Lathmar Holi 2024: What Is Origin And Belief Of Lathmar Holi Of Mathura And Barsana?

Lathmar Holi 2024: Holi is one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated in India. It is the festival of colours that brings happiness and joy to the lives of people. Though it is widely celebrated in North India, some states celebrate Holi with great pomp and show, and this makes it unique. Barsana, located in Mathura, is renowned for its vibrant celebration of 'Lathmar Holi.' This annual event draws thousands of devotees and tourists to the town, creating a lively and colourful spectacle that pays homage to the divine couple, Radha and Krishna. This year the Barsana Lathmar Holi would be on March 18, but what makes it stand out? Let’s check it here.?

'Lathmar Holi' is a unique and joyous festival that holds deep cultural significance. The name itself, "Lathmar," translates to "hitting with sticks," and this lively celebration involves good-natured playfulness where women playfully chase and hit men with sticks. The tradition is rooted in the legendary love story of Radha and Krishna.

Holi 2024 Schedule Dates in Mathura, Vrindavan, And Barsana

Why is Lathmar Holi celebrated?

The festival is said to be a recreation of a famous Hindu legend, according to which, Lord Krishna (who hailed from Nandgaon village) visited his beloved Radha's town, Barsana. If legend is to be believed, Krishna teased Radha and her friends, who in turn responded by taking offence at his advances and driving him out of Barsana.

Keeping in tune with the legend, the men from Nandgaon visit the town of Barsana every year, only to be greeted by sticks (aka lathi) of the women there. The ladies hurl sticks at the men, who try to shield themselves as much as they can.

The unlucky ones are captured by the enthusiastic women who then, make the men wear female clothing and dance in public. The festivities take place at the sprawling campus of the Radha Rani temple in Barsana, which is said to be the only temple in the country that is dedicated to Radha.

The Lathmar Holi festivities last for over a week, where the participants dance, sing and immerse themselves in colour alongside the occasional consumption of thandai--a traditional drink synonymous with the festival of Holi.

Lathmar Holi 2024: History & Significance

Not just in Barsana, Lathmar Holi is celebrated in Nandgaon in Rajasthan as well. The towns of Barsana and Nandgaon are popularly known as the towns of Radha and Krishna. Both these towns are all set to witness the drench of womenfolk with colours and women wielding batons playfully hitting men to drive them away.

Holi in Barsana virtually is a repeat of Holi representing the 'Dwaapar' age with menfolk trying to drench womenfolk with colours and women preventing them through baton attacks. The men protect themselves by carrying leather shields, says a priest of Ladli temple in Barsana.

There are several legends associated with the celebration of Lathmar Holi. One such popular legend is that when Lord Krishna visited Barsana to shower colours on his beloved Radha and her friends, they playfully hit him with sticks across the town. Since then, Lathmar Holi is played across the town.

What is Rang Panchami?

Ranga Panchami is a festival of colours, just like Holi, but celebrated in some parts of India only. It's the day when we celebrate the fundamental component of the universe, according to spirituality. The universe is huge but it is made up of the smallest particle as science has already proved in the past. In science, we call these particles atoms and molecules but as per Hindu beliefs, the universe is made up of three gunas, namely, Sattwa, Raja, and Tama. Rang Panchami is the victory of Raja Tama. This day reminds us of the basic component and lives that have formed everything.

Lathmar Holi 2024: FAQs

Where is Barsana Lathmar Holi celebrated?

Barsana Lathmar Holi is celebrated in the towns of Barsana and Nandgaon, which are located in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Barsana is known as the "Land of Radha" and Nandgaon is known as the "Land of Krishna."

What is the significance of Barsana Lathmar Holi?

Barsana Lathmar Holi is a celebration of the love between Radha and Krishna. It is also a celebration of the strength and power of women. The festival is a way for women to express their playful side and to show that they are not afraid to stand up for themselves.

How can I get to Barsana and Nandgaon?

Barsana and Nandgaon are located in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. The nearest airport is Agra Airport, which is located about 40 kilometers away. You can also take a train to Mathura Junction and then take a taxi or bus to Barsana or Nandgaon.

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