Matho monastery situated in Ladakh was founded in 1410 century by Lama Dugpa Dorje. Sadly,Most of the buildings are decaying but there is a new assembly hall or du-khang which was built in 2005 and which has very colourful paintings and a main statue of Sakyamuni Buddha . There is a small chapel on the top of the building containing images of Sakya Pandita and other Sakya lamas.There is a ‘Museum’ which contains Number of old Thangkas which are brought from Tibet in 15th century.Masks and robes which are dressed by lamas in festival can be seen here.
Matho Monastery is about 26 km south of Leh in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. Matho is the only monastery which follows Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism. Matho monastery is modeled on the Saskya monastery in Tibet. It is famous for its 600 years old thangkas and Matho Nag rang Festival.
Monastery View
The Matho Nagrang Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar. It is held in the Matho Monastery and is indeed a colorful festival of the monasteries. On the first two days of the celebrations for the Matho Nagrang, the monks give a splendid performance of mask dances. To make the dance look more realistic, monks wear vibrant robes and God and Goddess mask.
Matho Narang Festival
The important aspect of this festival is two Rongtsan oracles. The Rongstan monk purify themselves by keeping fast and meditation for two whole months in complete isolation in order to have suitable receptacles for receiving the oracles spirits.
While in this trance state they answer questions about the prospects for Matho and Ladakh for the coming year as well as personal questions put to them by individuals.These oracles predict the future events. There are people who come from near and far to seek some advice from the oracles and perform certain rituals to handle disasters and other unpleasant happenings.
When possessed they are said to be able to perform many astounding feats such as cutting themselves with knives and walking around the ramparts of the top storey blindfolded with no fear of falling down the precipice below.
Glimpses of festival
Where to Stay
Leh offers several accommodation options from budget to luxury. There are no hotels in Matho. There are few small stalls which sell snacks and soft drinks. It would be advisable to carry food/snacks while visiting Matho.
‘Bura na mano, Holi Hai’ (please don’t mind, it is Holi)
Holi Celebration
The festival of Holi is celebrated as goodness prevailing over the evil, a time for celebration, for worship, for youthful flirtations and for letting oneself go. It’s a game of smearing, splashing, and spraying coloured powder and water on everyone you see.
Holi is a boisterous affair celebrated with equal fervour and gaiety in both urban and rural India. The legend of Holi draws its inspiration from Indian mythology and the playful flirtations of Radha and Krishna.This phenomenon of celebrating life, love, goodness and the onset of spring have many variations across India.
According to one more mythology, in an attempt to punish his son Prahlad for worshipping Lord Vishnu, the demon-king Hiranyakashipu asked his sister Holika to hold him in a blazing fire. Holika had a boon that meant she could never be burnt, however she was burnt to death in this act and Prahlad was freed unharmed.
In India Holi is celebrated in all over country, but in Muthura,Vrindavan and Barsana ,it is celebrated on astonishing level.
Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Nandgaon and Govardhan are collectively called ‘Brajbhoomi.
Holy in Mathura
Festivities begin as early as two weeks before on the ghats of Mathura — the birthplace of Krishna where Holi is celebrated in the most wild, yet colorful and sane revelry. With sticks, shields, colors and canons of water, Holi celebration here is a must-have experience. Legends tell tales of how Lord Krishna and Radha’s love blossomed in the suburbs of Mathura.
Mathura (Holi Celebration)
Holy in Barsana
The Holi-celebration at Nandgaon and Barsana takes place approximately a week before the actual date for Holi. There are two villages close to Vrindavan. One is called Nandgaon and the other one is known as Barsana. Nandgaon is Lord Krishna’s birthplace and Barsana is Radha’s (his beloved).
Here, the women of Barsana use sticks to beat men, who come from the adjacent village of Nandgaon. The ritual recreates the time when Lord Krishna visited Radha, who stayed in Barsana, and played mischievous pranks on her and her friends on the occasion of Holi. In turn, the Barsana women took offence and chased him away with sticks. After the beating, Lord Krishna is said to have fled to Nandgaon.
