Foreign devotees celebrate 'Holi' in Mathura

Mathura, Mar 1 (ANI): Songs, dances and bright colours filled the streets of Mathura as foreign devotees took part in the festival of colours, beating drums and dancing to songs in praise of Lord Krishna.

Devotees offered their prayers to Bal Krishna, the childhood incarnation of Hindu god Lord Krishna.

Christie, a foreign devotee said, "The essence of Holi is about the love of Krishna. And the colours represent grace and the love of God. And today is the day to let all of your discrimination, caste, colour and creed (go)."

"We all are equal today and we are under the colour of God and colour represents love," claimed Christie.

Bal Krishna's idol is kept in a palanquin, which is decorated with flowers and taken to the banks of River Yamuna in a procession, accompanied by merrymakers celebrating Holi. This is a 500 years old tradition.

The idol, in keeping with the spirit of the festival, also has a 'pichkari' (an instrument made for holding and throwing coloured water) made entirely of silver.

Lord Krishna was born in Mathura, which has made the town sacred to devotees.

Mohan Das, a resident of Mathura said, "This procession is carried out every year on this auspicious festival. This is followed since past 500 years. People enjoy this procession as it is taken all round the place to mark the celebration of the festival."

Holi celebrates the survival of Prince Prahlada, whose devotion to Lord Vishnu, kept him safe when he was sent to death by sitting in the midst of a bonfire.

Holi also remembers the love between Lord Krishna and his consort, Radha. (ANI)