You must’ve heard of Holi that’s played with vibrant gulaal, flowers, and water, but have you heard of a Holi that’s played with sticks? As ‘violent’ as it may sound, this is indeed one of the most well-known forms of Holi played in India. As Holi is approaching on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 and Lathmar Holi falls on Wednesday-Thursday, February 25-26, 2026, here’s what you must know of this unique Holi tradition that has its roots in Hindu mythology.
Lathmar Holi 2026: Tradition, Celebration, How To Reach, And More
Lathmar Holi In Films
The unique celebration of Lathmar Holi has been prevalent in many parts of North India for centuries. The traditions of this festival have been captured beautifully in many Indian films and tv shows.
Some of the best examples of the films and shows in which Lathmar Holi has been shown are a film, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017) and a tv show, Radhakrishn (2018). The former featured a song dedicated to Lathmar Holi whereas the latter featured a few episodes of this Holi celebration.
Tradition Of Lathmar Holi
The tradition of the Lathmar Holi dates back to many centuries. It is also known as the ‘Barsane ki Lathmar Holi’ or ‘Barsana ki Holi’ and traces its roots back to the life of Lord Krishna in Hindu mythology.
According to Hindu scriptures, it is believed that when Krishna was staying in Nandgaon, he and his friends would go to the neighboring town of Barsana. There, they would playfully tease Radha and her friends, throwing colors and water at them.
As retaliation, the girls would playfully chase away Krishna and his friends with sticks and staff (lathis) and even hit them gently. They would also force the men to parade and dance in women’s clothing.
This is how it is believed that the tradition of Lathmar Holi started. Even after centuries, the tradition has remained alive – and is, in fact, more popular than ever!
Also Read: Phoolon Ki Holi in Vrindavan 2026: Date, Rituals & Best Places to See
How Is Lathmar Holi Celebrated?
The tradition of this Holi has been preserved for thousands of years and is quite popular even today. In modern times, the Holi starts with the men from Nandgaon visiting the Radha Rani Temple in Barsana. They carry makeshift ‘shields’ to protect themselves from the ‘attacks’ of the Barsana women. These makeshift shields are nothing but usually a plate or round metal pieces wrapped in thick cloth.
If men are caught by women, the women charge at them with sticks in their hands, but no violence involved! The attacks and the banter involved are always playful and never serious. The women also make the men dress like women and force them to sing and dance, just like the traditional Lathmar Holi believed to have been played by Radha and Krishna.
The next day, things take a turn, with the men of Barsana visiting Nandgaon. Here, the women of Nandgaon prepare to ‘attack’ the men in a similar way.
During Holi, both the villages drown in vibrant colors, flowers, and the effervescent joy of celebration. The spirit of togetherness between the two villages is beautifully reflected in the Holi celebration of Barsana -Nandgaon.
Lathmar Holi 2026 Celebrations
In 2026, this traditional Holi will fall on Wednesday-Thursday, February 25-26. The Lathmar Holi is celebrated usually about 7 to 8 days before the main day of Holi. The festival will take place in the villages of Nandgaon and Barsana near Mathura.
The Braj ki Holi festivities will begin on February 24, 2026 in Barsana. The festivities include vibrant processions, playing of the dhol-taasha, and rituals dedicated to Lord Krishna in the Nandababa Temple.
On this day, a special ‘Ladoo Holi’ is also celebrated at Barsana’s Ladliji Temple. Devotees sing and dance and throw ‘ladoos’ as well as special balls made of abir and gulaal (colored powders). These colors are completely natural and are a unique, eco-friendly way of celebrating Holi.
During the two days of Lathmar Holi, villagers from both villages participate in playful banter, exchange sweets, and engage in fun rituals like hitting the men with sticks.
Also Read: Holika Dahan 2026: Puja Vidhi, Muhurat & Significance
How To Reach Barsana?
The easiest way to reach Barsana is through Mathura. The city is well-connected via both railways and roadways. Many people first make it to Mathura and then to Barsana.
By Air
The Delhi International Airport is the closest international airport to Barsana. It is about 132 km away and can be reached by a cab or a bus from the airport. Alternatively, the Agra Airport is the closest domestic airport, located about 100 km away.
By Rail
Mathura Junction is the closest railway station, located about 44 km away from Barsana. With many express trains halting at Mathura Junction, you can easily find buses, rickshaws, and cabs to reach Barsana.
By Road
Barsana enjoys good road connectivity by road from major cities like Mathura, Vrindavan, Delhi, Agra, etc. There are state-run buses available from almost all of these major cities that take you to Barsana.
Summing Up
The Lathmar Holi 2026 is a one-of-its-kind Holi celebrated about 7 to 8 days before the main Holi celebration. With the tradition of the Lathmar Holi rooted in Hindu mythology, the festival is a symbol of togetherness and communal harmony.