This re-enactment happens every year, where men from Nandgaon visit Barsana to play Holi and splash colour on the women, only to be playfully beaten up with sticks. The following day, men from Barsana go to Nandgaon to drench the women in water and colour. This unusual celebration is a huge attraction for tourists, making Lathmar Holi a must-experience item on your travel itinerary.
Lathmar Holy Celebration
Main event of Holy — Vrindavan
If you’re ready to take the game a few notches higher, head to the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan on Holi, It is the absolute best places to have the true Holi experience, one which you will remember for a lifetime. Vrindavan was where Radha and Krishna met for their secret rendezvous at the garden of Krishna Leela. This is where it all began. Vrindavan celebrates Holi with great candour. The festival is observed here over a week’s time. Thousands of devotees coincide on this occasion. Tourists from all over the world are also drawn to Vrindavan to catch a glimpse of India in all its colourful vibrancy. The celebrations also include parades, performances of “Raas-Leela” and cultural shows.
Widows in India have been treated with great apathy through the ages. In a heartening development, Vrindavan recently broke the shackles of this stifling tradition by including widows in Holi festivities. Hundreds of widows now participate in the grand Holi festivities of Vrindavan, throwing colours and flowers on each other.
Vrindavan(Holi Celebration)
List of attractions:
Lathmar Holi in Barasana
Lathmar Holi in NandGaon
Phoolon wali Holi — Only flowers are used ,celebration in Banke Bihari Temple.
Range Bharni Ekadashi — Lathmar Holi in Krishna Janmabhoomi, Mathura; Colorful Holi celebration in Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
Widow’s Holi — Lathmar at Pagal Baba Widow Ashram in Vrindavan that is a strong step against the traditional convention that widows in India are not allowed to wear colorful clothes or play with colors
Holika Dahan in entire Brijmandal; priests crossing holi fire in Phalen Village, Kosi, Mathura
Dhulandi Holi — colored water holi in Brijmandal, color Holi celebrations in Mathura Vrindavan temples
Huranga — famous Huranga Holi celebration in Dauji temple, Baldeo, Mathura
Rang Panchami — end of Holi celebrations in Braj mandal temples
Phoolon Ki Holi
Must know things
1. Dress appropriately. Cover your head with a scarf, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, wear proper footwear — preferably shoes, so you don’t slip.
2. Do not carry any valuables with you
3. If you’re a photographer, protect your camera lens from water and colour.
4. Beware of miscreants. Girls are advised to travel in groups with male members shielding them at all times.
5. Do not consume bhaang if you cannot handle it.
6. Stock your hotel room with food, lest you starve on the day of Holi.
7. Pick a hotel close to the venue so you don’t have to travel much on the day.
How to Reach
The distance from Delhi to Mathura is around 141kms (by train) and 162kms (by road), and Mathura to Barsana is around 50kms. Vrindavan is about 12 kms and a 30-minute cab ride away from Mathura.
You can drive your own car, hire a taxi or take a bus or train to Mathura. On reaching Mathura, take a cab to Barsana.
Where to stay
From locals opening up their homes for visitors to luxury resorts and hotels — there are options available for every budget.
Everyone loves to be surprised by their partners.Travel planning with your partner can not only be fun, but also opportunities to design an adventure that can help develop a deeper bond between the both of you. It can be like knitting a romantic surroundings for your beloved with your own hands. If you really want to get a feel of love in the air then plan unusual.
For this romantic break, we have the list of top five worldwide destinations which you can pick according to your favorite country, perfect taste and outstanding scenery.
Romantic Getaway
BALI
Bali is one of the most popular destinations in Indonesia, and there is a good reason why. Simply put, it’s amazing. For a romantic hangout, Bali has several charming options with The beautiful countryside, the beaches (outside of Kuta) are picture perfect, there is great hiking, friendly locals, world-class dining, the Chocolate tour, trail in rice fields, village tour, day out at sea & dolphin watching, romantic dinner, journey to beach or can say an inspiring touch of nature with some unforgettable special experience at sunset hours and it’s inexpensive.
