February 28, 2026 : A large number of devotees gathered at the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, in Mathura district, to take part in the Holi Utsav ahead of the main festival next week. The temple premises were filled with colour as worshippers played Holi with gulal, while priests showered coloured powder on the crowd as part of the traditional rituals. Devotees also offered prayers to Lord Krishna during the celebrations.

Earlier in the day, Rangbhari Ekadashi was observed with devotion in Ayodhya, formally marking the beginning of Holi festivities in the temple town. Naga sadhus and other saints assembled at the Hanumangarhi Temple, where they applied gulal to each other and carried the temple’s sacred flag during religious ceremonies. The occasion holds special significance in Ayodhya and sets the tone for the upcoming Holi celebrations across the city.

In Mathura, widely believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, preparations are underway for grand processions, cultural events and temple rituals that will lead up to the main festival.

Given the large turnout of devotees, authorities have stepped up security arrangements. Additional personnel have been deployed, and the local administration is monitoring crowd control and traffic management to ensure that the celebrations proceed smoothly and safely. – ANI