Widows in India have always led a difficult life. They were often banished form their homes and were forced to live in ashrams in Varanasi and Vrindavan. They wore white clothes and never played with colours. A few years back the widows of Pagal Baba Widow Ashram, Vrindavan decided to break this convention and play with colors.
Though it started only two years back, it's already a must-do event during Holi celebrations. If you reach early and have time, do make a visit and meet them. I am not sure, but if possible, do play with them as well...always good to spread love on festivals :)
The event takes place a few days before Holi.
Pagal Baba Widow Ashram, Vrindavan
4: Holi at BankeBihari Temple, Vrindavan
12th March 2017
BankeBihari is the hub of Holi festivities in Vridavan - believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The event here takes place just a day before the main Holi festival. The temple opens up its doors to all visitors to come and play Holi with the lord himself. The priest throw colors and holy water and the crowd chants in unison. Its an unbelievable experience to be a part of this event.
Unlike LathmarHoli, this event has mainly males participating. There are some women, but the crowd does get rowdy and I guess that’s the reason most local women avoid it. There is festival inside as well as outside the temple premises and its impossible to escape the colors :)
The doors of the temple open at 9am and shut by 1.30pm.
Read more: Holi at BankeBihari Temple, Vrindavan
A day before Holi; 9am to 1.30pm
Vridnavan
Event 5: Holi procession in Mathura
12th March 2017
After the Holi festivities in Vrindavan get over around 2pm, head out to Mathura to participate in the colourfulHoliporcession. The procession starts at VishramGhat and get over a little after the Holi Gate. Its best to catch it in the street connecting the two landmarks.
About ten vehicles decorated with flowers, and some even with kids dressed up as Radha-Krishna, participate in it. 3pm is a good time to go there and be a part of it. Everyone plays Holi with everyone else and its futile to resist. Get drenched a few times and get completely coloured and chances are that you will be left to enjoy (or take photographs) by yourself after that.