‘Phoolon Ki Holi’ Festivities Begin in Vrindavan with Grand Devotion and Security Arrangements

Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh | February 28, 2026: The spiritual town of Vrindavan has come alive with the start of ‘Phoolon Ki Holi’, marking the countdown to the grand festival of Holi. The celebrations commenced with Rangbhari Ekadashi, drawing thousands of devotees to temples from the early hours of the morning.

At the revered Shri Bankey Bihari Temple, long lines of worshippers were seen waiting patiently to participate in the rituals. The atmosphere resonated with traditional Holi ‘rasiya’ hymns, filling the temple premises and surrounding lanes with devotional fervour.

To ensure devotees across the globe could witness the occasion, the temple authorities introduced a live darshan broadcast. The telecast began inside the temple in the morning and was later streamed through official social media platforms, enabling virtual participation in the celebrations.

Temple priests shared that Lord Bankey Bihari symbolically initiated the Holi festivities by showering saffron, rose water, tesu extract and fragrant water upon Radha Rani with a ceremonial pichkari. This ritual was followed by a joyful exchange of colours among devotees.

According to religious belief tracing back to the Dwapar era, Radha is said to have first applied colour to Lord Krishna, a tradition that forms the cultural foundation of Holi celebrations in Braj.

Special offerings of gujia and jalebi were presented as prasad after the Ekadashi ceremonies. The deity was adorned in white attire, a tradition that will continue until Dhulandi, when pink garments will signify the height of Holi festivities. Morning and evening darshan sessions will both feature celebratory rituals in the coming days.

Scholars highlighted the deep-rooted tradition of Holi Rasiya singing in the Braj region, noting contributions from poets across communities. Devotional verses echoed through temple courtyards and narrow streets, preserving centuries-old customs.

At the Radha Damodar Temple, more than 200 international devotees joined the celebrations, participating in flower Holi rituals. Similarly, the Radha Ballabh Temple planned processions accompanied by drums and nagaras to invite devotees for evening ceremonies.

Given the heavy footfall, authorities implemented extensive safety measures. Power supply to select transformers near crowded ghats was temporarily suspended as a precaution. Officials assured that major temples remained unaffected.

Personnel from police, fire, health, and electricity departments were stationed along the Parikrama Marg to manage the influx. Strict monitoring has been ordered to prevent misconduct, particularly toward women, children, and elderly devotees.

To assist visitors, a QR code-based information system has been introduced, offering details on hospitals, parking facilities, help centres, and medical camps. Authorities have also warned against the use of harmful chemical colours during the festivities.

As Braj’s vibrant Holi season unfolds, spiritual leaders emphasised that in this sacred land, Holi is not merely observed—it is experienced through devotion, music, and collective celebration.