Holi is the Hindu festival that welcomes the Spring and celebrates the new life and energy of the season. Although Holi has religious roots, not much religious activity is involved in its celebration. Holi is the most energetic Indian festival, filled with fun and good humour; even the strict rules of separation between castes are abandoned. Holi is also called 'The Festival of Colors', and people celebrate the festival by smearing each other with paint, and throwing coloured powder and dye around in an atmosphere of great good humor. Holi is seen by some as the Hindu festival that is nearest in spirit to St. Valentine's Day.

Detailed Itinerary:

28 Feb, Tuesday: Delhi to Mathura

This morning, we will meet at a common point and start our 3½ hrs drive to Mathura, which will be our base for next four days during Holi celebrations. This is a perfect opportunity to take some stunning, colorful images. On arrival you will be assisted with check-in at the hotel. After lunch get ready to photograph some of the most vibrant and striking images as we take you to Barsana to witness the festival of colours – Holi.

Thousands of people from across India came together in Mathura and near by villages where the festival of color is celebrated with great fervor. Holi marks the end of winter and beginning of spring. The festival begins with Lathmar Holi played in Barsana, a small village in Mathura. Lathmar Holi usually begins around a week before the main Holi day. During the Lathmar Holi celebrations, women from Barsana village wait with wooden sticks to beat the men who come from the adjacent village of Nandgoan, the hometown of Lord Krishna.

Hindu Mythology says that Lord Krishna along with his friends visited Barsana, Radha's village (Radha was Lord Krishna’s girlfriend), to tease her and other gopis (girls) by throwing colored water on them. In retaliation, Radha and gopis chased him and his friends to beat them up with sticks.

Even today, people from Nandgoan and Barsana follow the ritual. Men soaked in colored water arrive in Barsana and tease women by singing provocative songs. The women then beat them with sticks (lathis) and men use shields to protect themselves. Holi is celebrated for more than two weeks in Vrindavan and Mathura, where lord Krishna was born and grew up.

Later in the evening, we will return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Overnight at Mathura

01 - 04 March, Wednesday to Saturday: In Mathura

We will spend the days taking some amazing images of the Holi celebrations in nearby villages and temples. 

We will be covering Holi at Barsana, Nandgaon, local temples and we will try our best to cover the widow holi.

Overnight at the Hotel

04 March, Saturday: Mathura to Delhi

Today after our morning shoot we will head back to Delhi.