Mathura Holi 2026 full schedule: Check barsana lathmar, chhadi mar holi dates and festival

Mathura Holi 2026 full schedule: Check barsana lathmar, chhadi mar holi dates and festival (image: canva)

Mathura Holi 2026 will run from February 24 to March 12, featuring traditional events like Barsana Lathmar Holi, Huranga in Baldev, and temple festivities. Authorities have enhanced security and crowd management for the expected influx of devotees and tourists.

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Mathura Holi 2026: The world-famous Braj Holi festival will begin on February 24 and continue until March 12, as per the official schedule released by the district administration. Devotees and tourists from across India and abroad are expected to gather in Mathura and the Braj region to witness traditional celebrations such as Barsana Lathmar Holi, Nandgaon Holi, Chhadi Mar Holi in Gokul, and the grand Huranga festival in Baldev.

Although Holi in Braj is celebrated for nearly 40 days, the nine-day Rangotsav remains the main attraction, drawing massive crowds every year. Authorities have stepped up preparations, and security arrangements are in the final stage to ensure smooth celebrations.

Braj Holi 2026: Complete date-wise schedule

The main events of Braj Holi 2026 are as follows:

1. Phag invitation and Laddu holi (February 24): The festival begins with Phag Aamantran in Nandgaon and the vibrant Laddu Holi in Barsana, marking the ceremonial start of Rangotsav.
2. Barsana lathmar holi (February 25): The iconic Lathmar Holi in Barsana will take place, where women playfully strike men with sticks, recreating divine traditions associated with Lord Krishna.
3. Nandgaon lathmar holi (February 26): The celebrations shift to Nandgaon, continuing the festive exchange of colors and playful rituals.
4. Temple holi in Mathura and Vrindavan (February 27): Grand celebrations will be held at Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple and Banke Bihari Temple, where devotees will participate in traditional color festivities.
5. Dwarkadhish temple holi and Chhadi mar holi (March 1): On this day, Holi will be celebrated at Dwarkadhish Temple, along with the unique Chhadi Mar Holi in Gokul, known for its energetic atmosphere.
6. Chaturvedi samaj dola (March 3): The traditional Dola procession of the Chaturvedi community will be observed with devotional fervor.
7. Dauji temple huranga and Charakula (March 5): The famous Huranga festival will take place at Dauji Temple in Baldev. On the same day, Charakula dance performances will be held in Mukharai and Huranga celebrations in Nandgaon.
8. Huranga in bathein and Gidoh (March 6): Villages Bathein and Gidoh will host their traditional Huranga events.
9. Chhadi mar holi in Mahavan (March 9): Mahavan will witness its own vibrant version of Chhadi Mar Holi.
10. Rangji temple holi Festival (March 12): The grand Holi celebration at Rangji Temple will conclude the main Rangotsav festivities.

With lakhs of devotees expected during Mathura Holi 2026, the police and district administration have intensified inspections at key locations. Officials are reviewing arrangements related to crowd control, traffic management, and public safety to ensure peaceful celebrations.

Banke Bihari Temple

In a significant development, the High Powered Committee formed under Supreme Court directives has implemented new arrangements at Banke Bihari Temple. Devotees are now allowed darshan of Thakurji from the Jagmohan area.

Ban on Artificial Decorations

The temple premises will no longer be decorated with balloons or artificial materials. Only natural elements such as flowers and leaves will be used for decoration, maintaining traditional sanctity.

Earlier, garlands offered to the deity were often thrown into the air by temple attendants. Now, these garlands will be collected and processed into incense sticks through an organization, promoting cleanliness and devotional respect.

The Mathura-Vrindavan Holi festival is deeply rooted in sacred traditions connected with Lord Krishna and the Braj region. Events like Barsana Lathmar Holi, Huranga in Baldev, and Temple Holi in Vrindavan offer a unique spiritual and cultural experience that cannot be witnessed anywhere else in the world.

As Mathura Holi 2026 approaches, preparations reflect a careful balance between devotion, tradition, and modern management. Devotees planning to attend are advised to check the official schedule and make arrangements in advance to fully experience the divine celebration of colors in Braj.