 | « Back to article | Print this article |
Traditional Lathmar Holi festivities commenced in Nandagaon on Sunday, marking the beginning of the week-long Holi celebrations in Mathura.
With just days left for the Festival of Colours, markets are abuzz with people shopping for gulal and abeer, as well as pichkaris, the traditional water guns used to splash coloured water, ANI reports.
Homes are being decked up with vibrant decorations, and sweets likegujiyas are being prepared in kitchens across the country. People are stocking up their festive essentials.
Meanwhile, traditional Lathmar Holi festivities commenced in Nandagaon on Sunday, marking the beginning of the week-long Holi celebrations in Mathura.
This unique and vibrant event, celebrated with great enthusiasm, is deeply rooted in the legends of Lord Krishna and Radha.
According to folklore, Lathmar Holi symbolises the playful exchange between Krishna's village, Nandagaon, and Radha's village, Barsana.
It is believed that Lord Krishna, along with his friends, visited Barsana to tease Radha and her companions, who playfully responded by chasing them away with sticks (lathis).
This tradition continues today as women from Barsana visit Nandagaon to engage in a mock battle with men wielding shields for protection.
Devotees and tourists from across the country and abroad gathered at Nandagaon's famous temple premises to witness the colorful spectacle.
The air resonated with Holi bhajans and chants of 'Radhe! Radhe!' as participants drenched each other in gulal (colored powder).
Following Lathmar Holi in Nandagaon, the celebrations will continue in Barsana, where men from Nandagaon will visit to partake in the joyous tradition.
The Holi festivities in Mathura, widely regarded as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, will culminate with grand processions, cultural performances, and temple rituals leading up to the main Holi festival.
Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com
Feature Presentation: Mahipal Soni/Rediff.com