(Pics) What is Lathmar Holi?

Meerut, March 10: The Lathmar Holi kickstarted in Mathura and Barsana, the land of Lord Sri Krishna and Radha in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut district on Sunday.

While Holi is still a distance away, this particular tradition traces back to the legend where Lord Sri Krishna visited his beloved Radha this day and teased her and her friends. In retaliation, the womenfolk chased him away.

Hence, the tradition allows the women to beat up their menfolk for a day. To recreate the legend, the men from Krishna's village Nandgaon visit Radha's village Barsana, just to be welcomed with sticks and abuses.

A unique spectacle indeed, the women of the district enjoy their liberty to hit back at their men to the fullest. That apart, the colour and the splendour offers a unique spectacle for the tourists too.

In Barsana

Men from the village of Nandgaon throw colored powder on others as they play holi at the Ladali or Radha temple, before the procession for the Lathmar Holi festival, the legendary hometown of Radha, consort of Hindu God Krishna, in Barsana on Sunday.

In Mathura

Women enjoying ladoo during Latthmaar holi celebration in Barsana near Mathura on Saturday evening.

In Mathura

People sing and dance as they participate in Lathmaar Holi celebration at Sriji temple in barsana near Mathura on Sunday.

In Mathura

Devotees celebrate Holi at Raman Reti in Mathura on Wednesday evening.

OneIndia News