India as a nation has its diversity and culture of various regions. When it comes to religious festivities, every festival has a mythological narrative that binds people’s faith. In the various gods and goddesses that are worshipped in the country. Lathimar Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated by the people from the town of Barsana and Nandgaon Mathura in UP. Lathi mar Holi is a Hindi word that translates ‘Lath’ means stick, and ‘mar’ means to beat in Hindi. The people of this town play Holi with colors and sticks in playful banter. Lathmar Holi is celebrated 4-5 days earlier than the main Holi festivities in other parts of the country.

How is Lathi Mar Holi celebrated?

The festival begins with women smearing color on men and making sure isno single man is left out. Moreover, Villagers sing folk songs, and women dance for the spectators. The next day, men arrive in Barsana and try to smear colors on the women in the village. The women take sticks and try to beat the men, who save themselves by shielding. Therefore, men try to save themselves and their friends. The women shout and cheer and encourage them to chase and hit them. Nevertheless, all this is done in mockery, and everybody participates in the fun being a sport. The festival lasts for a week.

The mythological story of the festival

The festival of Holi has various mythological stories. One of them, popular in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is Lord Krishna. However, Lord Krishna as a young boy was naughty and playful. According to the mythological story, He visited Barsana, the village where his beloved Radha used to live. Days before Holi, Lord Krishna visited Barsana with his friends, and, together, they teased Radha and her friends. Radha’s friends then would chase the men away with sticks. Hence, the Lathi Mar Holi festival is an imitation of this mythological legend.

Dishes and sweets made for Lathmar Holi

The villagers make Thandai or commonly known as Bhang. They are made from a paste made from peppercorns, almonds, fennel, poppy seeds, cardamom, rose water, and rose petals. People also relish various delicacies during the festivities with dishes, such as Pani Poori, Jalebis, Kesari Pedas, Aloo Tikkis, Kachoris, Gulab Jamuns, and Sweet Lassi.

How To Reach the Lathmar Holi Venues?

The nearest airport is in Delhi with a distance of 142kms. The nearest Railway Station is Mathura, which is located at 12kms from Nandgaon. There are also state buses and taxis available from the nearby cities.

The festival may seem scary with all the sticks and faces smeared with colors. There is joy and good cheer all around that depicts the spirits of Mathura. It is one of the grand festivals of North India that is associated with Indian mythology. One must surely visit Mathura during the festival of Holi to immerse themselves in the beautiful colors of love and happiness since the experience will be unforgettable and stay forever in your hearts and memories.

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