23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Dipped in the Colors of Holi

A splash of divinity and delight! This photo perfectly encapsulates the overwhelming joy of celebrating Holi in the sacred land of Mathura and Vrindavan. It’s more than just a festival; it's a vibrant, spiritual immersion into the legendary tales of Radha and Krishna, where every color thrown is a prayer and every song is a hymn. The atmosphere is purely electric, filled with devotional music, laughter, and an explosion of powdered pigments and colored water. The air is thick with excitement and a sense of shared, unbridled euphoria. From the bustling lanes of Vrindavan's temples to the grand celebrations at the Banke Bihari Temple, the energy is infectious. It’s a sensory feast that leaves an indelible mark on your soul. This single frame captures the essence of India's most colorful festival in its truest, most traditional setting—a beautiful chaos of faith, community, and pure bliss. A memory painted in a million shades that I’ll cherish forever! Truly a pilgrimage of colors and spirit.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2024
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: India
Camera: ILCE-7M3
Copyright: © Jepin Krishna