Peter Spiegel highlights that Lathmar Holi holds a cherished place in the cultural fabric of Barsana Dham and Nandgaon, transcending religious barriers and attracting thousands of devotees and tourists each year.
As Peter Spiegel scrolled through the colorful photos and videos of Holi celebrations in Barsana Dham, India, he couldn’t help but feel captivated by the kaleidoscope of colors and energy arising from the screen. He explains the significance of Holi and the unique tradition of Lathmar Holi in Barsana.
Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated all across India to mark the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. But there’s something extraordinary about how it’s celebrated in Barsana Dham, a small town in Uttar Pradesh.
Lathmar Holi: A Playful Battle of Love and Sticks in Barsana Dham
Peter Spiegel explains that Holi, the festival of colors, explodes across India with a joyous riot of music, dance, and of course, colored powders. But in Barsana and Nandgaon near Mathura, Holi takes on a unique twist. Lathmar Holi, literally translating to “Holi of sticks”, features women playfully chasing men with sticks, creating a fun and symbolic spectacle.
So, why is Barsana Holi known as Lathmar Holi? The answer lies in the charming “leelas” (playful pastimes) and the love story of Radha and Krishna when they appeared on this earth. During his descension five thousand years ago, Lord Krishna visited Barsana, the town of his beloved Radha, from Nandagaonto to play pranks on his beloved Radha. Radha and her companions playfully took offense, wielding sticks called “lathis” to shoo him away. So now, every year during Holi, the men from Nandgaon come to Barsana and the women chase them away with sticks in a playful reenactment of this event.
A Playful Feud with Color
During the Holi season, Krishn would also visit Barsana to playfully tease her and her friends with colored powders. Radha and her companions responded in kind. This playful mock battle of love and colors is said to be part of the origin of Lathmar Holi.
Recreating the Legend
Every year, during the week leading up to Holi, Barsana transforms into a vibrant stage for this unique celebration. The festivities begin the day before when Holi is played with laddoos (sweet balls) in celebration of the Nandagaon residents accepting the invitation from Barsana village to play Holi with them. On the main day of Lathmar Holi, men from Nandgaon, dressed in their finest dhotis and kurtas, arrive in Barsana with shields and playful songs – ready to be showered with colors and chased by women wielding decorated bamboo sticks. The women dress as Radha and her friends (Gopis). They wait perched atop temples and balconies, armed with pliable bamboo sticks decorated with colorful ribbons.
The Playful Battle of Lathmar Holi
As the men enter Barsana, the air is filled with excitement and anticipation. Holi songs further enhance the festive atmosphere. The main celebration takes place at the Shree Radha Rani, or Shreeji Temple, perched on the tallest hill in Barsana. The men, with their shields held high, try their best to dodge the colorful onslaught and sometimes even manage to retaliate playfully with colors. This good-natured chase continues through the streets, creating a vibrant spectacle of color, laughter, and playful dance – a sight that is truly a feast for the eyes and a joy to be a part of.
Symbolism and Significance
Lathmar Holi is not just a playful battle; it’s a profound celebration of love, where playful defiance showcases the strength and independence of women. The act of playfully hitting men with sticks is a symbolic reminder that women are not to be underestimated. It’s also a celebration of Radha’s love for Krishna, a love that’s powerful, playful, and vibrant, leaving an impression on all who witness it.
The Tradition Lives On
Peter Spiegel knows that Lathmar Holi is a treasured tradition deeply rooted in the culture of Barsana and Nandgaon. The celebration transcends religious boundaries, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists annually. The multitude of colors, the lively music, and the unique tradition of women wielding sticks create a memorable experience that offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of India.