Barsana and Nandgaon are two small villages located near Mathura in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. They are famous for their unique and traditional Holi celebrations, which have been taking place for centuries.
- The Holi celebrations in Barsana and Nandgaon are centered around a unique tradition known as Lathmar Holi. This tradition involves women chasing men with sticks (lathis) and playfully hitting them. The men try to protect themselves with shields, but the women are determined to hit them with the sticks.
- The Lathmar Holi tradition is said to be based on the legend of Lord Krishna and his friends teasing the women of Barsana and Nandgaon. The women of the villages take pride in defending themselves against the men, and the men take pride in being hit by the women.
- The Lathmar Holi celebrations take place a week before the main Holi festival. The next day, the main festival is celebrated with the throwing of colored powder and water. The streets of Barsana and Nandgaon are filled with people of all ages, dressed in colorful clothes, and playing with colors.
- During the celebrations, people sing traditional Holi songs and perform traditional dances, such as the Raslila, which depicts the life of Lord Krishna. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, with people coming from all over India to witness the unique and traditional celebrations.
Here are some of the places you can visit in Barsana and Nandgaon during Holi:
Barsana:
- Shri Radha Rani Temple: This temple is the main attraction in Barsana during Holi. It is the place where the famous Lathmar Holi is celebrated, where women beat men with sticks.
- Rangeeli Mahal: This palace was built by Raja Vishwanath Singh, and it is now used to celebrate Holi with live music and traditional food.
- Shriji Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is known for its unique way of celebrating Holi. Here, Holi is played with flowers, and people throw flower petals at each other.
Nandgaon:
- Shri Nand Bhavan Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, and during Holi, it is decorated with flowers and lights. People visit this temple to seek blessings and to participate in the celebrations.
- Nandotsav Ground: This is the main place where Holi is celebrated in Nandgaon. Here, people come together to play Holi with colors, dance to traditional music, and enjoy delicious food.
- Radha Rani Temple: This temple is dedicated to Radha, the consort of Lord Krishna. During Holi, people gather here to sing bhajans and play Holi with flowers.
Please note that these are just some of the popular places to celebrate Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon. There are many other places where you can join in the festivities and make unforgettable memories.
The Holi celebrations in Barsana and Nandgaon offer a glimpse into the ancient traditions and customs of India. The Lathmar Holi tradition is a testament to the strong and empowered women of the villages, and the colorful celebrations are a reminder of the joy and happiness that Holi brings to people’s lives. If you want to experience the true spirit of Holi, then Barsana and Nandgaon are the perfect destinations for you