Mathura District Administration Inaugurates 18-Day Rangotsav 2026 with Robust Security Measures
The Mathura district administration officially launched the 18-day Rangotsav 2026 on Tuesday, marking the commencement of Holi celebrations across the Braj region. The inauguration took place at Shri Radha Bihari Inter College amidst significant police deployment at key locations throughout the city and the implementation of traffic restrictions to manage the influx of visitors.
Minister Emphasizes Cultural Significance and Safety Arrangements
Uttar Pradesh Minister for Sugarcane Development and Sugar Mills, Lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary, inaugurated the event and described Barsana's Holi as a profound symbol of Braj's faith, tradition, and cultural identity. He assured that extensive arrangements have been meticulously planned to guarantee the safety, security, and convenience of pilgrims and visitors arriving from across India and abroad.
Mathura Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar detailed the comprehensive security and traffic measures in place. Officers and magistrates have been stationed in their respective sectors and zones to oversee operations. Kumar emphasized that strict action will be taken against individuals who deliberately attempt to color women pilgrims or tourists, with close monitoring through CCTV cameras and drones for enhanced surveillance.
Festivities Commence with Laddu Holi and Cultural Performances
The celebrations began with Laddu Holi at Barsana on Tuesday, featuring cultural programs that showcased the rich traditions of Braj during the inauguration ceremony. Artists captivated dignitaries and devotees by showering flowers over them during a dance performance, setting the stage for Barsana's Lathmar Holi, which will be celebrated on Wednesday.
Amid devotional singing by the Goswami community and performances by Nandgaon artists, the temple administration of Shri Ladli Ji Temple in Barsana showered 10,000 kg of pure desi ghee laddus from the temple's balcony onto devotees assembled in the courtyard. This act symbolizes the showering of divine grace upon devotees, as described by the chief priest, who referred to it as an expression of spiritual love and blessing.
Devotees Share Overwhelming Experiences and Praise
Rupal Parashar from Bharatpur expressed that the experience exceeded expectations, describing it as "divine joy and bliss." Another devotee, Manmohini Dasi from Vrindavan, noted the overwhelming energy and devotion at the temple and praised the state government's efforts in organizing the festival on such a grand scale.
Upcoming Holi Celebrations Across the Braj Region
As part of the wider Holi calendar in the Braj region, a series of celebrations are scheduled:
- Festivities at Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi, Banke Bihari Temple, and Dwarkadeesh Temple on February 27.
- Chhadi-maar Holi in Gokul on March 1.
- Traditional ritual of walking across burning embers at Phalen village on March 3.
- Dhulendi in Mathura on March 4.
- Huranga festivities in Baldev, Nandgaon, and Jaab villages on March 5.
- Traditional Holi celebrations featuring the Churkula dance at Mukhrai village, followed by Huranga at Bathen village on March 6.
- The event will conclude on March 12 at Rangji Temple in Vrindavan.
These events highlight the diverse and vibrant traditions of Holi in the Braj region, ensuring a memorable experience for all participants under secure and well-organized conditions.
