Mathura/Lucknow: A grand ‘Rangotsav 2025’ is marking Holi this year in the Braj region in Uttar Pradesh. The festival spans 40 days, but the true enthusiasm builds up a week before Holi.
The festivities began with Barsana’s Laddu Holi and Lathmar Holi where women beat men with sticks.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath kickstarted 'Rangotsav 2025' in Barsana, Mathura, where he said that after the development activities in Ayodhya and Prayagraj, it is now the turn of Mathura and Vrindavan, and the state government would spare no effort to develop the region.
During the event, CM Yogi offered prayers at the Shri Ladli Ji Maharaj Temple before officially commencing the Rangotsav celebrations with flowers and Laddu Mar Holi.
The world-famous Lathmar Holi being celebrated in Barsana town, Uttar Pradesh. (Photo courtesy: X@BrajTeerth)
Highlighting the spiritual and cultural significance of Braj, he said, "Sri Radha Rani and Leeladhari Lord Krishna are present in every dust and particle of Brajbhoomi, which has been infusing India's eternal culture with new energy for the last 5,000 years."
The grand celebrations of 'Rangotsav 2025' in Barsana are the start of Holi, the festival of colors, joy and devotion.
Holi of Braj has special significance as it was associated with Lord Krishna. The Braj region, including Mathura, Vrindavan, Govardhan, Gokul, Nandgaon and Barsana, was known for its unique Holi celebrations which would be showcased by the department to attract tourism.
A large number of foreign tourists visited the region to witness Holi celebrations. Holi was celebrated with great fervor across India, and in the sacred city of Varanasi, it has become a unique cultural experience for foreign tourists over the past two decades.
