Petals, thandai and devotion – Holi of Braj in Delhi, huge pandals made for 10 thousand devotees

If Holi of Braj is said to be a confluence of colors, fragrance and devotion, then this time Delhiites do not need to go to Vrindavan. A special two-day Holi adorned with the traditions of Braj is being celebrated at ISKCON Dwarka on 3rd and 4th March, where celebration, taste and reverence will be experienced together.

The festival begins with Gaur Purnima

This is the day of the appearance of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is considered the golden incarnation of Lord Krishna in the Gaudiya Vaishnav tradition. The atmosphere is filled with devotion throughout the day with Katha, Sankirtan, Abhishek and offering of food, which marks the joyous beginning of Holi.

On March 4 the temple complex itself turns into Braj.

Traditional festivals like Holi of flowers, Lathmar Holi and Matka Phod are celebrated in a huge pandal built for about 10 thousand devotees. Here the meaning of Holi is not colors, but flowers.

In the Holi of flowers, rose and marigold petals rain from the sky. The fragrance of flowers in the air, the chanting of Harinam echoing all around and the petals scattered under the feet – this experience is not only seen but felt. Natural flowers instead of chemical colors give the message of a celebration that is sensitive to both the body and the environment.

And what is Holi without taste?

The special attraction of this year is 21 types of traditional Thandai of Braj style. This thandai prepared in large earthen pots is first offered to the Lord and then given to the devotees as Prasad. Saffron, almonds, pistachios, roses, cardamom, makhana, sugar candy and honey – the tradition of Braj is mixed in every taste.

Along with this, seven types of Gujhiya are included in the offering.

Crispy, aromatic and rich in flavour, reminiscent of Holi at home, but prepared for thousands of devotees. To run this huge event smoothly, about 2,000 volunteers are involved in the arrangements, taking care of the crowd and facilities along with the administration. Although the numbers are large, the feeling remains entirely personal and intimate.

Bali Murari Das Brahmachari of ISKCON Dwarka says

“For us, Holi and Gaur Purnima are not just celebrations, but forms of devotion and service. Be it Thandai, Gujhiya or Holi of flowers – everything is first offered to God. At the same time, we also ensure that in a modern city, this festival is celebrated keeping in mind the health, environment and convenience of all the devotees.”

The evening program becomes even more special when the Grammy-nominated Gaur Mani Mataji from America takes the atmosphere to spiritual heights with her devotional kirtan. While today’s Holi is often limited to limited colonies or commercial parties, this Holi of ISKCON Dwarka gives a different experience. Where colors are replaced by petals, innovative drinks are replaced by traditional thandai, and the festival is all about faith. Amidst the shower of flowers, the aroma of Thandai and the sweetness of Gujhiya, this Holi is not just a celebration of sight – but a shared experience – with the soul of Braj, in the heart of the capital.