Priyanka Tiwari
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Holi in Braj is not just a one-day event; it is a 40-day-long festival that begins with Basant Panchami. This grand celebration attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from all over the world. Among the many unique traditions, the Huranga Festival of Baldev stands out as one of the most exciting and widely recognized events. Here, women playfully shower whips on men, symbolizing love, joy, and devotion.
Dauji’s Huranga – A Unique Tradition of Love and Festivity
Unlike other Holi celebrations that center around Lord Krishna, Dauji’s Huranga is dedicated to Baldevji (Balram). This event, held in Dauji (Baldev), Mathura, follows a unique custom where women (Huriyarins) tear the clothes of men (Huriyars), turn them into whips, and playfully strike them as a mark of affection.
Men accept this playful beating as a symbol of love and devotion. It is often said in Braj, "In Phagun, brother-in-law says sister-in-law," meaning that during Holi, relationships and social barriers dissolve, and joy takes over.
The Grandeur of the Huranga Festival 2025
On Saturday morning, the Huranga Festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Baldev Temple. The temple premises were packed with devotees who came to witness this unique spectacle. The atmosphere was filled with music, colors, and traditional Rasiya songs, making the entire event spiritually uplifting.
The event started at 11 AM with Samaj Gayan (community singing), followed by a formal invitation to Dauji Maharaj to participate in the Bhag Mahotsav. Soon after, women dressed in traditional lehenga, fariya, and gold ornaments began playing Huranga, making the event more vibrant.
Huriyarins’ Playful Beating – A Test of Love
As per tradition, Huriyarins tore the clothes of Huriyars, transformed them into whips, and playfully hit the men. Instead of resisting, the men accepted this as a test of their devotion. Some even expressed their joy by saying, "It feels like being beaten with flowers!"
This tradition reflects the deep cultural and spiritual essence of Holi in Braj, where love transcends physical actions, turning them into gestures of affection and devotion.
Special Preparations for Huranga Festival 2025
The temple administration ensured smooth execution of the event with prior preparations. A special stadium was created to accommodate the massive crowd of spectators and devotees. To keep the festival eco-friendly, only natural colors were used, including:
- Sandalwood
- Tesu flowers
- Abir and Gulal
- Bhood, alum, and lime
These organic colors made the celebrations safe and ensured that no harm was caused to participants.
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