea to his priest of traditional shrine, Shivlokwasi Mahant Mukund Ram of Naughar. Consequently, after seeking advice from Ganesh Prasad Chaturvedi and reporter friend – Narendra, Maa Bhagwati Kali Devi temple was founded on Mahashivratri festival by performing all Vedic rituals. This temple was built close to electric company and now this shrine is renowned as Siddha Peeth Maa Kali temple.

Siddhapeeth Maa Kali temple in Mathura

Though initially, there were lots of obstacles during construction of the building and temple expansion but gradually all were transformed to opportunities by the grace of Maa Kali. Since the establishment of the shrine, Maa Kali Devi has blessed its devotees such that all their wishes are fulfilled. Due to this shower of blessings from Maa Kali, this temple is flocked by devotees all around the year. The devotees and pilgrims visit this temple in large number during Shardiya and Chaitra Navratri.

The formal establishment of this temple was done only about 25 years back but due to Maa Kali’s miracles and grace on her devotees, the recognition of this temple has become hundredfold. Recently, the expansion of this temple has been completed and idols of Sri Girirajji, Shiva’s family, brave Hanuman, Bhairo Baba and Kshetrapal have been setup in this temple, but still this temple is renowned for Maa Kali.

Until 2013, three Yagyas (यज्ञ) have been organized in this temple. The first Yagya, which was conducted in the year 2007, was Panchkundiya Sahastra Chandi Mahayag . The second Yagya, which was in the year 2011, was Navkundiya Sahastra Chandi Mahayag and the third one, which is in the year 2013, is Panchkundiya Sahastra Chandi Mahayag. In the recent Panchkundiya Mahayag - Yonikund, Chaturth Kund, Ardhchand Kund, Padam Kund, Vrat Kund were made. The meaning of these Kunds are being told as - Yonikund is for son(s), Chaturth Kund is for Siddha, Ardhchand Kund is for prosperity, Padam Kund is for money and Vrat kund is the symbol for peace.

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Pathwari Devi Temple, Mathura

Pathwari Devi temple, Mathura is situated near Akashvani radio station.  This is one of the ancient temples of Mathura. According to local people, number of devotees and pilgrims visiting this temple has increased in present as compared to the past.

While some people worship Lord Ganesha before starting any auspicious work, some others worship Goddess Pathwari. It is believed that before commencing any auspicious work, if Goddess Pathwari is worshipped then all obstacles in the path are overcome. Because this deity shows the right path to her devotees, this is why She is renowned as ‘Pathwari’ (Path Showing). Pilgrims first visit and worship Goddess Pathwari before commencing their pilgrimage to make it successful. During wedding time, bride and bridegroom’s families visit Goddess Pathwari temple and invite her to the wedding and other celebrations by presenting the first invitation card to the deity.

Pathwari Devi Temple, Mathura

In Past, Goddess Pathwari temple was situated near to the confluence of Saraswati Kund and Mahavidya Kund in Mathura. Hence, Goddess Pathwari was once also known as ‘Mahavidya Saraswati’ in Mathura.

The Goddess of the path is generally found in most of the north Indian towns and villages in the form of a small squared earthen or stone structure.

Goddess Pathwari temple in Mathura was renovated in the year 1888 by devotees from Agra. It is believed that Mathura’s first 'Nav Kundiya Sahastra Chandi Mahayag' was performed in this temple in the year 2002. Devotees and pilgrims visiting this temple can also sight idols of Hanuman carrying Sanjeevani Mountain, Bhairavnath and Languriya holding flag in hand. At present, Lalitamahatripur Sundari temple is also under construction.

During Navratri, various Banglas (बंगला) are organized in this temple. Different Banglas are made with dry fruits, pulses, rice, vegetables, fruits, flowers and sweets. During Chaita Navratri, devotees from outstations like Agra, Hathras, Dauji and other nearby places, especially come to Mathura to visit this temple. Devotees flock to this temple during Navratri and New Year and make offerings to Goddess Pathwari in all forms e.g. cash, sweet delicacies, fruits and flowers according to their capacity.

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Vasant Panchami in Mathura

In 2013, Vasant Panchami was celebrated on two days i.e. on 14th Feb and 15th Feb. While many schools and colleges chose 14th Feb for Saraswati Puja, most temples in Mathura arranged special Darshan on 15th Feb.

In Mathura, Vasant Panchami marks the arrival of Holi festivity. Most famous temples of Lord Krishna start preparing for Holi festivity from the day of Vasant Panchami.

While new Keshava Dev Mandir at Janmabhoomi arranged special Darshan of Lord Krishna in Vasanti color, the old Keshava Dev Mandir near Janmabhoomi arranged Chhappan Bhog Darshan.

New Keshava Dev Mandir at Janmabhoomi - Special Darshan on Vasant Panchami 

Old Keshava Dev Mandir near Janmabhoomi – Special Chhappan Bhog Darshan on Vasant Panchami 

Vasant Panchami is also spelled as Basant Panchami.

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