“Lathis of Love” rain down on colourful streets of Barsana: Huriyaras of Nandgaon imbued with colour of Radha Rani’s devotion

The joy of Holi has reached its peak in the Braj region as the centuries-old Dwapar-era Leela came alive once again in Barsana, the city of Radha Rani, on Wednesday.

On the auspicious occasion of Shukla Paksha’s Navami in the month of Phalgun, a grand celebration of the world-famous “Lathmar Holi” was held, displaying a unique confluence of devotion, love, and playfulness between the Huriyaras of Nandgaon and the Huriyarins of Barsana.

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Accepting the Holi invitation, the Huriyaras of Nandgaon began preparations early in the morning. At Nand Bhavan, permission was sought by singing hymns in front of the idols of Shri Krishna and Dauji, amid chants of “Let’s go to Barsana and play Holi.” The group of cowherds departed. Wearing traditional dhoti, armbandi, and a heavy turban, these Huriyaras (men) arrived on foot at Barsana Dham, shields in hand.

The Nandgaon community first reached the Priya Kund (Peeli Pokhar) in Barsana, where they were accorded a traditional welcome. Here, the Huriyaras tied their turbans and prepared to defend themselves from lathi blows. Afterwards, the Huriyaras proceeded towards the Shriji Temple in groups, where a blanket of abir and gulal painted the sky in a rainbow of colours.

As soon as the Huriyaras from Nandgaon entered Barsana’s famous Rangili Gali, the well-dressed Huriyarins, already standing there, took charge. There was laughter, banter, and conversation, which quickly turned into a love-filled tension. When the women started showering sticks soaked in love, the men defended them with their shields. It is believed that even the touch of the sticks of the Gopis of Barsana brings good fortune.

Thousands of devotees from across the country and the world flocked to Barsana to witness this supernatural spectacle. From the very morning, the entire Barsana resounded with chants of “Radhe-Radhe.” From the steps of the Shriji Temple to the rooftops of every home, the streets were filled with a sea of people.

After yesterday’s Laddu Holi, today’s Lathmar Holi once again showcased the grandeur of Braj’s culture and tradition before the entire world.