Dolyatra is celebrated on the day of the full moon during the month of Falgun. On this auspicious day, in the forest of Vrindavan ages ago Lord Krishna had engaged in an enchanting session of playing colors with Sri Radha and the Gopis. The festival of playing Dol ensues from this momentous event in mythology. Over the years countless people of diverse ideologies and religious beliefs have been a part of this festival. Despite having its origin in the Indian subcontinent, the depth of its cultural influence can be witnessed among among the inhabitants of South Asia and definitely the western parts of the world. The festival of Dolyatra is also called the Vasant Utsav or the 'Spring festival'.
The immortal tales of Radha and Krishna are an integral part of Dol Yatra along with the universal theme of the good triumphing over evil. A multitude of cultural leitmotifs and textures are mingle in the colours of Dol or Holi making it revered and celebrated in equal measures.
On this day processions swaying to the holy tunes of Kirtan, this date being Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's birth anniversary he is called GaurPurnima.
The great bard Rabindranath Tagore in his abode of peace, in the town of Shantiniketan had been observing Holi through recitals involving dance, music and poetry. A day prior to Dol straw, bamboo and wood is burnt which is known as Holika Dahan representing a r episode from Indian mythology where the demoness Holika was burnt, most likely signifying the burning of the false ego. In South India Dolyatra is observed a day after Dol Yatra is hosted in Bengal. This year at NABC bengali conference 2023 we will be celebraring the Vasant Utsav, do come prepared to get radiant and colourful.
