By Team FoodeMag: In 2016, we commissioned out a special feature to capture how Holi is celebrated in the land of its origin – Brijbhoomi. Brij or Brijbhoomi is a region around Mathura-Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, India, where Lord Krishna is said to have spent his childhood and adolescence. This photo-story captures all the celebrants in this festival of colours, including the widows of Vrindavan. We felt compelled to share the story of widows as they had remained excluded in this joyous celebration for many years. Vrindavan, also known as the ‘city of widows’, have a number of widows in the shelter of widow homes. These widows have all been shunned by their own families. Even today, Hindu widows in many parts of India are not permitted to play Holi or partake in many auspicious festivals. Their inclusion in the celebration of Holi, therefore heralded a new era of inclusion. Our photographer Jayati Saha captures the brilliance of it all – the emotions and apprehension in these women as well as their eagerness to celebrate life. Jayati captures everyone – widows and others who immerse themselves in this kaleidoscope. Dibyendu Majumdar, our author shares his thoughts too:
‘Some experiences like these cannot be photographed and, for some hours, we left our digital world behind and soaked up in the purest human spirits of love, romance and devotion.’
Read the entire story in our website or you could also read it in the e-magazine format.
Pilgrims in an euphoric trance at the Banke Bihari temple, Mathura
A man enjoys the Huranga Holi at the Dauji Temple, Mathura
Men drench the women with coloured water, as a part of the custom, during the holi celebration of Huranga Holi at Dauji Temple, Mathura
Pilgrims visit the temple at Nandgaon to have a darshan of Lord Krishna and Radha
The world renowned Lathmar holi being played in the lanes of Barsana village, Mathura
A little boy looks in wonder and is overwhelmed by the Holi celebration in Vrindavan
The widows at a home in Vrindavan dance and sing while celebrating Holi, as organised by Sulabh International
The Nandgaon boys drench the Barsana boys in coloured water and coloured powder at the temple in Nandgaon
A widow with her staff at the widow home, smeared with colour
A widow looks unhappy with all the colour smeared on her while the other widow emerges from the dark wanting to be a part of the celebration
Few snapshots from our e-magazine.