The real fun of Holi in Braj without Rasiya and Dhammar incomplete, know why it is special ..

Last update:March 03, 2025, 20:17

In Braj’s Holi, people forget caste and colors in the color of Shri Krishna-Radha. Padmashree Mohan Swaroop Bhatia has brought it alive through Holi songs, Rasiya and Dhamar.

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Holi of Braj.

Mathura: Braj’s Holi is somewhat unique. Here people forget all caste, high and low and only colors in the color of Shri Krishna and Radha. It seems as if colorful colors have made everyone their own. Holi and Braj’s relationship is centuries old. Padmashree Mohan Swaroop Bhatia has threaded this relationship beautifully in his words. He has brought alive the Holi of Braj through Holi songs, Rasiya and Chaupaiyas.
The custom of the song Rasiya in Braj on Holi is very old. Rasiya praises the love of Shri Krishna and Radha ji. In these songs, there is a very cute description of Shri Krishna’s pastimes. Rasiya is an important part of Braj’s culture. These songs reflect a sense of love and devotion towards God. In simple words, these songs that give the message of love are a unique confluence of music and devotion. When the rasiya echoes on the beat of the village in the village chaupals, it seems as if the whole atmosphere has been immersed in the color of love and devotion.

Dhammar: Braj’s special raga of Holi
In the fifteenth-sixteenth century, Mansingh Tomar and Nayak Baiju laid the foundation of Dhamar singing. He gave him a new look by pouring them into the fire of knowledge by taking folk songs. Dhamar is a special raga of Braj’s Holi. Padmashree Mohan Swaroop Bhatia says that the purpose of Dhamar singing is to create a romantic atmosphere. In this, restrictions are sung and then rhythm is sung. Singers mesmerize the audience with different types of rhythms. There is a kind of dialogue between Pakhawaj and singing that gives listeners a feeling of juice.

Development of music
Over time, Dhamar singing spread across the country. There were many well -known singers like Narayan Shasri, Bahram Khan, Pt. Laxmandas, Mohammad Ali Khan, who brought Dhamar to new heights with their singing. Similarly, there was a change in the playing of instruments like Mridang and Veena. Earlier these instruments were played only in classical music, but later they started being used in Dhrupad and Dhamar singing.
Braj’s Holi is not just a festival but an invaluable heritage of our culture. The music, Rasiya and Dhamar here remind us of their rich tradition.