Barsana Mathura Holi​

Barsana, a small town 42 km from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, celebrates Holi in a unique and vibrant manner known as Lathmar Holi. This distinctive celebration attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to witness the playful battle between the men of Nandgaon and the women of Barsana armed with colorful powder and wooden sticks.

Barsana Lathmar Holi: An Overview

Lathmar Holi (literally “stick-beating Holi”) is a colorful reenactment of a playful incident between Lord Krishna and Radha. During this festival:

Men from Nandgaon visit Barsana to tease women and smear them with colors
Women of Barsana “defend” themselves with wooden sticks (lathis)
Men use shields to protect themselves while trying to apply colors
Men caught by women are dressed in female attire and made to dance
The entire celebration occurs in good humor and festive spirit

The celebrations are accompanied by folk songs, traditional drinks like thandai, and sweets, while devotional chants of “Shri Radha” and “Shri Krishna” fill the air.

When is Barsana Lathmar Holi Celebrated?

Barsana Holi falls on the ninth day of the month of Phalgun according to the Hindu calendar (typically February-March). For 2024, Barsana Lathmar Holi will be held on March 17th. The festival typically takes place about a week before the main Holi celebration observed across India.

The Legend Behind Lathmar Holi

According to local folklore, Lord Krishna visited Barsana, Radha’s village, and playfully teased her and her friends. In response, Radha and the other women chased him away with sticks. This divine interaction became the basis for the unique Lathmar Holi tradition. Each year, men from Nandgaon (Krishna’s childhood home) visit the Radha Rani temple in Barsana to perform rituals. Everyone gathers in the temple compound and forms the famous “Rang Rangeeli Gali” (colorful lane) where the celebrations take place.

How Lathmar Holi is Celebrated

The celebration follows a specific sequence: Day 1:

Men from Nandgaon arrive at Barsana
They attempt to reach the Radha Rani temple
Women resist them with sticks
Men protect themselves with shields
Colors are splashed on everyone

Day 2:

The roles reverse as Barsana men visit Nandgaon
Similar celebrations with colors and music continue
Traditional songs called “Hori” based on Krishna-Radha conversations are sung

The State Tourism Board arranges special viewing areas for visitors on the outskirts of town to witness these celebrations safely.

Places to Visit in Barsana and Nandgaon

Barsana

Radha Rani Temple: Perched on Bhanugarh hill, this is the only temple dedicated to Goddess Radharani, requiring a climb of 108 stairs
Maan Mandir: Located at Maan Garh hilltop, commemorating where Krishna pleaded with an upset Radha
Sankari Khor: A narrow passage between two hills where Krishna playfully collected “tax” from the Gopis
Mor Kutir Mandir: A temple honoring where peacocks visited Krishna and Radha
Rangeeli Mahal: A shrine at the site of Radha’s palace from 5,000 years ago, depicting Radha-Krishna Leela

Nandgaon

Nand Bhavan: Located atop Nandishwar Hill, the only temple where Krishna’s foster parents Nand and Yashoda are worshiped
Nandishwara Temple: One of the five most sacred Shiva temples in the Braj region, with an ancient Shiva Linga believed to have been installed by Krishna’s grandson

How to Reach Barsana and Nandgaon

Barsana and Nandgaon are approximately 12 km from Mathura and part of the Mathura-Vrindavan pilgrimage circuit. By Air:

Closest airport: Agra Airport (88 km)
International travelers: Delhi International Airport (172 km) with good connectivity to Barsana-Nandgaon via bus or cab

By Rail: