Unique Holi Tradition: Dauji ka Huranga Celebrated in Mathura’s Baldev Village

Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated with great fervour in different traditions across India. Braj, known for its unique Holi celebrations, boasts of over ten different festivities, each with its own charm and significance.

An exceptional annual event that takes place in Mathura district’s Baldev village in Uttar Pradesh is the famous Dauji Ka Huranga. This traditional Holi celebration, held after the main Holi festival, involves men and women playing Holi together.

The Dauji Temple, located in Baldev village, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, is the epicenter of the Dauji ka Huranga celebrations. It is a vibrant event that attracts devotees and visitors from far and wide.

Dauji ka Huranga is deeply rooted in the legacy of Lord Baldev, also known as Dau ji Maharaj, the elder brother of Lord Krishna. The term ‘Dau ji’ signifies an elder brother in the local dialect, and it is believed that Lord Baldev takes on the role of Lord Krishna during the Holi festivities.

The Huranga ritual is said to be an exclusive and more spirited form of Holi, traditionally performed by Lord Baldev Ji. Only the descendants of Goswami Kalyan Deo ji, with special rights granted, are permitted to conduct this unique celebration.

During the reign of Akbar, Gokul Nath Ji, the Acharya of the Ballabha Kul sect, installed the idol of the deity at the Dauji Temple, where the annual Huranga is carried out. This event attracts hundreds of pilgrims who participate in the vibrant and joyous Holi celebrations.

Lord Balrama Ji, Krishna’s elder brother, holds Holi in high regard, with the Bhagavata Purana narrating his pastime of performing ras-lila for the gopis in Braj. To commemorate this significant event, the Dauji Temple observes Dauji ka Huranga two days after Chaitra Masa’s Purnima.

Huranga, being a more lively and enthusiastic version of Holi, symbolizes Lord Balrama’s mischievous playfulness. It is believed that the tradition of playing Holi originated from Balrama’s decision to engage in the fervor of Holi festivities by himself.

Experience the cultural richness of India by delving into the heritage of Mathura’s Baldev village and the unique tradition of Dauji ka Huranga, a celebration that encapsulates the essence of Holi in its most spirited form.