Agra/Mathura, Jan 28 (IANS) Braj Mandal, the land of Lord Krishna which covers Agra, Mathura, Vrindavan and Goverdhan, Saturday turned yellow with flower decorations, banners, rangoli and people sporting yellow kurtas on Basant Panchami, that heralds the advent of spring.

Holi festivities begin in the area this day.

In the Mathura-Vrindavan temples, khichdi and yellow coloured sweet rice was distributed. Special “Basanti chata” darshan was held at the Bankey Bihari temple in Vrindavan.

While lakhs of followers of the Radhasoami faith have been converging in Agra’s Soami Bagh for the past three days for their annual celebrations, special celebrations were held on Basant Panchami.

The whole Dayalbagh area turned yellow with flower decorations, banners, rangoli and people sporting yellow kurtas.

The only city with three world heritage monuments, and numerous lesser known attractions, is a hot favourite with tourists this season, said Rakesh Chauhan, president of the Agra Hotels and Restaurants Association.

The tourist season could continue till March-end as the dates of the annual Taj Mahotsava have been postponed to March 16 due to the Uttar Pradesh elections, according to the tourism industry.