Braj-style Phoolon ki Holi at ISKCON Dwarka with flowers, thandai and gujiya

Sri Sri Rukmini Dwarkadhish temple , also known as ISKCON Dwarka, is all set to host a two-day celebration of Holi and Gaur Purnima on March 3 and 4, bringing together devotional observances, Braj-inspired festivities and large-scale community participation at the temple.The programme will begin on March 3 with Gaur Purnima, marking the appearance day of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, revered in the Gaudiya Vaishnav tradition as the Golden Avatar of Lord Krishna. The day’s schedule includes Gaur Katha, Harinaam Sankirtan, an elaborate abhishek ceremony of Gaura-Nitai, Chappan Bhog offerings, Maha Aarti and distribution of Ekadashi prasadam. Temple authorities said the occasion, which coincides with Holi in the Vaishnav calendar this year, is observed as a spiritually significant festival drawing devotees from across the city.

On March 4, the temple premises will host Holi celebrations inspired by the traditions of Braj, including Phoolon Ki Holi, Lathmar Holi and Matka Phod. A specially constructed pandal with a capacity of nearly 10,000 devotees has been set up within the complex. Organisers said security and crowd-management arrangements are being coordinated with Delhi Police, with nearly 2,000 volunteers assisting in maintaining order and facilitating the movement of visitors.

A devotional kirtan presentation by US-based, Grammy-nominated artist Gaur Mani Mataji is also scheduled as part of the evening programme.One of the highlights of the festival will be the preparation and distribution of 21 varieties of traditional Braj-style thandai. Temple representatives said the beverages will be prepared in large earthen pots using age-old recipes and offered to the deity before being served as prasadam.

The flavours include kesar, badam, pista, rose, cardamom, makhana, mishri and honey, along with other traditional blends. Seven varieties of gujiya will also be prepared as part of the Holi bhog offerings.

Temple authorities said the celebrations will prioritise the use of flowers and natural elements over synthetic colours. During Phoolon Ki Holi, devotees will participate in festivities using fragrant flower petals rather than chemical-based colours, in line with what the temple describes as a health-conscious and environmentally mindful approach.

Organisers added that waste management measures and biodegradable materials are being incorporated where feasible, and flowers used in rituals are composted or responsibly recycled after the event.

Sri Gaur Prabhu,Co–Vice President, ISKCON Dwarka,said, “Holi and Gaur Purnima are sacred expressions of bhakti and seva for us. From the preparation of 21 varieties of thandai and traditional gujiyas to the celebration of Phoolon Ki Holi with natural flowers, every arrangement is first offered to the Lord with devotion.

At the same time, we are mindful that festivals in a modern city must be organised responsibly — with respect for health, the environment and the comfort of devotees.

Our endeavour is to preserve the divine traditions of Braj while ensuring that the celebration remains spiritually meaningful and socially responsible.”The two-day festival is expected to draw families and devotees from across Delhi-NCR, with the temple complex hosting devotional music, ritual ceremonies and community celebrations through the course of the programme.