Mathura Holi Festival: Holi of Braj is not just a one day festival, but a 40 day festival full of devotion, tradition and enthusiasm. Braj Holi has started from 23 January 2026, which gradually adds color to the entire region and reaches the main festival. This festival celebrated in Braj region of Uttar Pradesh attracts devotees and tourists from India and abroad. This festival is deeply connected with the life of Lord Shri Krishna.
Today, 25th February, Lathmar Holi will be organized in Barsana. The special thing is that while Holi will be celebrated across the country on March 4, 2026, in Braj the celebrations start several weeks earlier and continue even after the main festival. Let us know the things about Braj’s Holi that make it special and different from the Holi of other parts of the country.
In which cities is Braj Holi celebrated?
This festival is celebrated with great pomp in the major cities of Braj region.
- Mathura
- Vrindavan
- Rain
- Nandgaon
- Gokul
- Mahavan
- Baldev
Major traditions of Braj Holi
holi of flowers
Holi is played by showering flowers on the devotees in the temples of Vrindavan. This scene is very beautiful and spiritual.
lathmar holi
Lathmar Holi of Barsana and Nandgaon is the most unique tradition. In this, women jokingly hit men with sticks and men defend themselves with shields. Whereas in Gokul and Mahavan, stick hitting Holi and traditional Huranga are the center of attraction.
Holika Dahan and Dhulendi
Holika Dahan will take place on the evening of 3 March 2026. According to religious beliefs, special caution will be taken due to the lunar eclipse on March 3. Colorful Holi i.e. Dhulendi will be played on the morning of 4th March.
Complete schedule of Mathura-Vrindavan Holi 2026
- Laddu Holi in Barsana on 24th February
- 25 February Lathmar Holi in Barsana
- 26th February Lathmar Holi in Nandgaon and Rawal
- 27 February Special Holi celebration at Shri Krishna’s birthplace, Mathura.
- March 1st Holi with stick in Gokul
- Holi Dola of Chaturvedi Samaj on 3 March
- 3 March (evening) Holika Dahan
- 4 March Dhulendi (Colorful Holi)
- 5 March Huranga of Dauji Maharaj (Baldev), Huranga of Nandgaon and Jav, Charkula dance in Mukhrai.
- 6 March Huranga of Bathain and Gidoh
- 9th March, Holi with stick in Mahavan
- 12 March Holi celebration at Shri Rangji Temple, Vrindavan
40 days spiritual celebration
In Braj, Holi starts from Basant Panchami. This festival is related to the pastimes of Lord Krishna’s life. The Lathmar Holi, flower Holi and Chhadi Maar Holi here are famous all over the world. While Holi will be celebrated across the country on March 4, in Braj this celebration will continue till the second week of March.
Also read: Why is the fire circled 3 to 7 times during Holika Dahan? See the list of puja materials here
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.