Legends say that Krishna was cribbing to his mother about friend, Radha, who had a fair complexion while he had a dark complexion. Yashoda, his mother, suggested that he colour Radha with colous in a playful manner thus setting the foundation of this ancient festival.
The Banke-Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is one of the most visited locations during Holi with it engaging in a week-long celebration. In these seven days, an idol of Krishna is dressed in white cloth and is brought to the devotees to play Holi. With a series of harmonious melodies playing in the background, the atmosphere is simply breathtaking. Priests take to the occasion like a fish to water as they rain a parade of colors onto the devotees who have come from far and away. Phoolon waali Holi (Holi with flowers) is another stunning extravaganza that you simply have to be a part of. Flowers are showered adding to this mesmerizing cultural fiesta. Barsana's Holi celebrations is unconventional, in an astounding ceremony called the Lathmar Holi, the women of Barsana beat up the men from Nandgaon with a stick (don't worry, men are allowed to protect themselves with a shield). Barsana was believed to be the home of Radha. It was here that Krishna would come to meet Radha but would be chased away by her friends. Hence, the basis of Barsana's unique tradition.