Spirit of Holi unites all at Jaipur temple

Saturday, March 22, 2008 (Jaipur)
Holi celebrates the divine love of Krishna and Radha and at Jaipur's most famous Krishna temple, Holi is played with flowers.

All the colours of Holi are being reflected at the Phag-Utsav in the historic Govind Devji temple. But instead of colours people play Holi with flowers.

''We shower petals on Lord Krishna. We use only flowers to play Holi to ensure that Lord Krishna does not get injured,'' said Sudhir Kumar, secretary, Govind Devji Mandir.

The Phag Utsav has been celebrated at the Govindevji temple for over 300 years. Artistes from across Rajasthan vie to perform here without charging a penny. And those who do get a chance feel truly blessed.

''What art can we show to our god who is the greatest artist in the world ? We perform here not to show our art but to seek Lord Krishna's blessings,'' said Rekha Saini, Kathak Artist.

''As we play divine roles here we feel united with God. With Radha being playful, I begin to feel as if we ourselves are Krishna and Radha,'' said Roop Singh, Bhavayi artist.

Besides showering petals, the Latthmaar Holi, played for centuries in Barsaana - the birthplace of Radha - is also enacted. And in a sign of India's composite culture even Muslim artists come to pay homage to the spiritual love of Radha and Krishna.

''I think all religions are basically one. We may be Muslims but artists from our family have been coming here for generations to sing bhajans and play the Shehnai during Artees at this temple,'' said Mohammed Hanif, Muslim artist.

The vibrant folk songs and dances of Holi will continue at the Phag festival for a whole week and all shades of the Radha-Krishna legend will be showcased here.

From Radha to Krishna, and Gopis to Gwalas, everyone seems to be present here. And while Vrindavan may be hundreds of miles away, the fervour with which the Phag-Utsav is being celebrated gives a definite flavour of Holi festivities in the land of Krishna.