Yogi government to recommend UNESCO recognition for the festival of Holi in Braj
2025.03.08 (Vrindavan Today News): Recognizing the unparalleled cultural and historical value of Braj’s Holi, the Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a meticulous documentation process to secure its place in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Under the directive of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a specialized team will compile a comprehensive dossier detailing the festival’s historical, cultural, and artistic significance. Once completed, this extensive report will be submitted for UNESCO’s evaluation.
This initiative is part of a broader vision to preserve and promote Uttar Pradesh’s diverse cultural heritage, including the folk arts of Bundelkhand and the historic traditions of five other cities. If successful, Braj’s Holi will not only gain international recognition but also receive enhanced conservation efforts, ensuring that its legacy thrives for generations to come.
A UNESCO listing would serve as a monumental step in safeguarding Braj’s Holi, providing it with global acknowledgment and structured preservation efforts. Beyond its religious and cultural essence, this recognition would bolster tourism, encourage research, and facilitate international collaborations in cultural conservation.
For centuries, the festival has remained a mesmerizing blend of devotion, music, and color—an experience that continues to inspire awe. Now, with the world’s eyes on Braj, the efforts to immortalize its Holi on the global cultural map are poised to become a historic achievement.
As Braj’s skies burst into a kaleidoscope of colors year after year, this ancient tradition stands on the cusp of an even brighter future—one where it is not just celebrated but also preserved as a priceless heritage of humanity.
A Legacy of Devotion and Celebration
Holi, the festival of colours, finds its most vibrant and deeply rooted expression in the sacred land of Braj—Krishna’s own abode. This unique celebration, spanning over 40 days, captivates not just India but the world, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Now, in a significant cultural endeavor, efforts are underway to have Braj’s Holi inscribed in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The festivities of Holi in Braj begin with Basant Panchami, when the temples of Barsana and Vrindavan witness the ceremonial offering of gulal (colored powder) to the deities. From this moment, the entire region—Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Barsana, Nandgaon, and beyond—transforms into a canvas of colors, music, and devotion. Unlike the mainstream one-day Holi celebration, Braj’s Holi is an elaborate cultural phenomenon steeped in historical and spiritual significance.
A Global Attraction
The grandeur of Holi in Braj is such that it transcends national boundaries, attracting visitors from across the world. Tourists, scholars, and devotees alike immerse themselves in the distinct traditions of Lathmar Holi in Barsana, Phoolon Ki Holi in Vrindavan, and the grand celebrations at Banke Bihari Temple. This ancient tradition, rooted in the playful leelas of Lord Krishna, is not merely a festival but an expression of Braj’s living heritage.
