Colours of Holi – Barsana and Nandgaon

According to legend, Lord Krishna who was a native of Nandagon used to visit Barsana which is the birthplace of Radha with his friends and tease her. The women of Barsana objected to this and drove him and his friends out of their village with sticks (Lathis). This legend is still kept alive by the people of Barsana and Nandgaon in a celebration which is now famously called Lathmar Holi. It happens 5-6 days before the Holi festival. The Radha Rani temple in Barsana is said to be the only temple in India dedicated to Radha. On the first day the men from Nandgaon come to Barsana and tease the women there. The women of Barsana, in turn, hit the men with their lathis in an attempt to drive them away. The men only have padded clothing and a shield to protect themselves from the wrath of the women. Some of the men who are captured are made to wear a woman’s clothes and made to dance in public. The entire scene is very colourful and photogenic with a lot of coloured water and powder being used on each other. The next day the men of Barsana visit Nandgaon and tease the women there. The women of Nandgaon, in turn, beat the men with Lathis and try to drive them away. The Nandgaon temple is very famous for its Samaj wherein men from both villages sit across and sing hymns and Holi songs. It’s an amazing experience to be a part of these celebrations and it gives a photographer myriad opportunities to get some great images. No wonder some of the world’s most renowned photographers visit Barsana & Nandgaon to take part in the festivities and come away with some mind blowing images. Come join us for a celebration of colour!