Lathmar Holi (Holi of sticks) is a Hindu festival celebrated in the twin towns of Barsana and Nandgaon, also known as the towns of Radha and Krishna respectively. Every year, during the period of Holi , thousands of devotees and tourists visit these towns to celebrate the festival. Lathmar Holi in Barsana is not your typical Holi celebration. Simply put, it is an exciting mix of vigorous fun, cultural storytelling and vibrant hues, making it one of the most unique types of Holi in India. The festival of Lathmar Holi is celebrated for four days, the women start preparing for the festivities a month in advance. First-day in Celebration of Lathmar Holi: The celebrations begin with both men and women gathering at the temple premises to begin the rituals leading to the festivities. Lathmar Holi is celebrated with pomp in Barsana every year for a week. This year, the celebrations begin on March 18. Know its history, significance and more. Once, days before Holi, the Indian festival of colours, Krishna visited Barsana with his friends and, together, they teased Radha and her companions. Taking offence to this, Radha’s friends chased the men away with sticks. Lath Mar Holi festival is a re-enactment of this legend. Also read: 3 healthy, traditional recipes that will help you stay in shape this Holi. So, why is Lathmar Holi celebrated, after all? 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. Women in Barsana celebrated Lathmar Holi by playfully hitting men from Nandgaon with sticks, recreating a legend of Krishna and Radha. Men wore turbans and shields, while devotees smeared in Lathmaar Holi, celebrated in Barsana and Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh, is a unique, vibrant tradition where women playfully hit men with sticks, and men use shields to defend themselves. The festival Let’s dive into some unique Holi celebrations across India. 1. Lathmar Holi – Barsana, Uttar Pradesh. In the small town of Barsana, Holi takes on a playful and historic twist with Lathmar Holi. This tradition is rooted in the legend of Lord Krishna’s mischievous visits to the home of his beloved Radha. Lathmar Holi: All You Need To Know About This Unique Holi Celebration The entire country celebrates Holi, with each state having its own traditions and ways to observe the day. But the Lathmar Holi celebrations are world-famous, thanks to their colourful and lively way that brings joy to everyone involved. Lathmar Holi in Barsana is not your typical Holi celebration. Simply put, it is an exciting mix of vigorous fun, cultural storytelling and vibrant hues, making it one of the most unique types of Holi in India. The concept of Lathmar Holi comes from the Radha-Krishna myth. According to Indian mythology, Lord Krishna, who was from Nandgaon, and Radha, from Barsana, share an eternal bond. It is believed that the tradition of Lathmar Holi began with the famous Laddu Holi celebrated in Barsana a day before Holi. Lathmar Holi is a Hindi word that literally translates - 'Lath' means stick, 'mar' means beat and togther they mean playing Holi with stick and colours. Thandai (a sweet drink) and Holi go hand in hand, so don't miss out on it! Lathmar Holi 2025 Dates. Lathmar Holi will take place around on 7 March in Barsana and on 8 March in Nandgaon in 2025. Lathmar Holi (hindi: लट्ठमार होली, 'käpparnas festival') är en nordindisk festival. Det är en hinduisk festival som varje vår [ 1 ] firas i de två systerorterna Barsāna och Nandgaon i Uttar Pradesh , orter som lokalt även är kända som Radha respektive Krishna . Lathmaar Holi Pranks: Apart from the playful rituals, Lathmar Holi in Vrindavan is also known for its playful pranks. People immerse themselves in the spirit of Holi by playing mischievous pranks on each other, adding an element of fun and laughter to the festivities. The first day of the celebrations is Holika Dahan, also known as Chhoti Holi or little Holi, and is when the religious rituals take place. The main event of Holika Dahan is a large bonfire where an effigy of Holika is burnt to symbolize the destruction of evil. Lathmar Holi 2022: Lathmar Holi is a special way of celebrating Holi in Uttar Pradesh's Barsana and Nandgaon every year. Check why this festival of sticks is celebrated and its importance here. The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. The festival lasts for about a week in the holy city of Mathura and Vrindavan. The locals begin by narrating the folk takes. The stories explain various beliefs and details, such as the different name for each day like Lathmar Holi of Barsana and Nandgaon, Phoolwalon Ki Holi at Vrindavan's Bankey Bihari Temple, Gokul Holi and the Widows' Holi in Vrindavan.
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