'Braj Bhoomi' to celebrate 'Latthmaar' Holi tommorow

Mathura, Feb 24 (UNI) 'Braj Bhoomi', known world wide for its unique Holi, would celebrate 'Latthmaar' Holi tommorow .

Braj Bhoomi encompasses the region of Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Phalen, Nandgaon and Barsana, areas where Lord Krishna spent his childhood.

Barsana is famous for its 'latthmaar holi'. Men of Nandgaon known as 'Gops' raid Barsana and try to mark their victory over the Radhika Temple by unfurling a flag on it while the women, known as 'Gopis' try to fend them off with long bamboo sticks. The men are well padded because they cannot retaliate and can only try to keep the women off by sprinkling coloured water on them. In case they get trapped, they are dressed like a woman and made to wear cosmetics. They are even made to dance like a woman.

Next day, the same scene is repeated in Nandgao as men of Barsana raid the village to win over temple of Shriji and women of Nandgao beat them with sticks to keep them off. Holi songs known as 'Hori' are sung by the men and women and are mostly based on the dialogues exchanged between Lord Krishna and Goddess Radhika.

There are slight differences in the ways these places celebrate Holi. The most notable spots that attract the tourists for their unique ways of celebrating Holi are Phalen, Nandagao and Barsana. In Phalen, a huge bonfire is lit on the full moon night to commemorate the victory of good over evil and the Prahlad-Holika episode is re-enacted.

However, the most interesting fact is that the local priests walk through fire and come out unscathed. Devotees can be seen chanting 'Hare Ram Hare Krishna'.

In Barsana, the Holi celebration takes the form of a grand 'mela.' Amorous songs, religious fervor and sprinkled colours present a delightful scene.

Talking to UNI here today, District Magistrate T N Singh said with terror threat looming large entire the Mela area has been divided into five sectors. A large number of security personnel have been deployed to avoid any untoward incident.

He said Additional DM Ritu Sharma has been made the Mela Officer.

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has started running 25 extra buses for the convinience of the pilgrims, he added.

UNI