Huranga Holi, also called Dauji Holi, is celebrated every year at the Dauji Temple in Baldeo. It takes place a day after Holi, about 30 km from Mathura. The celebrations here are 500 years old, dating back to when the Krishna temple was established here.
Huranga Holi is a celebration wherein women from the family who established the temple gather in the courtyard and playfully tear off the men's shirts and beat them up with strips of their clothes. In return, men retaliate, drenching women with buckets of liquid colors. Later on the temple is awash with colored water. The game is typically played between brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, known as Bhabhi-Devar, within the premises of the temple.
If you are someone who is planning to visit and witness Holi in Mathura, then you should also stay for two days more and attend Huranga Holi 2026 as well. Refer to our WanderOn guide and learn about dates, history, significance, travel tips, and much more.
Key Highlights of the Celebration
- 2026 Dauji Temple Holi Date: Thursday, March 05, 2026
- Timings: 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM
- Location: Shri Dauji Maharaj Temple, Baldeo
- Rituals: A playful battle between women from the temple founding family (Pandey community) tear shirts off the men and beat them with strips of their own clothes, men in return throw water and colors playfully.
- Tradition: A 500 years old custom, commemorating Lord Balaram playing Holi with Krishna and the gopis, unlike Krishna-centric Holi in Vrindavan, here the central diety is Lord Balaram.
- Atmosphere: The events begins in afternoon in the temple courtyards, it is an intense celebration, often described “aggressive”, but performed in a joyful festive spirit.
Huranga Holi History & Significance
The Huranga Holi history is closely linked to the stories of Lord Krishna and his elder brother, Lord Balaram (Dauji). The celebrations at Dauji Temple involve reenactments between Gops (cowherds) and Gopis (milkmaids). The Huranga Holi tradition focuses on the loving and sometimes teasing relationships depicted in the legends, with women engaging in playful mock battles with men using water and colors.
Experience Hurnaga Holi Mathura at Dauji Temple
The focal point of the celebration is the Dauji Temple Holi in Baldeo. Dedicated to Lord Balaram, it becomes a lively arena where locals gather to play with colors and participate in the unique customs of Huranga. The surroundings during Hurnaga Holi Baldeo are full of dance, music, and the joyous throwing of colored water and vibrant pigments.
Lathmar Holi vs Huranga Holi Mathura
Comparing Lathmar Holi vs Hurnga Holi, both are iconic Braj Holi traditions, but they have unique features. Lathmar Holi, celebrated in Barsana, involves women playfully beating men with sticks (lathis) while men defend themselves with shields.
On the other day, Huranga Holi Dauji Temple involves women playfully using colored water and torn clothes instead of sticks. Both these traditions highlight the playful spirit of Holi in Braj but with different symbolic actions.
How to Reach the Dauji Temple for Huranga Holi?
Wondering how to reach Dauji Temple for Huranga Holi? Then you must know that Dauji Temple is located in Baldeo town, approximately 21 km from Mathura and 190 km from Delhi (via Yamuna Expressway). You can reach Baldeo by local transport or private car, then walk 1 km from the designated parking area to the temple.
Key Details for Reaching & Attending Huranga Holi Mathura
- Location: Baldeo, Uttar Pradesh
- Best Time to Reach: Arrive early to avoid traffic and massive crowds
By Road (Recommended)
- Private Cabs: One-way ₹410–₹550; full-day (8 hrs) ₹1,800–₹3,200 depending on vehicle type (Sedan/SUV)
- Providers: Local services like Mathura Cab, Om Sai Tour & Travels, Fauji Tour & Travels; intercity bookings via Uber or EaseMyTrip start around ₹1,121
- Shared Autos & E-Rickshaws: Available from major junctions like Holi Gate or Mathura Junction. Expect heavy crowds and slower travel on Huranga Holi
- Bus Services: Public buses like UPSRTC buses connect Mathura to Baldeo and private services like tempo travellers (9–25 seats) available for ₹4,000–₹5,000/day
By Train
Nearest major station is Mathura Railway Station; from there, take a taxi, cab, or local auto to Baldeo.
Parking: Vehicles must be parked in designated open areas, often about 1 km away from the temple entrance
Pro-Tip: Arrive early to secure parking and avoid long waits due to massive crowds
How to Attend Huranga Holi?
You must follow the guidelines given below to have a safe and fun experience during Huranga Holi Baldeo.
- Book Accommodation: Book accommodation in the Baldeo area near the temple in advance to avoid early morning travel on the day of the event
- Pre-Holi Events: Consider attending pre-Holi festivities in nearby villages like Nandgaon & Barsana for a more traditional experience
- Timings: Know about the timings in advance; the main event at Dauji Temple begins at 11:00 AM and ends at 1:00 PM. Plan to arrive early, as it gets extremely crowded.
- Dress Appropriately: Huranga Holi Baldeo involves many rituals so you need to wear simple clothes that are fully covered; avoid wearing revealing clothes and carry old clothes for color play
- Take Photos With Permission: Take photographs only after taking permission from locals and temple staff; keep cameras and phones in waterproof bags. The crowd is very active, so take photos from a safe distance or higher vantage point
- Travel Logistics: Traffic will be intense at this time, so park your vehicles far from the temple and prepare for long walks
- Respectful Behavior: Celebration is rough; it is recommended to stay in groups to manage the crowd
- Safety & Attire: Wear old, full-sleeve clothing (which will be ruined). Use protective gear like goggles for eyes and masks for breathing
Huranga Holi: Marking the End of Holi in Braj
Huranga Holi is a traditional Braj festival celebrated after the main Holi, at the Dauji Temple in Baldeo. It involves playful and energetic interactions where women (huriyarins) symbolically snatch or strike men's (huniyare) clothes, and men in return throw water and colors. Rooted in the legend of Lord Balram, the festival focuses on mischief, devotion, and community bonding, preserving the unique cultural spirit of Braj Holi and centuries-old rituals.
For travelers, witnessing Huranga Holi offers an immersive experience of vibrant festivals and local traditions, providing a rare glimpse into the lively cultural heritage of northern India. It is an unforgettable celebration of community, colors, and energy and very much different from the way the festival of Holi is celebrated in other parts of India.
