Deepotsav To Rangotsav: Yogi Adityanath Government To Return With Grand Scale Celebration, This Time, Of Holi

In a move aimed at pitching Uttar Pradesh, its temples, spiritual centres and tourism hubs high in India's cultural revival, the Yogi Adityanath government is all set to celebrate Holi, the festival of colours, on a grand scale, in Mathura and Barsana - birthplaces of Krishna and Radha.

After the grand Deepavali celebrations in Ayodhya, in Deepotsav, the festival of lights, last year, the government will celebrate Rangotsav, the festival of colours.

On Saturday, Hema Malini, member of parliament, Mathura, announced in a tweet,  Rasotsav, a celebration of Holi through performance forms. The event will also feature world renowned flautist Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia and vocalist Pandit Jasraj. Rasotsav, being held on 23 February, will precede Rangotsav, the celebration of Holi in colours and flowers, spread over two days -  a week ahead of Holi, on 24 and 25 February. Holi falls on 2 March.

Latthmaar Holi, the event and tradition that draws tourists and devotees from across the world, will remain in focus during the celebrations, so will elements used in the Holi festivities - flowers, laddoos, kesar, gulaal, sticks, mud and water.

In harmony with other moves to rejuvenate religious site in Mathura, Brindavan, and other towns associated worship and traditions, and a larger scheme of boosting tourism in the region associated with the birth and life of Krishna, the government is making efforts to raise and retain the cultural quotient of the festival that draws visitors from across the world. Temples in Mathura, Barsana, Nandgaon and Brindavan will be decorated on the occasion in a move to connect locals, visitors and worship, culturally.

Chief Minister Adityanath will be participating in the celebrations that are aimed at reviving the numerous rituals and festivities associated with Holi.