Happy Holi – This photo was taken at Radha Rani Temple in Barsana (Uttar Pradesh) during Laddu Mar Holi – 2014.

Holi Group Photo – This photo was taken during Laddu Mar Holi at Radha Rani Temple in Barsana (Uttar Pradesh).

Laddu Mar Holi is celebrated one day before Lathmar Holi at Radha Rani Temple. This year 2014 it was on 08th March.

Sweets for Friends During Holi Festival – This photo was taken at Girdhar Panda’s house in Barsana (Uttar Pradesh).

And the sweet I had was Bombay Halwa – a personal favorite.

Before Holi Festival, natural colors are prepared by boiling Palash flowers (also known as the ‘flame of the forest’) at Radha Rani Mandir.

Click to learn more about ‘Japa.’

Sarus Crane – State Bird of Uttar Pradesh – This photo was taken at Chhata–Barsana Road in Uttar Pradesh.

This year, during a visit to Barsana to celebrate Laddu Holi as well as Lathmar Holi, I was at Sankhari Khor. Knowledge was enhanced by Ramkrishna, a local friend, about the narrow passage popularly known as ‘Sankhari Khor.’

During Dwapara Yuga Gopis carrying clay pots via this narrow passage visit Mathura and Rajasthan to sell Milk and Butter. As the passage is very narrow and only one person at a time can pass, Lord Krishna stops Gopis and requests for milk and butter as daan (donation).

Note: Via this passage, one can also visit Gahavar Van, Mor Kuti, and Mataji Goshala.