Holi Festival: The Heart of the Festival Beats in Mathura | Lado Okhotnikov, CEO of Meta Force

If you ask where the heart of Holi beats, then without a doubt it is the city of Mathura. According to legends, the god Krishna was born here — undoubtedly, he is a source of inspiration, a role model, who embodied love, joy and wisdom.

On the eve of the holiday, every corner of Маthura is imbued with a festive atmosphere. The streets of the city are filled with people who have come to join in the multi-day fun.

On the first day of the festival, a ritual of burning a huge effigy of Holika is performed. Thousands of spectators gather around a giant ritual fire in anticipation of a miracle:  what is happening is truly exciting, albeit chaotic, and for the uninitiated, even a little frightening.

Apart from burning the Holika’s effigy, other ancient rituals are also practiced in Indian villages on these festive days. One of them is driving livestock over a fire.

Farmers and villagers perform this ritual as part of a purification rite. It is believed that the sacred fire expels diseases and negative energy from animals, giving them health.

Another common custom during Holi is walking on hot coals. In some communities, followers of the god Shiva perform this ritual as part of their religious practice. Participants prepare hot coals and then walk on them barefoot or wearing special shoes. It is considered an act of devotion and worship to the deity, a demonstration of faith and spiritual power.

In the southern regions of India, Holi is celebrated more moderately and calmly. Parents spoil their children with gifts and surprises. Small bonfires are lit on the roofs of houses and decorated with colorful flags. And in the north, the walls of houses are pre-painted in bright colors, holiday decorations are hung, paints are purchased and sprinklers are made for fun.

People take to the streets, shower each other with colorful powders, douse themselves with water, and finally go to the temple — this is how Holi is celebrated

True faith is unshakable — there is a concept: the more colors you get on this day, the happier you will be for the whole coming year.

Finding themselves in the very epicenter of this colorful madness, people receive a powerful charge of festive energy and are euphoric. Dust swirls around, people dance, sing and douse themselves with colored water, creating an incredible carnival atmosphere.

But the celebrations don't end there. After the festivities, people gather at the Banke Bihari temple, where devotees perform the ritual of sprinkling colorful powders on sacred statues.

On this day, all age and social differences are erased — so don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this amazing extravaganza of colors, music and dance, which will leave you with the most vivid emotions and impressions!

Lado Okhotnikov, CEO META FORCE