Vraj Vasantutsav

Vasant Panchmi breaks our monotony of winters and commences new phase. It is a fifth day of Magh month in our Hindu calendar and signals the onset of Spring. Closely associated with Lord, lets look at the festival through Vraj's way of celebrating spring season.

Trutiyagruhkankroli

Vraj

Vrajbhoomi encompassses the region of Gokul, Mathura and Barsana where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. 

Vasantutsav

When  flowers are about to blossom the abode of Krishna is truly filled with colors of love. It is believed that hori once played in Vraj or any pushtimargiya haveli is a lifetime experience. To your surprise in Vrindavan celebration of vasant is said to be 'Khel', observed for 40 days in total. 

 Keeping aside the life chores, people engages into forty days of "Khel" in full fervor in context to Krishna. Whole Vasant festival is divided into Four festivals of ten days each. After vasant panchmi, the first ten days as festival of  Vasant, ten days as the days of Dhammar, next ten as days of faag and the last ten days as festival of hori. Who would not wish to have such forty days of vaccation, grab a bagpack and participate in such a colorful event.

Hindurush

Holi 

last 10 days of vasant 
The legend of Hori is very well known. The ego of  Hiranyakashyap was killed by his son's strong belief in God. Following that event Holika is still burnt on every Fagun Sud Poonam. 

Dolotsav

The day after hori, is celebrated as Dolotsav in havelis where gulal is sprinkled over devotees in front of thakorji. On that auspicious day thakorji's swing(dol) is adorned with ashoka leaves and he gracefully swings to enjoy utsav.

Early mornings Devotees awaits Temple paat to open up. As soon as paat open up everyone gathers into the courtyard infront of thakorji. Dhol is played in the courtyards of the havelis and none of the devotees remain recognised after utsav. Youth dances and sings kirtans with full grace. If you are 1st time vistor of dolotsav do not refrain yourself from moving yourself in the tune of dhol. 

Kirtans sung during the festivals are also playful like god himself are known as "holi ke rasiya"

The most mesmerizing lyrics that come to me in this festive season are

"Holi khelan padharo shri Vrindavan me"

Please Note : Some words in this post are in vraj language (bhasha)as substitute of  this words in English do not satisfy actual meanings.

If there’s anything I missed, let me know in the comments section. Also, do not forget to share your experience here. I’ll be waiting! :)

Although much more unconventional celebrations coming soon this season! Lathmaar holi is one of them.