Bali
THAILAND
Thailand has a beautiful, welcoming culture. It is one of the most popular destinations for couples and honeymooners. The charming country has romantic landscapes and picturesque backdrops for your lifelong memories. The stunning beaches, couple of romantic locations and friendly environment are the attractive features for every couple. To celebrate this wonderful ‘Day of Love’, Thailand will surely prove an ideal destination for you.
Thailand
SANTORINI, GREECE
The island has a growing reputation as a “wedding destination” for couples not only from Greece but from all over the world. You can cover every dream opportunity in the glittering night sky and romantic sunset of Santorini. The amazing land is blessed with every beautiful color of the nature where you can enjoy a sunset sail, a trek to volcano & hot springs, ancient ruins.
Santorini, Greece
SINGAPORE
The special night cruising around Singapore is a grand selection during this Valentine. It will be amazing or unique idea to create a romantic atmosphere around your beloved. This on board great opportunity can turn your day into one of the most special ones. With the complete fun and excitement, you’ll gain a refreshing perspective on this special day with the combination of exclusive ideas of dine in the sky, Thai massage for relaxation, mesmerized city attractions in pretty night lights, wine toast, couple dance, a song dedication and chill out at the marina.
Singapore
Mauritius
Mauritius, an Indian Ocean island nation, is known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs. Port Louis, the modern capital of this 38-mile by 29-mile island, is a bustling port with a revitalized waterfront and a busy market. But most visitors gravitate toward resort areas such as Mont Choisy, quiet Trou-aux-Biches and the more bustling Flic en Flac, popular with scuba divers.
In past, people prefer to live near the rivers. Thus most of the community of Thailand resides along the rivers. Due to several adjoining canals, which are suitable for trading, the trend of floating markets raised and these markets are upraised as main tourist attraction spots.
List of floating markets:-
1. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market :-This Largest and popular market is situated at a distance of 100 km(approximately) away from Bangkok in “Damnoen Saduak District” . It operates till 11 pm all over the week. The hundreds of vendors and customers can be seen selling and buying food, agriculture products and old fashioned traditional artifacts on their boats.
Damnoen Saduak Market
2.Amphawa Floating Market :- Loaded with lights and starry sky, the exclusive Thai market runs on last three days of week during evening(4to 9 pm) of day. The market is located in “Amphawa District” 72 kms away from Bangkok. Most popular among Thai residents, while enjoying authentic taste of sea food and Amphawa souvenirs ,you can grab a chance to visit the famous temple “Wat Bang Boong” and many more.
Amphawa Floating Market
3)Taling Chan Floating Market :- Taling Chan Floating market is located 12 km from Bangkok and you do not need special tour booking to visit it. In the market,the wonderful kitchens are installed on the boats of vendors, where you can taste the fresh, cheap, and quick served food on the banana leaf. In addition to it you can purchase fruit, flower, gardening tools and souvenirs etc from here.
Taling Chan Market
4)Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market :- This weekend market(8am to 2 pm) is located in “Samut Parkan”. This small market holds a lot of charm and attraction — Unique Thai sweets, seafood and local herbs are the authenticity of this markets.
Bang Nam Pheung Market
5)Khong Lat Mayon Floating Market :- It is must visit market, if you are interested in visiting floating markets. The canal here is narrow and you can book a 1.5 hour tour to visit countryside. During your ride , along market you pass through neighborhood, homes, gardens, small orchards and businesses. In market there are number of options for shopping, like cheap clothing, house decoration accessories, toys, fruits and food etc. “Pla Pao”(salty grilled fish) served with Thai sauce and “Shrimps” are the best dishes sold over here. The best thing about this market is its just at a distance of 20 km from Bangkok.
