Mathura launches 18-day Rangotsav amid security, traffic curbs

Agra: Marking the beginning of Holi celebrations across Braj region, Mathura district administration launched an 18-day-long Rangotsav 2026 on Tuesday amid heavy deployment of police personnel at key locations across the city and traffic restrictions.While inaugurating the event at Shri Radha Bihari Inter College, UP minister for sugarcane development and sugar mills Lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary described Barsana's Holi as a symbol of Braj's faith, tradition and cultural identity. He said extensive arrangements have been made to ensure the safety, security and convenience of pilgrims and visitors from across India and abroad.Mathura SSP Shlok Kumar said elaborate security and traffic arrangements have been put in place. "Officers and magistrates are stationed in their respective sectors and zones. We are closely monitoring individuals who deliberately attempt to colour women pilgrims or tourists; strict action will be taken against violators. CCTV cameras and drones are being used for surveillance," he said.Festivities began with Laddu Holi at Barsana on Tuesday with cultural programmes showcasing Braj traditions during the inauguration ceremony. Artists captivated dignitaries and devotees by showering flowers over them during their dance performance on Barsana's Lathmar Holi which will be celebrated here on Wednesday.Amid devotional singing by the Goswami community and performances by Nandgaon artists, the temple administration of Shri Ladli Ji Temple in Barsana showered 10,000 kg of pure desi ghee laddus from the temple's balcony onto devotees assembled in the courtyard. Rupal Parashar from Bharatpur said the experience exceeded expectations and described it as "divine joy and bliss."The chief priest of the temple said the tradition symbolises the showering of divine grace upon devotees, describing it as an expression of ‘spiritual love and blessing.' Another devotee, Manmohini Dasi from Vrindavan, said the energy and devotion at the temple were overwhelming and praised state govt's efforts in organising the festival on a grand scale.As part of the wider Holi calendar in the Braj region, celebrations will also be held at Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi, Banke Bihari Temple and Dwarkadeesh Temple on Feb 27. Chhadi-maar Holi will take place in Gokul on March 1, followed by the traditional ritual of walking across burning embers at Phalen village on March 3 and Dhulendi in Mathura on March 4.On March 5, Huranga festivities will be organised in Baldev, Nandgaon and Jaab villages. Traditional Holi celebrations featuring the Churkula dance will be held at Mukhrai village, followed by Huranga at Bathen village on March 6. The event will conclude on March 12 at Rangji Temple in Vrindavan.