Celebrated on the full moon day in the month of March (Phalguna) after six days of celebration, the festival culminates in a swing festival for Radha-Krishna. On this auspicious occasion, the deities are adorned with abhira and taken in a procession with ceremonial drums, conch shells and trumpets with the chants of 'Hari Bol'.
The day is also celebrated as the birthday of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu which is why Sankirtana is also performed during the procession. The celebration of Holi is preceded by 6 days of religious fervour to Dola Gobinda in Odisha.
The swing festival with deities of Radha and Krishna carried out in a procession on a decorated palanquin is a common sight in the State with chants of 'Hari Bol' reverberating in the atmosphere. Every temple in Odisha welcomes devotees who come in large numbers for a darshan of Dola Gobinda, including the Lingaraj Temple. People adorn the deities with 'abhira' (colors) and celebrate Holi the next day.
During Dola Purnima's ceremonial procession, the Lingaraj Temple has a unique tradition of 'Laudi Khela'. This play evokes the emotional connection of all the gopalas with Krishna. As per legends, it depicts the story of Krishna leaving Vrindavan for Mathura in Dwapara Yug while all the gopala & gopaluni tried to restrain Him with 'Laudi' (staff).
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