The relationship between the Holi festival and Radha-Krishna is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and tradition. Holi is also known as the Festival of Colors, celebrates the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. According to an ancient folktale, lord Krishna asked his mother Yashoda why there is a difference between the complexion of Radha and Krishna. Radha was fair complexioned girl and Krishna had a sanwala complexion which is Blue. after hearing this Mother Yashoda told Krishna not to worry about the difference, and instead suggested Krishna to color Radha in his sanwala color i.e. Blue.

Eternal love of Radha and Krishna

The festival of Holi is not just a celebration of colors but also a celebration of the divine love between Radha and Krishna. It symbolizes the bond of love, friendship, and unity. It is believed that participating in the joyous festivities of Holi brings people closer to the divine and fosters a sense of love, forgiveness, and togetherness. Their love story is symbolic of the union between the individual soul (the Atman) and the divine (the Paramatman).

The connection between Holi and Radha-Krishna primarily comes from the legends surrounding Lord Krishna, who is a major deity in Hinduism. According to Hindu mythology, Krishna, the divine avatar of Lord Vishnu, enjoyed playing pranks and throwing colored powder and water at his beloved devotees and friends, especially during his youth in Vrindavan.

The playful interactions of Radha and Krishna, their tender moments, and profound exchanges are celebrated in bhakti (devotional) literature such as the Bhagavata Purana, Gita Govinda, and various compositions of saint-poets like Surdas, Tulsidas, and Jayadeva.

Nidhivan: Famous and Mysterious Ras-Leela Garden

Nidhivan is a famous and mysterious forest located in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is known for its association with the divine love of Radha and Krishna. The word “Nidhivan” means “forest of treasures” in Sanskrit According to Hindu Mythology, it is believed to be the sacred site where Lord Krishna still performs his Raas Leela, a divine dance with Radha and the Gopis.

According to local legend and Hindu mythology, Nidhivan is believed to be a magical forest where Krishna and Radha still perform their eternal dance(Ras Leela) every night. People say that Krishna comes here every night with Radha to perform Ras Leela. Then all the plants and trees present there in the garden come to their original form i.e. Gopi avatar.

No one is allowed to see this mystery.  Local people say, that whoever has tried to decode the mystery by hiding behind the trees or some other way, has gone mad out of shock or has lost his life. Therefore, people who reside near Nidhivan have built their houses in a way that they are unable to face the mysterious garden. No window, door, or any type of opening is made facing towards the garden. People of the town greatly respect the boundaries related to this unbelievable story and consider it a blessing.

Rang-Mahal: Sringar Ghar of Radha

There is a small temple inside the Nidhivan garden, dedicated to Radha and Krishna. It is believed that every night when Krishna comes, he himself beautifies Radha. It is a symbol of their strong and unconditional bond, which is friendship and love. Various types of jewelry is present here, some cosmetics. There is a bed also where they take rest. But this temple sharply gets closed at  5 PM. Tourists can visit this temple and Nidhivan only in the daytime, before 5 PM.

The Last Time Krishna Played Flute:

In Hindu mythology, Radha is a central figure, particularly in the story of Lord Krishna’s life. In Hindu scriptures, such as the Bhagavata Purana and the Gita Govinda, Radha’s love for Krishna is depicted through various narratives, poetry, and songs. Radha’s devotion to Krishna is seen as the epitome of selfless love and surrender to the divine.

It is said when Radha was ready for her Mahasamadhi, she requested lord Krishna to play flute for her. Lord Krishna immediately started playing flute, without wasting any minute. Radha enjoyed the melody and witnessed all the peace of mind, body, and soul. Then she finally closed her eyes, left her physical form, and attained the Mahasamadhi. Right after that Krishna broke his flute in two pieces, realizing the fact that his beloved Radha is no more and his love has died.

Holi in Vrindavan and Mathura: Colorful and Joyous Affair

Holi in Vrindavan and Mathura is a vibrant and joyous celebration that holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and culture, particularly due to its association with Lord Krishna. Here’s a detailed description of Holi in these two iconic locations:

1.Vrindavan:

        Vrindavan, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is considered the playground of Lord Krishna, where he spent his childhood and performed his divine pastimes.

• The festivities in Vrindavan typically begin weeks before the actual day of Holi, with various temples organizing special events, devotional singing, and cultural programs.
• The main event of Holi in Vrindavan takes place at the famous Banke Bihari Temple and other Krishna temples scattered throughout the town.
• Devotees and tourists from all over India and the world gather in Vrindavan to experience the unique and exuberant celebrations. The streets come alive with colors, music, and dance.
• One of the most iconic traditions in Vrindavan is the Lathmar Holi, where women playfully beat men with sticks (lathis) while singing traditional songs. This reenacts the playful teasing between Lord Krishna and the gopis (cowherd girls).
• Another highlight is the “Phoolon wali Holi” (Holi with flowers) at the Radha Rani Temple, where flowers are showered on the devotees instead of colored powder.
• The celebration of Holi in Vrindavan is a unique blend of devotion, tradition, and festivity, attracting visitors seeking spiritual blessings and cultural experiences.

2. Mathura:

• Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, holds immense significance during the festival of Holi.
• The Holi celebrations in Mathura start with the “Lathmar Holi” in Barsana, a town near Mathura, where men from Nandgaon (Krishna’s village) visit Barsana to playfully tease and be chased by the women of Barsana.
• The main day of Holi in Mathura is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the streets, temples, and public squares. People gather to play with colors, sing traditional Holi songs (Holi ke geet), and indulge in festive delicacies.
• The temples in Mathura, including the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, and others, are adorned with flowers and lights, and special prayers and rituals are conducted.
• The celebration of Holi in Mathura is marked by a sense of joy, unity, and devotion, as people come together to celebrate the victory of good over evil and the divine love of Radha and Krishna.

Frequently Asked Questions: FAQ’S

1. When was the last time Krishna played flute?

The last time Krishna played his flute was in front of his beloved Radha. when she was about to attain Mahasamadhi and wanted to leave her physical form. She requested Krishna to play flute and Krishna immediately started playing a beautiful melody. By hearing this melody Radha calmly closed her eyes and left the world. After that Krishna broke his flute.

2. What is Holika Dahan?

Holika Dahan is celebrated as a victory of good over evil. When Holika, sister of demon king, Hiranyakashyipu, tried to take negative advantage of her boon. She had a boon that she was immune to fire. She tried to kill Vishnu Bhakt Prahlad, by sitting in the blazing fire with Prahlad on her lap. But Prahlad came out safe and sound and Holika was burnt into ashes.

3. Why is Nidhivan famous?

According to locals, Nidhivan is a mysterious garden, where Radha and Krishna still perform their divine dance, Ras-Leela. No one is allowed to witness this performance and everybody around is requested to empty the garden by 5 PM sharp.