Mathura: Thousands of widows living as recluse in ashrams of Vrindavan today celebrated a special four-day Holi festival in Virndavan, deviating from their prosaic day-to-day activities.

At least 1,000 kg 'gulal' (coloured powder) in different colours is being arranged for the Holi programme being organised by NGO Sulabh International. 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.