Description

Many legends and myths surround the ancient twin towns of Mathura and Vrindavan, where the holy Yamuna River makes its way to the nearby city of Agra. For Indians the twin towns are deeply linked to the growing years of Lord Krishna taking them back to the time when he was Mother Yashodha’s butter stealing toddler who grew up to be a naughty teenager, accompanied by his friends, stealing the clothes of the cow girls (gopis) bathing in the pond, and made them cry. But he also filled the gopis with joy with his magical flute playing. Today pilgrims from all over the world come to visit all the spots associated with the Krishna legends and worship him and Radha at the many beautiful temples which were built here many years back. Pilgrims and visitors share the lively festivals held all year round in the name of the Lord Krishna. Of special interest are the religious folk dance dramas the ras lilas of Braj which have grown out of the many legends of Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha. The most popular festivals here are Janamashtami, celebrating the birth of Krishna, and the Lathmar Holi Festival, held every spring, in the villages of Barsana and Nandgoan replicating the actions of Radha and her friends who would pretend to beat up Krishna and his friends with sticks, when they came to Barsana, from his village of Nangaon, to make them play Holi with them