Mathura, a city in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is famous for its festivals, especially those related to Hinduism and its mythology. Some of the most notable festivals celebrated in Mathura include:
𝗔𝘆𝗼𝗱𝗵𝘆𝗮 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬
Holi: Mathura is especially famous for its Holi celebration. It is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna and Holi is celebrated here with great enthusiasm. The festivities last for several days, with people playing with colours, singing and dancing on traditional Holi songs and enjoying various sweets and delicacies.
𝗔𝘆𝗼𝗱𝗵𝘆𝗮 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬
Janmashtami: This festival marks the birth of Lord Krishna, who is highly revered in Mathura. The festivities include fasting, singing devotional songs and decorating temples and houses with flowers and lights. The main attraction is the "Dahi Handi" ceremony, where youths form human pyramids to break curd pots tied at a great height.
Radha Ashtami: This festival is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Radha, the beloved of Lord Krishna. Devotees visit temples and worship Radha and Krishna. The celebration includes singing hymns, reciting scriptures and performing rituals.
𝗔𝘆𝗼𝗱𝗵𝘆𝗮 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬
Kansa Vadh: This festival commemorates the killing of the demon king Kansa by Lord Krishna. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Mathura with dramatic enactment of mythological story, processions and cultural programmes.
Govardhan Puja: Also known as Annakoot, this festival is celebrated on the next day of Diwali. It commemorates Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan to save the villagers from the wrath of Lord Indra. Devotees prepare a variety of vegetarian dishes and offer them to the deities.
𝗔𝘆𝗼𝗱𝗵𝘆𝗮 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬
Braj Holi: This is a unique form of Holi celebrated in the Braj region, which also includes Mathura. It begins about a week before the main Holi celebrations and involves various rituals and traditions specific to the region.
Lathmar Holi: This is a special type of Holi which is celebrated in Barsana near Mathura. Women playfully hit men with sticks, and men try to protect themselves with shields. It is based on the mythological story of Radha and her friends beating Lord Krishna and his friends with sticks.
𝗔𝘆𝗼𝗱𝗵𝘆𝗮 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬
Ganga Dussehra: Although not directly related to Mathura, this festival is celebrated in nearby Vrindavan. It commemorates the descent of river Ganga on earth. Devotees take a holy dip in the river and perform rituals to seek blessings
. 𝗔𝘆𝗼𝗱𝗵𝘆𝗮 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬
These festivals are not only religious but also cultural events that bring people together, strengthen community bonds and showcase the rich heritage of Mathura and its surrounding areas.
𝗔𝘆𝗼𝗱𝗵𝘆𝗮 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬
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