Huranga Picture Gallery

Every year, on the second day after the full moon of Chaitra, busloads of pilgrims arrive at the Dauji Temple in Baldeo, Uttar Pradesh. Dauji or Daubaba, means “elder brother” in Braj Bhasha. While Braj is primarily known for its emphasis on Krishna devotion, Balrama reigns supreme during the festival of Holi. Huranga, which means throwing of color, is unique to Dauji. The rooftop and the courtyard were filled with capacity in anticipation of Huranga. Small boys dressed as Krishna and Dauji sat on a ledge, overlooking the image of Dauji. Sprinklers were attached to the ledge below the temple roof. The Pandas in the Dauji courtyard wore their silks, while some were dressed as Gopis. Accompanied with “rasiyas”, they began to dance and revelers below threw buckets of color. Vast quantities of bhang-laced thandai was offered as “Prasad” in the morning and was seen circulating in the courtyard. After an hour of play, two Jhandas appeared in the courtyard, signaling the start of Huranga and the play would continue until the Jhandas have fallen over. These poles were placed before the image of Dauji for a brief Darshana. Women rip off the men’s shirts. They twist these shirts, dip them in water and thrash the men. On the other hand, men cannot touch these women or unveil their faces. These actions look nothing less than a war.Story by ..Sharad Pandey and Photo by ..Xavier Zimbardo, Candani Dossani and some other Photographaer