Shunning Taboos, Widows Of Vrindavan Celebrate Holi

Breaking away from a four hundred years old tradition, widows from Vrindavan play Holi in grandeur though looked upon. It adds a new chapter in the history of feminity and women rights struggle. Dressed in white sarees bearing colour, a group of widows gathered at one of the oldest Krishna temples in Vrindavan. Local priests and young Sanskrit scholars joined the celebrations.

  • A widow dances her way into the streets of Vrindavan.
    A widow dances her way into the streets of Vrindavan.
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  • 1500 kilograms of pink colour powder or ?gulal' along with flower petals were arranged by organisers for the celebrations.
    1500 kilograms of pink colour powder or ‘gulal' along with flower petals were arranged by organisers for the celebrations.
  • A blanket of colour covers the crowded Gopinath Bazaar in Vrindavan.
    A blanket of colour covers the crowded Gopinath Bazaar in Vrindavan.
  • A number of widows travel from nearby districts as well to be part of Holi celebrations.
    A number of widows travel from nearby districts as well to be part of Holi celebrations.
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  • It is believed that Holi festivities begin from the Braj area (Mathura and its adjoining parts) and thereafter it takes place in rest of India.
    It is believed that Holi festivities begin from the Braj area (Mathura and its adjoining parts) and thereafter it takes place in rest of India.
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