To truly understand and experience trance the best time and place would be the week-long Holi festivities in the city of Vrindavan. During this festival of colours, it’s only fitting that you are likely to find people of all colours from not only around the country but around the globe. It is believed that the tradition of playing colors on Holi originated from the ‘leela’ of Radha and Lord Krishna. As Krishna was always jealous of Radha’s fair complexion, he teasingly colored her face with color. Thousands of years ago it was in this very city that these events took place. Therefore, it is fitting that the most spectacular celebrations of this festival also take place here.

1. Celebrate India - Holi with Yatra.com
To truly understand and experience trance the best time and place would be the week-
long Holi festivities in the city of Vrindavan. During this festival of colours, it’s only fitting that
you are likely to find people of all colours from not only around the country but around the
globe. It is believed that the tradition of
playing colors on Holi originated from
the ‘leela’ of Radha and Lord Krishna.
As Krishna was always jealous
of Radha’s fair complexion, he teasingly
colored her face with color. Thousands
of years ago it was in this very city that
these events took place. Therefore, it is
fitting that the most spectacular
celebrations of this festival also take
place here.
In the urban cities Holi festivities have lost their true essence with the passage of time but the
city of Vrindavan remains unaffected. Here the festivities still retain their magical quality. I
loved the myriad colors and flowers and the fragrance of both that filled the streets. It’s like
one big masquerade party, where instead of masks everyone is hidden behind a thick layer of
colours on their face. And, therefore it really doesn’t matter who you are playing with as long as
you behave in an appropriate manner. And the Bhaang flowing through the streets makes it
even more exciting. Many lose control after several drinks but most just enter into this trance
like state and continue to sing and dance through the streets. While I was there, I felt as if the
festival had a collective consciousness of its own which it forces over everyone who is present
during the festivities.
Since it’s a week-long affair, different temples celebrate it on different days. From my personal
experience I would put Shri Banke Bihari Mandir on the top of my list. Choose the rest of the
temples as you please but this one you would definitely not want to miss. The music played in
the form of bhajans describing the childhood notorieties and love stories of Lord Krishna and
Radha are probably the only thing you’ll get to hear in those 7 days.
I am sure you would want to see more of Vrindavan on your visit and you should too because
it’s absolutely stunning. So, take a break and visit the numerous temples in and around the city
or participate in one of the aartis in the temples or on the Kesighat, or visit the groves of Nidhi
Van. However, the best way to see most of the city in one go, is to do a 6 km Parikrama around

2. the city. It is advisable to start really early in the morning from ISKCON temple and finish before
the Holi fever kicks in.
From my own experience I can tell you, no matter how alienated you feel when you reach
there, just jump onto the street, mingle with the crowd and the rest will be taken care of. The
only thing you need to take care of is having several pairs of clothing, because I don’t think any
detergent has yet been invented that can undo the abuse your clothes take during
the Holi festivities. The only thing those clothes remain good for are the Holi celebrations the
next year. In which case, you would do well to store them.
This is where I’ll take my leave,
Wishing you a very Happy Holi,
As always travel safe and travel happy,
Until next time
Ciao.