Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon

A vibrant scene from the Lathmar Holi festival in Barsana, India, where women dressed in traditional red and blue sarees playfully strike men with sticks as part of the ritual. The men, wearing turbans and holding shields, crouch to protect themselves while the ground is covered in bright pink Holi colors, creating a lively and culturally rich atmosphere.

As a traditional Brij Holi, women of Barsana beat men from Nandgaon district of Uttar Pradesh with sticks. It is called Lathmar Holi. In addition to these regions, Lathmar Holi is also played in Rajasthan and other Indian regions.

Preparation of Lathmar Holi, a combination of fun battel and color, starts as the sun shines its rays on these small villages on Holi day. The sun rays, the cheers of people, and the bright colors light up the narrow and dusty streets. A large number of people stand by the sides singing and laughing, waiting to see the unique battle between men and women. It sets the right stage for the most amazing Brij Holi celebration to happen. 

The Story Behind Lathmar Holi

The battle between men and women in Lathmar Holi is not an ordinary one. There is a religious aspect connected to it where women chase and beat up men with sticks wanting to put color on them, all in a playful way. Men try to run and avoid the beating with shields.

This may sound crazy or funny but Nandgaon lathmar Holi is the most exciting way of celebrating Holi in the Brij regions in India. The story behind it dates back to the ancient times when Lord Krishna along with his friends living in Nandgaon teased Radha and her friends wanting to put color on them. Radha and her friends refused and tried to beat Lord Krishna and his friends with sticks so that they ran away, both laughing all the way.

This playful act of Lord Krishna is shown in the Lathmar Nandgaon Holi, where women play Radha and the gopis, and men act as Lord Krishna and his friends.

Two Days of Fun-Filled Battle

Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon is a fun-filled battle that has become a tradition today in these regions. Every year, the excitement in Barsana and Nandgaon lasts for at least two days. 

On day 1, men travel to Barsana from Nandgaon as Lord Krishna did in the ancient days. The ladies of Brasana are ready with sticks and start hitting the men as soon as they try to throw colors at them. They chase the men away from the village as soon as they arrive.

They laugh while beating men with long sticks while others chant prayers in praise of Lord Krishna and Radha. Some hits miss and others are blocked by the men with shields, but the women stay strong and refuse to give up. They are clever, fast, and full of energy to run after the men chasing them from the streets swaying their sticks in the air. 

The crowd cheers, laughs and claps at the scene with a few playing drums and throwing Gulal on the air covering everyone including the visitors in bright yellow, red, and pink colors.

On the first day of Lathmar Holi Barsana, the women of Barsana win 1-0.

The second day is revenge time for the men of Nandgaon and is called Nandgaon Holi. Traditionally, the women of Barsana visit the village and the men try to protect their village. However, once again they fail and have to run away from the energetic and determined women of Barsana. 

Do you want to experience this fun battle during Nandgaon Holi? Get your backpack and set foot for Barsana and Nandgaon on March 14, 2025.

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