Lathmar Holi: All about this unique holi event...
Holi, the festival of Colors, is quickly approaching. It occurs in the month of Phalguna on the purnima Tithi. It falls on march 25 this year. It is one of the most important holidays, observed with great fanfare both in india and around the world. The largest festival on the Hindu calendar is holi, after Diwali. holi is an annual celebration of Lord krishna and Radha's eternal love and union, which is why their devotees gather at Krishna's birthplace.
Various holi customs are followed throughout the nation. Among them, the most well-known holiday is Braj Ki holi, observed by people from Gokul, Mathura, and Vrindavan over ten days. This year, the festivities got underway on march 17 with Laddu holi, a festival in Barsana where ladies threw laddoos at men in jest. The day after Laddu holi, people celebrate Lathmar holi, which is celebrated by Barsana.
March 18 is Barsana's Lathmar holi this year. Every year, the Lathmar holi celebration lasts for a week. This ceremony symbolizes Radha and Gopis beating Lord krishna with sticks (lath). According to folklore, krishna used to disturb Radha and her friends by coming to Barsana and Nandgaon. They beat him with sticks because he also smeared colour over Radha and Gopis' faces.
During holi, a similar tradition is regularly carried out. Men come to Barsana to take part in this unique festivity from nearby places, especially Mathura. The women are teased by the males at this time, and in response, they beat them with sticks and try to put them out. Those that are caught are forced to change into women and dance in public. Nandgaon too follows the same tradition.
Lathmar holi celebrations include playing with gulaal, dancing, and singing in addition to playing with Lath. In addition, people make Gujiya and Thandai, a traditional milk beverage.
