Experiencing Holi Through the Lens: A Photographer’s Journey in Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana & Nandgaon
Story by Priyank Tyagi
For more than a decade, every spring I return to the sacred land of Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and Nandgaon to witness and photograph one of the most vibrant festivals in the world — Holi.
As a photographer and tour leader, this journey has become more than just work for me. It is a yearly return to a place where culture, devotion, chaos, and color come together in a way that is impossible to fully describe — but endlessly fascinating to capture through the lens.
The Land of Krishna and Colors
The Holi celebrations in this region are deeply connected with the stories of Krishna and Radha. According to tradition, Krishna playfully applied color to Radha and her friends, and that playful spirit continues today in the villages where these stories were born.
Each town celebrates Holi differently, and over the years I have learned that every day brings a completely new photographic opportunity.
Barsana – The Famous Lathmar Holi
One of the most dramatic celebrations happens in Barsana, where the legendary Lathmar Holi takes place.
Here, women playfully chase men with wooden sticks while the men defend themselves with shields. The atmosphere is electrifying — thousands of people gather, colors fill the air, and photographers from around the world try to capture the moment when tradition, humor, and energy collide.
For photographers, this is one of the most challenging yet rewarding places to shoot. Timing, positioning, and patience are everything.
Nandgaon – A Village Celebration
The next day the celebration moves to Nandgaon, believed to be the village of Krishna. Here the energy is different but equally powerful. The narrow streets become rivers of color as villagers, pilgrims, and visitors celebrate together.
For me, the beauty of photographing Holi in Nandgaon lies in the faces — the laughter, the devotion, and the genuine joy of the people.
Vrindavan – Devotion in Every Color
In Vrindavan, Holi takes on a deeply spiritual atmosphere, especially in temples like Banke Bihari Temple.
When the temple doors open and priests begin throwing colors over thousands of devotees, the moment feels surreal. Clouds of pink, yellow, and red fill the temple courtyard while people chant and celebrate together.
For photographers, it is a magical scene — a mixture of devotion and pure color chaos.
Leading Photography Tours
Over the past 10+ years, I have had the privilege of guiding many photographers through these celebrations. Every year I see the same reaction from participants — amazement.
Holi here is not just an event to photograph; it is something you feel. The sounds of drums, the laughter of people, the colors in the air, and the spiritual energy of these historic towns create moments that stay with you forever.
As a tour leader, my role is not only to help photographers capture great images but also to help them understand the culture, navigate the crowds safely, and experience the festival respectfully.
Why I Keep Coming Back
After all these years, people often ask me why I keep returning. The answer is simple — Holi in this region is never the same twice. Every year brings new faces, new moments, and new stories waiting to be captured.
And every time I raise my camera in the colorful streets of Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, or Nandgaon, I know that somewhere in the chaos of colors, another unforgettable photograph is about to happen.
To learn more about PWA’s India – Holi Festival of Colors Photo Tour, click on the “more info” button below for more details about the trip, booking information, and more.
