Mumbai: Mathura, the revered birthplace of Lord Shri Krishna, comes alive with unparalleled energy and devotion during the Holi festival. The town, steeped in mythological and cultural significance, transforms into a kaleidoscope of colours, music, and joyous celebrations, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists from across the globe.

One of the most enchanting aspects of Holi in Mathura is Phoolon ki holi, or Holi with flowers, a mesmerising celebration where vibrant flower petals replace traditional coloured powders. This divine form of Holi is celebrated primarily at the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, where priests shower petals upon devotees as an offering of love and devotion to Lord Krishna. The air fills with the sweet fragrance of marigolds, roses, and jasmine as devotees immerse themselves in devotional singing and ecstatic dance, creating a surreal and spiritually uplifting atmosphere.

Apart from Phoolon Ki Holi, Mathura witnesses various other unique traditions that make the festival special. The famous Lathmar Holi of Barsana and Nandgaon is a playful yet symbolic celebration where women playfully beat men with sticks, reenacting a legendary episode from Krishna’s life.

In the ancient Dwarkadhish Temple, Holi is celebrated with grandeur, featuring devotional music, Rasleela performances, and rituals that transport devotees into the times of Lord Krishna and Radha. The entire Braj region, including Gokul, Barsana, Vrindavan, and Nandgaon, becomes a sacred playground of devotion, dance, and festivity, uniting people in a spirit of joy, equality, and divine love.

Holi in Mathura is not just a festival; it is a spiritual journey that connects devotees with the essence of Krishna Bhakti, making it an experience like no other.

Cruise service from Vrindavan to Gokul

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is set to introduce a cruise service on the Yamuna River from Vrindavan to Gokul, offering devotees and tourists an unforgettable spiritual and scenic experience. This initiative aims to enhance regional tourism, particularly during the world-renowned Rangotsav of Braj.

In a major development, two state-of-the-art cruise ships are currently being built in Cochin, each with a capacity of 200 passengers. This initiative, led by the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad (UPBTVP), is designed to boost tourism and provide seamless waterway connectivity along the Yamuna River.

The project received official approval following an announcement by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who envisions Mathura as a major transportation hub accessible by both water and air. In collaboration with the Union Water Transport Ministry, the UPBTVP will facilitate the operation of these cruises, drawing inspiration from the successful Varanasi Waterway project.

The proposed 22-kilometer-long water route, stretching from Gokul Barrage to Vrindavan, will include five designated stops to enhance accessibility. The journey will commence from Vasudev Vatika at Gokul Barrage, with stops at Jugalghat and Kesighat in Vrindavan, along with Devaraha Baba Ghat, Kans Quila, and a site near Dhruv Ghat.

Given the fluctuating water levels of the Yamuna, smaller ferries with a capacity of 18 to 20 passengers may also be deployed for better connectivity. These cruises, designed to accommodate 200 travellers per trip, will be equipped with modern amenities to provide a comfortable and enriching travel experience.

Once launched, this innovative water transport system is expected to attract a large number of tourists, offering them a serene and immersive journey through the sacred landscapes of Gokul, Mathura, and Vrindavan. With this initiative, Mathura is set to become an even more attractive destination, offering visitors a unique and spiritually uplifting way to experience the divine heritage of Braj.

To cater to the large influx of tourists visiting Mathura during Rangotsav, the government has significantly improved infrastructure and facilities:

A ropeway service has been introduced in Barsana, making it easier for devotees to reach the Radharani Temple situated on a hill.

Multi-storey vehicle parking has been constructed in Vrindavan and Govardhan to accommodate the increasing number of visitors.

New multilingual information boards in Hindi, Gujarati, and Bengali have been installed outside temples and other sightseeing spots, helping tourists understand the historical and religious significance of these sites. QR codes on these boards allow visitors to access additional information digitally.

22,000 surveillance cameras have been installed under the Safe City initiative, ensuring better safety and crowd management.

The Uttar Pradesh government’s cruise service initiative from Vrindavan to Gokul is part of its broader efforts to boost tourism, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance visitor experiences. With improved facilities, better connectivity, and world-class infrastructure, Mathura and its surrounding regions are poised to offer devotees and tourists a truly divine and enriching experience.