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Legendary stories come alive with Lathmar Holi
Indian villagers smear themselves with colours during the Lathmar Holi festival at the Nandji Temple in Nandgaon, some 120 kms from New Delhi. The women of Nandgaon, the home town of Hindu God Krishna, attack the men from Barsana, the legendary home town of Radha, consort of Hindu God Krishna, with wooden sticks in response to their efforts to put color on them, reciprocating acts performed yesterday in Barsana between the women of that village with the men of Nandgaon as they observe the Lathmar Holi festival. (Ajay Aggarwal/HT PHOTO)
Updated on: Mar 8, 2017 9:24 AM IST
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Indian villagers smear themselves with colours during the Lathmar Holi festival at the Nandji Temple in Nandgaon, some 120 kms from New Delhi. The women of Nandgaon, the home town of Hindu God Krishna, attack the men from Barsana, the legendary home town of Radha, consort of Hindu God Krishna, with wooden sticks in response to their efforts to put color on them, reciprocating acts performed yesterday in Barsana between the women of that village with the men of Nandgaon as they observe the Lathmar Holi festival. (Ajay Aggarwal/HT PHOTO)
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The traditional ‘Lathamar Holi’ started with pomp at Barsana village, as couples celebrated the colourful festival with utmost zeal amid a tight security put in place by district authorities. (Ajay Aggarwal/HT PHOTO)
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The annual event, said to be observed for last 5000 years in Barsana and Nandgaon villages is welcomed with enthusiasm and historical pride. (Ajay Aggarwal/HT PHOTO)
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Celebrated in the villages a few days before Holi, ‘Lathamar’ means ‘playing with sticks’. (Ajay Aggarwal/HT PHOTO)
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The celebration of Holi here is marked by a fine blending of music and dance by local youngsters who enthrall the visitors from across the globe. (Ajay Aggarwal/HT PHOTO)
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It is celebrated in the Hindu month of Phalgun on full moon day. It corresponds to the month of March in the English calendar. (Ajay Aggarwal/HT PHOTO)
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This festival is attracts a large number of visitors every year. (Ajay Aggarwal/HT PHOTO)
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The festival is known to recreate the legendary story, where Lord Krishna,who hailed from Nandgaon, is driven out of Barsana by Radha and her friends after teasing them. (Ajay Aggarwal/HT PHOTO)
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Men who are caught by the women of Barsana are made to wear female clothing and dance in public. (Ajay Aggarwal/HT PHOTO)
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Lathmar Holi is celebrated days before the actual Holi. (Ajay Aggarwal/HT PHOTO)
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Women of Barsana dressed up in traditional attires beat the men of Nandagaon during the festival. (Ajay Aggarwal/HT PHOTO)
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