Mathura. Dressed in white saris and giving a swipe at Orthodox traditions that prohibit them from collaborating within the pageant of colors, the widows of Vrindavan celebrated Holi on the historic Gopinath temple right here on Monday. “Widows from Chaitanya Vihar Ashram, Sharda Ashram and various foster homes in Vrindavan participated in Flower and Gulal Holi,” mentioned social reformer and founding father of Sulabh International, Bindeshwar Pathak. Due to dangerous climate, this 12 months roses and different flower petals with natural Gulal have been utilized in Holi celebrations within the land of Radha Rani, he mentioned.
According to an age-old apply, prevalent in West Bengal, widows weren’t solely thought of just about untouchable, however have been barred from attending any pageant, mentioned Pathak, who oversaw the uncommon feat in Vrindavan.
Such applications are organized to combine these widows into the mainstream of society and efforts are made to empower them by coaching them within the preparation of natural Gulal, agarbattis (incense sticks), candles and garments of Thakur Ji, answerable for the group. mentioned.
Eighty-year-old widow Monu Gosh was delighted to rejoice Holi on the temple. Chabi Dasi (65) and Ratania Maa have been so overjoyed that they smeared Gulal on themselves and threw rose petals at different widows. International vacationers have been among the many tons of who attended this distinctive celebration on the historic temple.
This was our seventh try to switch disappointment with pleasure within the lives of widows, officers mentioned, including that the group plans to carry extra such occasions.
