Holi Celebration – March 6 2010 – Barsana Dham , Austin

Just as the Holi of Barsana India is renowned for its spectacular style of colored play, Holi at Barsana Dham is becoming renowned in the US for its devotional and joyous celebration of this playful festival. Beginning in the afternoon with the chanting of Holi pads and rasiya songs that describe the Holi leelas of Radha Krishn, the enthusiasm begins to build. Then a speech on the real meaning of Holi (such as the one printed below) inspires all in attendance to ponder who they really came to play Holi with—Radha Krishn. Chanting of the Holi leelas further adds to the feelings of mutual forgiveness, acceptance and Divine love that mark this occasion. After a prasad dinner and traditional sweets are served to the thousands of guests, a bell is rung to signal the beginning of Holi play on the Maharas Mandal. Gulal (pink powder) is provided which people throw on each other as they dance and sing, until a cloud of red dust fills the air, and all have turned the color of love. It must be experienced to be understood.

Read Shree Swami Prakashanand Saraswati’s Holi Message – www.barsanadham.org/festivals-holi.html