Lathmar Holi in Barsana 2025: Dates, Traditions & Everything You Need to Know
Lathmar Holi in Barsana is not your typical Holi celebration. Simply put, it is an exciting mix of vigorous fun, cultural storytelling and vibrant hues, making it one of the most unique types of Holi in India. Held in the days leading up to Holi 2025, this festival in is marked by women playfully chasing men with sticks, emulating a tale deeply embedded in the love of Radha and Krishna. If you would like to have a unique experience during the Holi festival, then Barsana is the place to be! So, let’s delve into all you need to know about Lathmar Holi in Barsana.
In this Blog
What is Lathmar Holi?
Legend has it that Lord Krishna, along with his mischievous friends, would travel from Nandgaon to Barsana to tease and drench the Gopis (young women) in colours. The women, along with Radha, decided to take matters into their own hands. They playfully led the men out of Barsana while chasing and thrashing them, masquerading them in women’s clothing and forcing them to dance. This story laid the foundation for Lathmar Holi Barsana, where even today, the Holi celebration follows this lively tradition.
How is Holi celebrated in Barsana?
On the grand day of Lathmar Holi Barsana, men from Lord Krishna’s village of Nandgaon visit Radhikaji’s Temple. The men are completely packed and ready to avoid any blows from the enthusiastic women of Barsana.The men must find their way into the temple while the women block their path, hitting them with sticks. If a man is caught – oh dear! – he is forced to dress like a woman and dance for everyone’s amusement. It’s a hilarious, high-energy event that embodies the feisty love between Radha and Krishna.
And it does not stop there. The next day, there is a role reversal – Barsana’s men go to Nandgaon where the women are waiting for them with their own version of vengeance with wooden sticks. There is much more than the ‘beatings’ that was imagined. Streets are painted with colours as the locals joyously shower the crowds with natural colours made from Kesudo and Palash flowers. These vibrant blooms, native to Jharkhand and Gujarat, aren’t just stunning but also soothing for the skin and makes them the perfect organic colour for Holi celebration.
Holi 2025: Vrindavan Holi Dates & Must-Visit Events
For those planning to witness Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan Holi celebrations, here are the key dates for Holi 2025:
| Day | Date | Event |
| Day 1 | March 7, 2025 | Laddu Holi (Barsana) |
| Day 2 | March 8, 2025 | Lathmar Holi in Barsana |
| Day 3 | March 9, 2025 | Lathmar Holi in Nandgaon |
| Day 4 | March 10, 2025 | Phoolwalon Ki Holi & Rangbaharni Holi in Vrindavan |
| Day 5 | March 11, 2025 | Gokul Holi & Raman Reti Visit |
| Day 6 | March 13, 2025 | Holika Dahan (Bonfire Night) |
| Day 7 | March 14, 2025 | Dhulandi Holi in Vrindavan |
Holi Food and Thandai
If you thought the chaos and colors are everything that Holi celebration has to offer, then you are gravely mistaken. Holi is also a gourmet delight! The town is filled with the aroma of sweets such as gujiyas (deep fried dumplings stuffed with khoya and dry fruits) and malpuas (syrupy pancakes) during the festivities. But the real hero of Holi week is Thandai – a spiced nutty milk drink enriched with saffron, cardamom, and a hint of bhang. Now, if you are truly an adventure seeker, you indeed should try the Thandai with a hint of bhang. It’s amazing and you wouldn’t say you have experienced a Vrindavan Holi Celebration until you have tried a chilled glass of this intoxicating Thandai.
How to Reach Vrindavan for Holi?
If you have decided to witness the exuberant Holi celebration in Vrindavan or Barsana, then there’s nothing to worry as reaching here is quite convenient. Here’s how you can reach the heart of the Holi festival madness:
- By Train: The closest rail station is Mathura Junction which is about 12km from Nandgaon, and serves as a base for people wanting to view the Lathmar Holi Barsana. Mathura actually connects with larger cities such as Varanasi, Agra, Jaipur, and Delhi.
- By Air: The first choice is Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi which is about 142km from Barsana. From there, you can book a car, or hop on a train to Mathura and then drive to Nandgaon or Barsana.
- By Road: There are regular state buses and taxis available from other cities like Delhi, Agra, and Vrindavan. Mathura is the cultural centre and is the main stop for people who want to go to Vrindavan during Holi or want to experience the Holi celebrations in Mathura Vrindavan.
If you’re looking for the best place to celebrate Holi in Mathura, Barsana’s Lathmar Holi is an unmissable spectacle. The Vrindavan Holi dates coincide with a variety of colourful events, ensuring that the festival remains an immersive, multi-day experience.
So, if you’re ready to get drenched in colours, dodge a few playful stick-swings, and sip on some heavenly Thandai, Holi in Mathura Vrindavan awaits. The Holi festival date for Lathmar Holi Barsana is set – will you be there?
No, Vrindavan and Barsana are different places. Barsana is a town near Mathura, famous for Lathmar Holi, while Vrindavan is a holy city known for its grand Holi celebrations in temples like Banke Bihari and ISKCON.
No, Mathura and Vrindavan are separate but close to each other. Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, while Vrindavan is where he spent his childhood. Both are famous for Holi celebrations and at a driving distance from Delhi.
Holi in Vrindavan is celebrated for about a week, with different events happening in temples and streets each day. The main Holi day in 2025 is on March 14, but celebrations in Vrindavan, Mathura and Barsana start much earlier.
If you want to see unique Holi traditions, Barsana is famous for Lathmar Holi, Vrindavan for temple celebrations, and Mathura for grand processions. All three offer a magical Holi experience.
Some of the best places to celebrate Holi in Vrindavan are:
Banke Bihari Temple – Famous for its flower and color Holi.
ISKCON Temple – Known for a spiritual and peaceful Holi celebration.
Prem Mandir – Beautifully lit up with Holi festivities.
Lathmar Holi is a special way of playing Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon. Women playfully hit men with sticks (lathis), while men try to shield themselves. It represents the fun and love between Radha and Krishna.
Lathmar Holi will take place on March 11, 2025, in Barsana and March 12, 2025, in Nandgaon.
Lathmar Holi is celebrated in Barsana and Nandgaon, two villages near Mathura. Barsana is Radha’s village, and Nandgaon is Krishna’s village.
Yes, but it gets very crowded. Keep your belongings safe, avoid unknown streets at night, and travel with a group if possible.
Yes, respect the traditions. In temples, Holi is played with flowers or dry colors. Avoid throwing colors forcefully at people who don’t want to participate.
Banner Image credits: Vijay Sundararaman Iyer via Wikimedia
