Unique Holi: Color in Braj, Gulal and … Shoes! The Centuries-LD tradition that surprise everyone!

Last updated:March 18, 2025, 16:36 IST

The centuries-old unique tradition ‘Shoe-Chatal Mara Holi’ is played in Bachgaon in Mathura, Braj, where the elders bless the younger people by hitting shoes and slippers and wishing Holi with gulal.

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People here wishes for Holi by killing shoe slippers to people younger than them.

Nirmal Kumar Rajput/Mathura- The world famous Holi festival, which lasts 40 days in Brajmandal, is now towards the conclusion. In this holy land, filled with love of Radha-Krishna, there is a combination of devotion and colors in every particle. Devotees from India and abroad came to enjoy this unique experience.

Have you heard shoe-slippers Holi?
Everyone has heard about Holi, Lathmar Holi and cloth tearing Holi of colors, but do you know that a Holi is also played in Braj which is a tradition in Braj which is a tradition? A ‘Joe-Mar Holi’ is organized every year in Bachgaon, Mathura.

Tradition for centuries
This tradition is not new, but has been going on for centuries. On the day of Holi, small people put the elders here, and the elders bless them by hitting them lightly on their heads with shoes and slippers.

Special tradition of Bachgaon
This unique tradition is organized every year in Bachgaon of Mathura. According to the villagers, playing Holi by hitting shoes and slippers is considered a symbol of honor and blessings.

Unique style of blessings
Local resident Yogesh Kuntal says that small people gulal to the elders and in return the elders hit them shoes and slippers. It is a symbol of his blessings and affection.

Excellence and enthusiasm in the whole village
People of the entire village are enthusiastically involved in this festival. Every person is in the race to follow this tradition and celebrates this unique Holi like a big celebration.

Lively example of Braj’s traditions
The land of Braj is not only the land of devotion, but the unique traditions here also make it special. Shoe-slippers Holi is also a part of the same culture, which has been going on for generations and is still played with full devotion and gaiety.