The pre-Holi revelry in India's Uttar Pradesh state has ushered in the festive spirit with ''Lathmar'' festivities on Tuesday in Nandgaon and Barsana, the holy towns linked to Lord Krishna and his consort Radha folklores.
This Lathmar Holi is celebrated to recreate a famous Hindu legend which claims that Lord Krishna, who supposedly hailed from Nandgaon village in ancient times, once visited his beloved Radha's town, Barsana, to play Holi with her and tease her friends. But they playfully beat him with sticks.
Several videos are doing the rounds on the internet in which men can be seen sitting while holding a shield above their heads as women continue striking it with batons.
Locals playing Holi with Gulaal (powered herbal colors), covered in rainbow colors, dancing to foot-tapping music of dhol (Indian drums), and having traditional delicacies such as thandai (a milk-based drink) and pakoras (fried snacks) is no less than a visual treat on this occasion.
India's second-most important and popular festival after Diwali, Holi marks the arrival of spring. The festivities kickstarted a week before with Lathmar Holi and Laddu Maar Holi festivities.
In Ladduu Maar Holi festivities, devotees gather at temples, sing, and dance. The priests then throw packed laddus (sweets) at devotees which are relished by them as sacred offerings made to God.
The Ramanreti Ashram in Mathura district's Mahavan town, the fabled playground of Lord Krishna, is also hosting a Gopal Jayanti festival for several days.