Lathmar Holi at Barsana 2024: All You Need To Know About This Unique Holi Celebration

Holi holds a special spot in the hearts of all individuals across India. It is quite possibly the greatest celebration in India after Diwali. Since India is a multicultural country with every state having their own tradition for celebrating Holi, some towns including Nandgaon and Barsana, near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh celebrate Holi in a special way, known as ‘Lathmar Holi’.

Lathmar Holi is associated with a Hindu legend of Lord Krishna and Radha. The festival follows men with splashing colours on women who use sticks to playfully hit them and chase them away. The festivities typically take place a week before the main Holi celebration and attract thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Lathmar Holi 2024: Date & Origin

In 2024, the festivities of Lathmar Holi will begin on 18th March and continue for a week. As the name suggests ‘Lathmar’, the ritual represents Lord Krishna's thrashing with sticks (Lath) by Radha and Gopis. The legend goes that Lord Krishna used to visit Radha and her friends in Barsana and Nandgaon to bother them and smear colours on their faces, which is why they thrashed him with sticks.

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A similar ritual is followed consistently on current day Holi celebration. Men tease the ladies energetically, who thus answer their advances by beating them with sticks (Lath) and attempting to drive them out. The ones who get trapped are then made to dress up as women and dance in the open. This great ritual is followed every year by the people of Nandgaon and Barsana.

Lathmar Holi 2024: Significance & Celebration

The festival of Lathmar Holi celebrates the eternal love and union of Lord Krishna and Radha. It also celebrates the victory of good over evil.

Lathmar Holi Celebration in Barsana begins prior to the main Holi festivities and continues for a week. During this time, the people of Barsana sing dance and splash colours, along with enjoying the traditional drink, thandai, which is dedicated to Radha.

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Image Courtesy: Pinterest

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