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Have you heard of Lathmar Holi played in Barsana town? Yes, it is one of the unique Holi celebrations in India. According to mythology, Mathura is the birth place of Lord Krishna and Vrindavan is where he spent his childhood.
It is mentioned in these stories that Holi was celebrated during Lord Krishna's times. Hence, Holi is one of the major festivals in Uttar Pradesh. People just love to smear colours, eat sweets, drink bhang and dance around during this time. Holi celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan are to be experienced at least once.
Let us know about the significance of Lathmar Holi 2021!
What is Lathmar Holi?
In Lathmar Holi, women carry a Lath (traditional staff/stick) and playfully beat the men who try to put colours on them. Many people gather to witness this event and this happens a few days before the actual day of Holi. Here women try to beat men singing some folk songs and remembering Radha and Krishna!
Photo Courtesy: Narender9
Where is it Celebrated?
Lathmar Holi is celebrated in the townsof Barsana and Nandgaon.The Radha Rani temple complex in Barsana becomes the venue for the festivities.
First day, men from Nandgaon come to Barsana to play Holi. Second day, men from Barsana go there.
Photo Courtesy: Narender9
Barsana
The town of Barsana is around 50km from Mathura. Legends say that, it was the village of Radha (Lord Krishna's consort). Barsana is known for Radha Rani Temple. During the Holi festival, the town becomes vibrant and loud.
Photo Courtesy: GourangaUK
Nandgaon
Nandgaon is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. Nandgaon is known for the Krishna temple and an ancient well/pond called Paavan Sarovar.
Photo Courtesy: Narender9
Legends
Lathmar Holi has many legends and two of them are very famous: Once Radha becomes angry that Krishna and his mates stole the clothes from the bathing ghats. So, Radha with her mates goes to Nandgaon carrying big sticks to teach them a lesson.
Photo Courtesy: gkrishna38
Legends
Another story says, once Krishna comes to Barsana and drenches Radha in colours. Women of the village become angry and chase the group with their sticks. Though there are many other stories, the tradition of women chasing men during Holi is celebrated as 'Lathmar Holi'.
Bhang in Holi
Drinking Bhang (intoxicating drink) mixed in Thandai is popular during the Holi festivals. People drink thandai and go merry making in this festival of colours.
Photo Courtesy: psubhashish
Holi in Mathura
Mathura is the birth place of Lord Krishna. People unite to rejoice in the festivities. Special prayers are also performed in Dwarkadish Temple in Mathura in this time.
Photo Courtesy: Jai
Holi in Vrindavan
Even in the holy city of Vrindavan, Holi fiesta is grand. Special poojas (prayers) are also offered in Banke Bihari Temple. Here all streets are filled with colours.
Photo Courtesy: Sreeram Nambiar
