​Barsana Holi - Lathmar Holi is A Unique Way of Celebrating Holi

The birthplace of Sri Radha Rani, the beloved of Lord Krishna, Barsana is more than a destination in Uttar Pradesh, it is, in fact, the celebration of Radha’s life and the eternal love between her and Lord Krishna. From numerous temples dedicated to her life and her upbringing, this religious destination in Uttar Pradesh also celebrates the association of Lord Krishna with the town and Radha Rani. Barsana is also famous for its Lathmar Holi, which depicts the ancient tradition of playing Holi with sticks and shields along with colors.

What is the Lathmar Holi of Uttar Pradesh?

Lathmar Holi is a unique way of celebrating Holi in Nandgaon and Barsana towns in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. Holi, a festival of colors is one of the main festivals of Hindus and is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout India.
The festivities of Lathmar Holi are very different from the play of colors. Lath means stick and Mar means to beat. So, Lathmar means to beat with a stick. India is perhaps the only country where you will get to witness such amazing forms of festival celebration. This form of merrymaking is a bit different. Quite popular in cities of Uttar Pradesh, particularly Mathura - Lord Krishna's birthplace, Nandgaon – where Lord spent his childhood and Barsana – the birthplace of Goddess Radha (beloved of Shree Krishna), Lathmar Holi holds a special significance.
Women smear colors on men to mark the beginning of the Lathmar Holi. Entire complex echoes with the chants of ‘Shri Radha’ and ‘Shri Krishna’. Folk songs are sung, thandai – a traditional drink is served and sweets are distributed. On the next day, men return to Barsana and this time they try to smear women with colors. But now, women bring sticks to beat them who in return protect themselves with shields. To add more fun, some of the men who get caught by the women are made to dress up as women. They then sing and dance along with the females while enjoying the festival.
All this is done joyfully while making sure that nobody gets hurt. No wonder, one should try to be a part of the Lathmar Holi in Nandgaon and Barsana besides Mathura-Vrindavan at least once in a lifetime.

Story Associated with Lathmar Holi

According to folklore, Lord Krishna went to meet her beloved Radha and playfully teased her along with her friends. In return, Radha Rani and other women chased him with sticks. From that day onwards, men from Nandgaon visit Barsana a few days before main Holi only to be greeted by sticks.
Several men from Mathura and Nandgaon visit Radha Rani temple in Barsana 4-to 5 days before Holi to perform some rituals. Thereafter, everyone gathers in the temple compound to form a famous narrow lane called ‘Rang Rangeeli Gali’ (the colorful lane).
Lathmar Holi signifies the re-enactment of the incident mentioned above. Thus, everything is done while maintaining the sanctity of the event. Every year, men from Nandgaon visit the town of Barsana, and the women drive them out with sticks (i.e., lathi) and colors.

When is Lathmar Holi in 2022?

Barsana Holi is celebrated on the ninth day of the month of Phalgun according to the Hindu calendar. It corresponds to February or March.

So, this year Barsana lath mar Holi will be held on 13th March 2022

Best time to visit Barsana to enjoy the Lathmar Holi

Lathmar Holi is celebrated almost a week before the festival of Holi. It is best advised to get to the towns of Barsana and Nandgaon in time to enjoy it.