Get bruised, be chased away by women this Holi in Barsana, Uttar Pradesh

TOUGH LUCK GAMES

Region: Barsana and Nandgaon

Also known as ‘Lath Mar’ Holi the celebrations begins days before the actual Holi in the neighbouring towns of Barsana and Nandgaon near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. Thousands of tourists get together to witness the distinctive festivities.

The women of Barsana village beat up men with sticks. It’s worth getting to Barsana a couple of days in advance so that you can experience the festivities. Sweets are thrown around and spiritual songs related to Radha and Krishna are sung.

LEGEND HAS IT: Legend has it that Lord Krishna took a trip to Radha’s village on Holi day so that he could play with her and her friends. Unfortunately, the women of Barsana took offence and chased him away. Since then, men from Krishna’s village, Nandgaon, visit Barsana to play Holi in the town, which has a temple dedicated to Radha. It is also said that the women of Barsana start preparing a month in advance. The mothers-in-law feed their daughters-in-law rich food so that they show off their prowess on the Holi battle zone. It is a show of love, fun and equality.



Kids play Holi with water colour in Mathura.