Holi – Rangbhari Ekadashi Sparks Festive Fervour Across Uttar Pradesh

Holi –  As Rangbhari Ekadashi signals the ceremonial onset of Holi, major religious centres in Uttar Pradesh have come alive with devotional music, colour and community gatherings. Cities such as Ayodhya, Sambhal and Vrindavan witnessed large crowds as centuries-old traditions unfolded in temples and neighbourhood streets, blending faith with festivity.

Ayodhya’s Temples Lead the Celebrations

In Ayodhya, often referred to as Ramnagari, the celebrations traditionally begin within temple premises and monastic akharas. On Rangbhari Ekadashi, seers and mahants formally inaugurate Holi observances, marking the spiritual start of the season.

Processions emerged from prominent temples, with sadhus covered in abir and gulal singing traditional Holi songs. The rhythmic chants and devotional music echoed through the city’s lanes as devotees joined the gatherings. The rituals reflect a longstanding custom in which religious leaders invite saints and followers from the Panchkosi region to participate collectively.

At Siddhpeeth Hanumangarhi, Mahant Deveshacharya Maharaj described the occasion as a tradition passed down through generations. He explained that after ceremonial worship of Lord Hanuman’s emblem, saints and mahants extend invitations to monasteries and devotees across the region, reinforcing a sense of unity before the larger Holi celebrations begin.

Markets See Surge in Festive Demand

Alongside spiritual observances, Ayodhya’s marketplaces reported brisk activity. Shops displayed bright colours, decorative masks and water guns, drawing families and children preparing for Holi.

This year, traders noted a distinct interest in water guns themed around Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Masks bearing the Prime Minister’s likeness were also in demand. Shopkeepers said footfall has been higher than in previous years and expect sales to rise further as the main festival approaches.

Sambhal Celebrates With Community Spirit

In Sambhal, Rangbhari Ekadashi was observed with similar enthusiasm. From early morning, groups of children and young people gathered in residential areas and markets, applying colours and exchanging festive greetings. Drums and Holi songs created a lively atmosphere across the town.

Women marked the day after offering prayers at home and in temples, applying gulal to one another in keeping with tradition. Markets experienced steady crowds purchasing colours and pichkaris.

Local authorities maintained heightened security arrangements to ensure the celebrations remained peaceful. Officials reported that events were conducted smoothly, with residents participating in a spirit of harmony and mutual respect.

Heavy Footfall at Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan

In Vrindavan, a town closely associated with Lord Krishna, thousands of devotees gathered at the renowned Banke Bihari Temple to observe Rangbhari Ekadashi. Long queues formed as visitors waited for darshan, with many viewing the deity from behind railings due to the heavy turnout.

On this occasion, devotees believe that Thakur Banke Bihari symbolically participates in Holi with worshippers, adding a distinctive devotional dimension to the festival. The temple premises were filled with chants and showers of colour as priests conducted rituals amid tight crowd management measures.

Lunar Eclipse Alters Holi Schedule in Several States

Holi, celebrated on Phalguna Purnima, will this year coincide with a total lunar eclipse on the evening of March 3, according to the Hindu calendar. Religious scholars note that the eclipse timing has influenced decisions regarding Holika Dahan, the ritual bonfire held on the eve of Holi.

While the Purnima tithi extends from March 3 into March 4, the eclipse period on March 3 evening is considered inauspicious for conducting certain rituals in many regions. Consequently, some states have scheduled Holika Dahan for March 2, followed by Holi on March 3. Others plan to perform Holika Dahan on March 3 and celebrate Holi on March 4.

Despite the calendar variations, the spirit of Holi remains consistent across Uttar Pradesh’s temple towns. From devotional ceremonies in Ayodhya to vibrant gatherings in Vrindavan and Sambhal, Rangbhari Ekadashi has once again ushered in a season marked by faith, colour and collective celebration.