Breaking stigmas, widows play Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan

Over a thousand widows from the ashrams in Vrindavan and Varanasi began a special four-day Holi celebrations in Vrindavan this morning. (Source: PTI)

The Holi revelries began with songs, dances and these widows who wear only white sarees will smear a gamut of colours on each other to celebrate the festival, breaking away from years of social stigma prevalent in the society. (Source: PTI)

Young girls in Mathura apply colours on each others' faces. (Source: PTI)

At least 1,000 kilograms of 'gulal' in different colours and 1,500 kilograms of rose and merry gold petals have been arranged for the Holi programme organised at Pagal Baba Widow Ashram here by noted NGO Sulabh International. (Source: AP)

A few days ago, hundreds of widows living in Varanasi played Holi with 'gulal' for the first time at the famous Assi Ghat on the bank of river Ganga in Banaras as a prelude to Holi festivities. (Source: AP)

Indian Hindu widows dance with Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of non-governmental organization Sulabh International, as they celebrate Holi at the Meera Sahabhagini Widow Ashram in Vrindavan. (Source: AP)

"Holi will bring some colour to the lives of the Vrindavan and Varanasi widows," said Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, mentor of Sulabh Movement. (Source: AP)

Vrindavan is known as the 'City of Widows' for the sheer number of women who find shelter there after being shunned by their families. Most of them hail from West Bengal. (Source: AP)

Indian Hindu widows play with colored powder as part of Holi celebrations at the Pagal Baba Ashram in Vrindavan. (Source: AP)

The widows rest during celebrations marking Holi at the Meera Sahabhagini Widow Ashram in Vrindavan. (Source: AP)

Holi celebrations at the Meera Sahabhagini Widow Ashram in Vrindavan. (Source: AP)

This special celebration is set to add a new colour to the Holi festivities in 'Braj', popular among both Indian and foreign tourists.