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Gulal Kund, near Govardhan Mountain, witnesses Raas-leela at the time of Holi. The local people who double up as performers enact scenes of Holi for the visitors. This is followed by the famous phoolon ki Holi, which is now also celebrated in other parts of the country.

Moving away from years of social stigma attached to them, the women (still clad in white sarees) smear each other’s faces with colours to mark this vibrant festival.

As the tradition of the temple goes, Lord Krishna dressed in white is brought closer to the devotees (an impersonation) and he showers them with gulaal and colours. The priests follow suit and throw colours and flowers on everyone in the compound. Loud chants of bhajans fill the air and devotees can be seen going into a spiritual trance - such is the impact of the festivities.

A colourful procession takes place through the streets of Mathura after the Holi festivities in Vrindavan get over. Starting from Vishram Ghat, the procession stops at Holi Gate. The various colours of the festival can be best enjoyed en-route, between the two landmarks. Vehicles decorated with flowers, with kids impersonating Radha-Krishna are the key attractions of the procession.

The end of the procession makes way for the Holika Dehan at the Holi Gate

The Dwarkadheesh temple in Mathura is home to the biggest celebration on Holi. The gates of the temple open at 10 am and a huge crowd can be seen playing Holi and dancing to the dhol.

Women usually play Holi inside the temple and a number of tourists can be seen joining the festivities. What’s best? You can even head out to Vishram Ghat to see priests making bhaang! (Bhaang is akind of drink made with milk)

Huranga is an aggressive form of Holi. The tradition goes back almost 500 years -started by the family that established the Dauji temple. The temple courtyard comes alive with men getting beaten up by the women. Only the traditional family, which has over 3,000 members now, participates in the event (while others are allowed to witness).

So next time you visit Braj , make sure its around the time of Holi to witness the most authentically exciting from of Holi in India.