Mathura,

04 March (HS): Mathura, a temple town, was flooded in colors on Wednesday as

pilgrims and residents celebrated Holi with typical zeal. According to

Gyanendra Kishore Goswami, sewayat of the Sri Bankey Bihari Temple, Holi is

performed outside temples but not within the sanctuary sanctorum. The temple's

Holi celebrations climax on Holika Dahan, he explained. A 'bhajan sandhya' and

floral Holi are planned for the evening at the Old Keshavdev Temple, according

to its sewayat Biharilal Goswami, who also stated that Holi is not celebrated

on temple grounds on this day. Holi celebrations at the Sri Garun Govind Temple

conclude a day before Rangbhari Ekadashi with the traditional 'Huranga',

according to sewayat Dr Rajesh Gautam.

Holi

in Mathura differs from other areas in that we reenact one of Lord Krishna's

leelas. Major festivities have been taking place around the city over the

previous 30 days, according to local businessman Harsh Chaturvedi. Since the

morning, individuals have been observed dancing to loud music and spreading

colors on one another.

Deeksha

Chaudhary, a lecturer and regular visitor, remarked, Holi in Mathura

makes me happy. I feel connected to Krishna. Security has been

strengthened around the city. The entire district has been split into nine

zones and forty sections. Suresh Chandra Rawat, Additional Superintendent of

Police (Rural), stated that police mobiles and seven strike squads have been

deployed to ensure peace and order. An integrated control center is operational

around the clock to respond to crises, he explained.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi