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{/googleAds} Temples in Mathura and Vrindavan are geared up for the Holi celebrations. The Samaj Gayan and Phag singing has begun. The locals are expecting a big crowd later this week for the Holi revelries.

This year for the first time around a thousand widows of Vrindavan will play Holi with colours, at the initiative of Sulabh International which has been launched several projects to draw them into the mainstream of society. The big event will be held at Meera Sahabhagini Sadan on Friday.

In a symbolic gesture, these widows will break age-old tradition by playing Holi with colours and gulal this time, unlike last year when they sprinkled flower petals on each other. As per Indian tradition, widows are considered  social outcast and are refrained from playing Holi.

Vrindavan Holi is an effort to free widows from the shackles of age-old tradition. Not only will the widows play Holi, they will also participate in cultural programmes," founder of Sulabh International Bindeshwar Pathak told Samikha Bharti News Service.

Till quite recently these widows lived in a pitiable condition and begged on the streets of Vrindavan. Sulabh came to their rescue following Supreme Court's observation in August 2012. The NGO started taking care of all of them living in five government-run shelters. Apart from giving them a monthly stipend, Sulabh is now arranging for their food and healthcare.

Sulabh is also giving them vocational training and providing basic education to help them live a dignified life.As part of Holi celebrations, Sulabh is also organising traditional dance programme "Raas-Leela" and other events for them at Widow Ashram in Vrindavan on March 14.