Lyrics
khelata phāgu bṛndābana-canda ṛtu-pati manamatha manoratha chanda
sundari-gana kara-mandali-majha rańgiṇī prema-tarańgiṇī sāja
āgu phāgu de-i nāgarī nayāne abasare nāgara cumbaye bayāne
cakita candra-mukhī sahacarī gahane dhā-i dhā-ola giridhārika eka sane
tarala nayānī turite eka yā-i kare sañe kāḍi muralī le-i dhā-i
ghana karatāli bhāli bhāli bola ho ho hori tumula utarola
aruṇa taruṇa taru aruṇahi dharaṇī sthala jala-cara bhela sabe eka-baraṇī
aruṇahi nīre aruṇa arabinda
Translation
He who is like a moon shining in Vrndavana forest enjoys pastimes of throwing red powder. He is filled with Kamadeva's desires.
In the midst of circle of beautiful gopis a blissful, reddish, wave-filled river of spiritual love flows.
She who is the great heroine of amorous pastimes showers red powder on Him. He who is the king of amorous pastimes kisses Her face.
Her moon-faced gopi friends are filled with wonder. Gathering together, they all attack Krishna.
Trembling, they run to Krishna, snatch away His flute, and flee.
"Bhali! Bhali!" the karatalas declare. There is a great tumult of, "Ho! Ho! Holi!"
The ground is now red with powder. They young trees are red. Every being moving on the ground or in the water is now one color only.
The water is red. The lotuses are red. Even Govinda dasa's heart is covered now with red.