'Start Of Holi Festivities': Rangbharni Ekadashi Paints Vrindavan in Devotion and Colour

Holi Begins with Faith and Colour

Vrindavan woke up to colour, abeer, gulal, and chants of Radhe-Radhe on Friday as Rangbharni Ekadashi marked the formal start of Holi celebrations in the temple town. The air around Banke Bihari Temple was filled with excitement.

Morning Rituals Set the Tone

After the Mangala Aarti, temple servitors performed traditional rituals and offered abeer and gulal to Thakur Banke Bihari. With this offering, the centuries-old Holi tradition of Braj officially began.

Colours Showered from the Sanctum

A special moment came when Thakur Banke Bihari servitors showered devotees with colour using a gold-adorned pichkari. As gulal filled the air, chants of “Radhe-Radhe” and “Holi Hai” echoed through the temple corridors.

Flowers, Sweets and Prasad

Along with colours, flowers were showered on the crowd. Jalebis and laddoos were distributed as prasad. There was visible excitement as devotees tried to catch the offerings, smiling and laughing despite the packed space.

Long Queues, Patient Faith

From early morning, long queues stretched outside the temple. Devotees from different parts of the country waited patiently for hours. For many, the first darshan on Rangbharni Ekadashi is considered especially auspicious.

Celebration Spills Outside

After darshan, devotees stepped out into the streets and lanes of Vrindavan. Friends, families and even strangers applied gulal to each other. Within hours, the area around the temple was soaked in colour and cheer.

Rangbharni Ekadashi

Rangbharni Ekadashi is not just a festival here, it is a cultural expression of Braj. The blend of devotion, music and colour reflects the region’s deep connection with Lord Krishna and Radha.