Rangbhari Ekadashi ushers in Holi festivities in Vrindavan temples

Rangbhari Ekadashi on Friday marked the beginning of Holi celebrations in the temples of Vrindavan , with thousands of devotees thronging major shrines as traditional rasiya hymns echoed through the temple town.

Long queues were seen outside prominent temples from early morning, as priests initiated rituals symbolising Lord Krishna playing Holi with devotees. At the Bankey Bihari Temple , the festivities began with the deity sprinkling saffron, rose water, tesu (flame of the forest) extract and perfume-filled water, recreating the playful exchange of colours between Lord Krishna and Radha.

Temple priest Gyanendra Kishore Goswami said the tradition traces its origin to the Dwapar Yuga , when Radha is believed to have first applied colour on Krishna, marking the beginning of Holi traditions in Braj. Following Ekadashi rituals, gujia and jalebi were offered as prasad . The deity was adorned in white attire, which will continue till Dhulandi, when pink garments will be worn.

Historian Prahlad Ballabh Goswami said the tradition of singing Holi Rasiya in Braj has a long history, with compositions by both Hindu and Muslim poets. Hymns such as “Aaj Biraj mein Holi re Rasiya” resonated not only inside temples but also across the narrow lanes of Vrindavan.

Celebrations were also held at other temples. At the Radha Damodar Temple , more than 200 foreign devotees participated in the festivities, while at the Radha Ballabh Temple , special rituals were performed to mark the divine wedding of the deity.

Officials said Holi celebrations in Vrindavan attract several lakh devotees every year , with footfall peaking between Rangbhari Ekadashi and Dhulandi, as pilgrims arrive from across the country and abroad to witness the unique Braj Holi traditions.

To manage the heavy rush, the district administration has put in place extensive safety arrangements. Police, fire, electricity and health department personnel have been deployed along the Parikrama Marg and around major temples. Authorities have also been instructed to check the use of harmful and chemical-based colours.

As a precautionary measure amid heavy footfall, power supply to three local transformers at Cheer Ghat, Kesi Ghat and near Jugal Ghat was temporarily shut down after crowds were seen moving close to electricity panels. Officials clarified that there was no disruption in power supply to major temples.

Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar said police have been directed to maintain strict vigil and take action against miscreants, particularly in cases involving inappropriate behaviour towards women, children and senior citizens. A QR code-based information system has also been introduced to help devotees access details of hospitals, parking facilities, police assistance centres and health camps.

Meanwhile, live streaming of darshan was launched at the Bankey Bihari Temple on Rangbhari Ekadashi to facilitate devotees unable to visit in person. District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh said the initiative would help reduce overcrowding while allowing devotees across India and abroad to participate virtually in the celebrations.

Prominent saint Swami Awadheshanand said Holi in Braj is not merely celebrated but lived, with devotion, music and colour forming an inseparable part of spiritual expression.