Know about Lathmar Holi of Barsana, when women beat men with sticks

New Delhi: Holi is a festival of colours celebrated across northern, eastern and western India. Legend has it that Lord Krishna used to play this festival of colours with his consort Radha and other Gopis in Vrindavan.In Barsana, the birthplace of Radha, a village 42 kms away from Mathura, is of particular interest. Here, men from Nandgaon, the land of Krishna ,come to play Holi with the women of Barsana and hope to raise their flag over Shri Radhikaji's temple. But, instead of colours they are greeted with sticks by the gopis. Hence, the Holi get its new name here-Lathmaar Holi.The next day, it is the turn of men of Barsana. They reciprocate by invading Nandgaon and drench the womenfolk of Nandgaon in colours of kesudo, naturally occurring orange-red dye and palash.Today, the women of Nadagow beat the invaders from Barsana. It is a colourful site.Legend has it that Lord Krishna visited his beloved Radha's village on this day and playfully teased her and her friends. Taking offence at this, the women of Barsana chased him away. Since then, men from Krishna's village, Nandgaon, visit Barsana to play Holi in the town which has the distinction of having the only temple dedicated to Radha in India.In the sprawling compound of the Radha Rani temple in Barsana, thousands gather to witness the Lath Mar holi.The women of Barsana start preparing a month in advance. The Holi season actually begins with the Lathmar holi in Barsana, as it takes place around a week before the main day of Holi.