This Latemar Holi tradition is rooted in the legend of Lord Krishna’s mischievous visits to the home of his beloved Radha. During the festival, men from the neighboring town of Nandgaon visit Barsana. In the small town of Barsana, Holi takes on a playful and historic twist with Lathram Holi. This tradition is rooted in the legend of Lord Krishna’s mischievous visits to the home of his beloved Radha. During the festival, men from the neighboring town of Nandgaon visit Barsana, only to be chased away by the women lathis (wielding sticks). The men try to defend themselves with playful banter, creating a lively atmosphere filled with laughter, music, and colored powders. The energetic “battle” makes Lathram Holi a unique and fun celebration.
Lathmar Holi, is a unique and vibrant festival celebrated in Barsana, a town near Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, India. This special Holi celebration takes place a few days before the main festival and is famous for its playful tradition where women chase and symbolically beat men with sticks (lathis), while men try to shield themselves. The festival is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and is inspired by the legendary love story of Lord Krishna and Radha. It is believed that Krishna, from Nandgaon, visited Barsana, Radha’s village, to play Holi with her and her friends. In response, the women playfully drove him away with sticks, which later became the tradition of Lath mar Holi.
The celebration begins at the Radha Rani temple in Barsana, the only temple dedicated to Radha. The atmosphere is filled with colors, folk songs, and joyous dancing. The following day, the men from Barsana visit Nandgaon, Krishna’s village, to continue the festivities.
Thousands of devotees and tourists gather to witness this energetic and culturally rich event, making Barsana Holi one of the most famous and unique Holi celebrations in India. Barsana Holi, popularly known as Lathmar Holi, is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and revolves around the playful and divine love of Lord Krishna and Radha. According to legend, Lord Krishna, who was from Nandgaon, often teased Radha and her gopis (friends) in Barsana. As Krishna was known for his mischievous nature, he would visit Barsana with his friends to playfully throw colors on Radha and her companions. However, the women of Barsana, in response to Krishna’s teasing, would chase him away with sticks ,the roles are reversed. The men from Barsana go to Nandgaon to continue the festival, throwing colors and engaging in the joyous celebration. This unique and lively event attracts thousands of visitors from across India and the world, making Barsana Holi a must-experience cultural festivity.
During the Holi festival, Barsana transforms into a vibrant and culturally rich town, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world. Here are some special things that make Barsana Holi unique and people visit Barsana in Holi festival and enjoy a lot….
Colorful Celebrations at Radha Rani Temple
The Radha Rani Temple, the only temple dedicated to Radha, becomes the center of celebrations. Devotees gather here to offer prayers, sing devotional songs, and play Holi with colors. The temple is beautifully decorated, and the energy is infectious in Holi festival…
Laddu Holi – A Sweet Start
A day before Lathmar Holi, Laddu Holi is celebrated at Radha Rani Temple, where sweets (laddus) are thrown at devotees as a symbol of joy and blessings. It marks the beginning of the Holi festivities in Barsana.
Traditional Folk Songs and Dance
During the celebrations, women sing Holi folk songs, teasing men and celebrating the divine love of Radha-Krishna. Devotional music and energetic dancing fill the air, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.
Reversed Celebration in Nandgaon
The day after Lathmar Holi in Barsana, men from Barsana visit Nandgaon, Krishna’s village, to continue the festival. The celebrations here mirror Barsana’s traditions, making it a two-day grand event.
Divine Atmosphere and Massive Crowds
Barsana Holi is a mix of devotion, mythology, and festivity. The streets are filled with gulal and the air resonates with chants of Radhe Radhe and Jai Shri Krishna, making it a spiritually uplifting experience.
The Barsana Holi festival is not just about playing with colors; it’s an experience of love, devotion, and tradition, making it one of the most unique Holi celebrations in India.
who love Indian culture and believe in God, and they always try to celebrate Holi with Radha Rani place and enjoy before Holi…and they visit Varshana with family that’s why lacs for crowd in Barsana into festival of holi……
