People coated with colours during Holi at the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan, India
Holi is one of the most populer festival of india. Holi is the hilarious festival of joy, happiness, love and colours. it is symbol of unity. But in Brij the style of celebration Holi is different from others. it is well said “jagat mein holi brij mein hola” . Holi of Bihari ji is famous far and wide. This festival is began celcebrate from the arrival of Basant Panchmi. But the main utsav celebrated for 6 days. In these 6 days celebration of Holi, Bihariji is dressed up in white coloured outfit and comes closer to his devotees to play holi with Gulal, Natural coloures made by flowers and kesar. Colured water and Gulal are sprinkled on everyone by the Goswami. At this occasion Goswamis sing Holi bhajans, Rasiya etc….
Thakur ji is offered special Bhog, preasad of Jalebi, Samausa and Chat.
The Bankey Bihari temple, Vrindavan is amongst the holiest and famous temples of Krishna in India. Shri Swami haridas got Bankey bihari ji appeared in Nidhivan. The idol of Thakur Ji is much older and was worshipped in Nidhivan till 1863. This temple was constructed in 1864 with the contribution of Goswamis. After constructing of temple, Goswamis transferred the idol to this temple. Bankey means “Bent at three places” and Bihari means “Supreme enjoyer”. Bankey bihari ji is worshiped and looked after as a child. There is a different and unique style of celebrating every festival in Bankey bihari temple. The deity is dressed up and offered cuisine (bhog, prasad) according to season. Temple is decorated with lights and various types of flower according to festival. There are no bells or conch in the temple because Bankey Bihari does not like the sound of bells or conch. there is only chant of ‘radha naam’. When someone enters in the temple, he feels an eternal bliss and calm and forgets all misery. As soon as someone meets with Thakur ji, he becomes dedicating himself to Thakur ji. Kind hearted Tha
