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HEAD: 24_Agr_SL_Rangotsav 2026 begins in braj with laddu holi ahead of lathmar celebrations Laddu Lathmar Holi celebrations Byline: Sudeep Lavania Rangotsav 2026 begins in braj with laddu holi ahead of lathmar celebrations Rangotsav 2026 begins in Braj ahead of iconic Laddu, Lathmar Holi celebrations Sudeep Lavania Agra: The Holi celebrations, an 18-day Rangotsav 2026, were formally inaugurated in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district on Tuesday.
The event was inaugurated by Lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary, minister for Sugarcane Development and Sugar Mills, who said that Barsana’s Holi is a symbol of Braj’s faith, tradition and cultural identity, attracting devotees from across the country and abroad. The ceremony, held at the grounds of Shri Radha Bihari Inter College, marked the official beginning of the Holi festivities with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. He added that special arrangements were made by the administration to ensure the safety, security and convenience of pilgrims and visitors.
The 18-day festival will continue until March 12. On the occasion of the inauguration of Rangotsav 2026, cultural programmes based on Braj culture were also presented on stage. The Rangotsav 2026, beginning with Laddoo Holi at Barsana today, will end at Rangji Temple in Vrindavan on March 12. On the first day of the Rangotsav, Shri Ladli Ji Temple in Barsana was decorated, and as the temple doors opened at 4 pm, a massive crowd of devotees surged in. For this special event, the temple administration arranged 100 quintals (10,000 kg) of pure desi ghee laddus. For nearly 1 and a quarter hours, tonnes of laddus were distributed in this unique Holi celebration. Holi will be celebrated at Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi, Banke Bihari Temple and at Dwarkadeesh Temple on February 27, followed by Chhadi-maar Holi at Gokul on March 1. The traditional walk on a burning patch will take place at Phalen village on March 3, followed by Dhulendi on March 4 in Mathura. On March 5, Huranga will be organised at Baldev, Nandgaon and Jaab villages. On this day, traditional Holi with Churkula dance will be celebrated at Mukhrai village, followed by Huranga at Bathen village on March 6. MSID:: 128752951 413 | You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Agra | Silver Rate in Agra | Bank Holidays in Agra | Public Holidays in Agra | Agra AQI | Weather in Agra | Petrol Price in Agra | Diesel Price in Agra | CNG Price in Agra | LPG Price in Agra Stay updated with the latest Agra news.
Speaking on the security situation, SSP Mathura Shlok Kumar said, “We deployed police personnel at all important places across the city in view of the upcoming events. Another devotee, Manmohini Dasi from Vrindavan, said emotionally, “Every particle of Braj’s soil is filled with ‘Radhe-Radhe. The chief priest of Shri Ladli Ji Temple said that this tradition is not just about distributing laddus—it is the ocean of Shri Ji’s grace being poured upon devotees.
A dance performance based on the world-famous Lathmar Holi of Barsana captivated all the dignitaries on the stage and the devotees. When the performing artists showered flowers over the audience seated in the gallery, the entire atmosphere became immersed in the spirit of Braj’s Holi. Police officers and magistrates are deployed in their sectors and zones. Traffic management is also being looked after. We are keeping an eye on people who deliberately try to colour women pilgrims or tourists; any violation will attract strict punishment. CCTV and drones are deployed to identify any such people. When priests began showering laddus from the temple balcony, devotees in the courtyard eagerly scrambled to receive this sacred prasad. The devotional singing by the Goswami community and the mesmerising dance performances by pandas from Nandgaon made the atmosphere even more emotional and joyous. This shower of Shri Ji’s grace cannot be described in words. The way the Yogi govt made this festival so grand is truly commendable. Download the TOI App.
The festivities started with Laddu Holi on Tuesday, and Lathmar Holi of Barsana was scheduled for Wednesday, according to the details. Speaking on the rare confluence of devotion and bliss, Rupal Parashar from Bharatpur, who came to witness Laddu Mar Holi, said with excitement, “I heard a lot about Laddu Holi, but what I saw here today is far beyond imagination—so much divine joy and bliss. The energy and love that flowed in the temple today blessed my life. “Today, from her Sheesh Mahal, Ladli Ji showered laddus of divine love and blessed the devotees.