Mathura: The historical city of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh is not only famous for the fact that the holy city is the birthplace of Shri Krishan. The city is a repository of many great traditions, which have been going on for centuries. All preparations are being completed for Mathura’s famous ‘Lathmar Holi’ at Barsana, the birthplace of Radha Rani. The Gopis of Barsana beat the males of Nanda village as a token of love. For all this, Yadavs – descendants of Lord Krishna – of Nanda village are preparing themselves for colourful Holi. The tradition that has been going on since the era of Dwapar is still intact. On March 23, ‘Lathmar Holi’ will be played with great pomp and fervour in Barsana.
Lathmar Holi in Barsana
In the city of Lord Krishna, the colour ‘gulal’ and colours have started gripping the devotees for the Holi festival. Many colours of Holi are seen in the Braj area. It is the Holi of flowers somewhere. It is the Holi of colours at some places or ‘Lathmar Holi’ is played at some places. On March 23, Lathmar Holi will be played with great pomp at Barsana, the birthplace of Radha Rani, for which preparations are being completed.
Tradition going on since the Dwapar era
The Yadavs Nandgaon have been playing ‘Lathmar Holi’ with Gopis for centuries. It is a unique way of expressing mutual bonding, love and affection, which the whole world witnesses at Barsana. There is a mythological belief that when Kanha or Lord Krishan as a child came to Barsana, the Gopis or women Yadavs – of Barsana played several friendly games with him. Radha did also participate in them. One of them is the tradition of ‘Lathmar Holi.’ The Yadavs of Nanda village reach Barsana and ‘Lathmar Holi’ is played with Gopis in love.
Special dresses are worn by the devotees