Barsana’s Lathmar Holi: Why Do Women In This UP Town Beat Up Men On Holi?
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Holi 2025: Barsana in Uttar Pradesh is famous for Lathmar Holi, where women playfully beat men with sticks. This unique tradition with folk songs and vibrant celebrations draws tourists from around the world
During this Holi festival, men try to hoist their flag on the Radha Rani temple by playfully showering the women with coloured powder and engaging in playful trickery. (News18)
Barsana, a town in Uttar Pradesh, is renowned worldwide for its distinct celebration of Holi, particularly the tradition of Lathmar Holi. During this vibrant festival, women playfully beat men with sticks (lathis) as part of an age-old custom. This fascinating ritual has captured the interest of people worldwide. Here, we delve into the reason behind this unique tradition and why women take the lead in this spirited event.
‘Braj’ Holi Festival
According to the Hindu calendar, the Panchang, Holika is burnt on the full moon day of the Phalgun month, and the next day, on Pratipada, Holi is celebrated with colours. Across India, Holi is observed with diverse traditions, but people worldwide eagerly await the Braj Mandal Holi celebrations.
The Braj Holi Festival, celebrated in Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and Nandgaon, is renowned globally. The exuberant celebration of colours of Braj Holi is popular due to its deep-rooted cultural and religious significance, as well as the distinctive customs and rituals that set it apart from other Holi celebrations.
Tourists From Abroad
The allure and fame of Braj Mahotsav’s Holi programme draws thousands of visitors from not only different parts of India but also from around the world. The Huranga celebration here is internationally renowned. Throughout the region, Holi is celebrated with flowers, coloured powder, and sticks.
The Famous Holi Of Barsana
Holi reaches its peak in Braj Mandal. The Lathmar Holi of Barsana holds global fame, attracting spectators from every corner of the world. In this unique celebration, people adorn each other with colours, and women playfully beat men with sticks.
Folk Songs And ‘Rasiya’
During Holi in the town of Barsana, popular folk songs narrating the exchanges between Radha and Krishna are sung. Visitors thoroughly enjoy these folk songs and Rasiya performances.
Women Beat Men On Holi
Legend has it that on this day, men from Nandgaon, Lord Krishna’s village, attempt to raise their flag on the Radha Rani temple in Barsana. To thwart this, the women of Barsana unite and playfully beat them with sticks, chasing them away. During this playful exchange, men are forbidden from retaliating.
During this Holi festival, men try to hoist their flag on the Radha Rani temple by playfully showering the women with coloured powder and engaging in playful trickery. If apprehended, the women playfully beat them while making them dance after adorning them in women’s attire and makeup.
- Location :
Barsana, India, India
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