Braj Holi - Barsana | Nandgaon | Vrindavan

For the Holi 2022, We decided to pack our bags and witness Braj ki Holi. The Holi in braj is celebrated as a 40 days festival. But in these 40 Days, There is a 9 day holi celebration festival in entire Braj which is said to be popular one.

In the year 2022, the Braj Holi's 9 day celebration started with "Laddu Maar" holi on the date

10th March 2022.

11th March 2022 was the first day of our Braj Holi trip. On this day, there was a Holi celebration

in Barsana called as "Lathh Maar holi" .

On this day, The men from nandgaon come to Barsana and the women from barsana beat these men in playful way with the laathi. That's why it is called as Lathhmaar Holi.

On day 2 of our trip, The next Holi was going to be celebrated in Nandgaon. The Lathhmaar Holi in Nandgaon. Men from barsana come to nandgaon to tease women ( Radha's Sakhis) But the women of nandgaon welcomes them with the stocks, similar to the barsana. So, the lathhmar Holi was celebrated in nandgaon on day 3 of festival.

Before starting of the lathhmar Holi in Nandgaon, there is an event called "Samaj Gayan" in nandbaba temple, Nandgaon. After the event gets over, the lathhmar Holi is celebrated in nandgaon.

P.S. - Samaj Gayan is a must watch event which happens in Nandbaba Temple in Nandgaon.

On the 14th March 2022, There was a Holi celebration in vrindavan at Shri Bankey Bihari ji temple. The celebration is called as "Phoolon ki Holi" the holi which is played with flowers.

It was very crowded, the entry inside the temple itself was difficult. But somehow me n my group managed to get an entry. The whole scene was worth the watch. People from various states of India, across the world come here in vrindavan to celebrate Holi. It's believed to be one of the auspicious holis in india.

On 15th March 2022, the next Holi celebration was

"Widow's Holi" The widow's from vrindavan come together to celebrate Holi with each other. Since 2015, it was not allowed for them to play Holi together. But recently they've got a permission to play holi with each other. The scenes from this Holi are eye catching, The happiness on their faces makes us happy. I got emotional while watching them play holi like a small kid. Those scenes were eye catching.

With this Holi celebration,

we ended our "Braj Holi Trip"

Though we were left with few Holi celebrations. We're looking forward to go there in coming years.

Additional Information.

How to reach :

1. Nearest airport : Delhi International airport

2. Nearest Railway station : Mathura junction

3. You can travel from Delhi to Mathura via train

4. And then from Mathura to Vrindavan, Govardhan, Barsana, Nandgaon you can use intertown transport. ( Share auto, tumtum, etc.)

5. Nearest City : Agra, Delhi.

Accommodation :

1. We stayed in Govardhan, Which is situated in the middle of barsana-Nandgaon & Mathura.

2. You can opt to stay at Vrindavan/ Mathura also.

3. The Ashrams & Dham are budget friendly.

4. Govardhan, Mathura, Vrindavan also has 3 star hotels to stay.

Food :

1. If you're a good food person/ spicy food person, there are few bad days for you.

2. There are very few places in Govardhan, nandgaon, barsana which can offer you a typical spicy/Punjabi/delhi food.

3. The spices used are very less, In braj, the use of onion is avoided while cooking.

4. Vrindavan has some cafes, hotels which are pretty good.

Note :

1. Barasana & Nandgaon Holi celebrations are

"NOT SAFE FOR FEMALE TRAVELLERS"

2. I'd recommend female travellers to go with the male co-travellers / local travellers.

3. Avoid, if you can.

4. Vrindavan is comparatively way more safer than that of Barsana/Nandgaon.

5. Carry Cash with you all the time while on trip.

Distances :

1. Mathura to Govardhan - 22Kms

2. Govardhan to Barsana - 20 Kms

3. Barsana to Nandgaon - 9 Kms

4. Mathura to Vrindavan - 10 Kms

Budget : From Delhi to Delhi

For the 5 days trip : 5000 to 7000 INR / person

P.S - A budget traveller might need lesser budget.

I hope this is helpful.

I've documented this Holi & posted it on YouTube.

Do watch the video to witness the celebrations visually.