Lathmar Holi 2023: Stunning photos of celebrations in Mathura

Lathmar Holi is a celebration in which women playfully beat men with lathis (wooden sticks) in the towns of Barsana and Nandgaon in Uttar Pradesh. The celebration lasts for a week during which men and women indulge themselves in colours, songs, dances and of course, the lathis! Here's a look at some amazing pictures clicked during the 2023 Lathmar Holi festival celebrations.

Historical town Barsana -- the land of 'Radha Rani' -- witnessed a spectacle when men drenched women in colours and the women wielding batons 'playfully' hit the men to drive them away. Credit: PTI Photo

Every year, thousands of devotees and tourists are attracted to the town here to witness ‘Lathmar Holi’, the festival that honours the couple, Radha and Krishna. Credit: PTI Photo

Holi in Barsana virtually is a repeat of Holi representing the 'Dwaapar' age with men trying to drench women with colours and women stopping them with baton attacks. Credit: PTI Photo

Legend has it that when Krishna visited Barsana to spray colours on his beloved, Radha and her friends ‘playfully’ hit him with sticks and drove him out of the town. Lathmar Holi seeks to recreate that. Credit: PTI Photo

Holi in Mathura is celebrated for around 25 days at different locations in different ways. Credit: PTI Photo

People play with colours during the traditional 'Lathmar Holi' in Barsana. Credit: PTI Photo

Women with sticks wait to participate in a traditional practice during the Lathmar Holi celebrations in Barsana, Uttar Pradesh. Credit: AFP Photo

People playing 'Lathmar Holi' in Barsana. Credit: PTI Photo

Women hit revellers with sticks as a traditional practice during the Lathmar Holi celebrations in Uttar Pradesh. Credit: AFP Photo

People daubed in colours during 'Lathmar Holi' celebrations at Sriji Temple in Barsana town near Mathura. Credit: PTI Photo

People play with colours during the traditional 'Lathmar Holi' in Barsana, UP. Credit: PTI Photo