Devotees indulge in 'Lathmar Holi'

Hundreds of people assembled in Barsana village of Uttar Pradesh on Friday to play 'Lathmar Holi', a way of celebrating the festival of colours, in which women beat men with sticks. Celebrating an age-old tradition, men from neighbouring towns and villages come to Barsana and sing provocative songs to draw the attention of women. The women go on the offensive and use long staves called 'laathis' to beat the men, who protect themselves with shields. Men and women in traditional costumes spray and sprinkle colours at each other and a colourful procession is taken out on the streets.