The town especially comes alive during the festival of Holi, when people greet one another by exchanging colours. In the afternoon, Raas Leela is staged with the help of local artistes. This is an ancient ballet believed to have been popularised by Lord Krishna and his beloved, Radha. A traditional variant of Holi Barsana Holi is celebrated near Mathura. However, the biggest festival of Mathura and one of the foremost festivities of India is Janmaasthami, the birthday of Lord Krishna.
Temples distribute sweets.
Women of every household make miniature cradles and dolls of newborn Krishna and his foster parents. Meanwhile, children prance around dressed in the ancient costumes of Krishna and Radha. Devotees by the millions visit the numerous ancient temples of this region. Conch-shells blow, bells resonate, crackers illuminate the sky and drums reverberate at the stroke of midnight, announcing the Lord s advent. Streams of devotees throng the streets throughout the night.