A Riot of Colours — Lathmar Holi of Barsana and Nandgaon, a Photo Feature

Barsana and Nandgaon are two neighbouring villages or town near Mathura in the sate of Uttar Pradesh, India. City of Mathura has a massive historical and religious significance in India for being the birthplace of Hindu mythological figure Shri Krishna. Shri Krishna unarguably is the most popular of all Hindu Gods with Lord Shiva being his only competitor. Among the many tales of Lord Krishna believed and worshiped by his devotees, his romantic escapades with Radha is the most popular. Radha and Krishna are always seen together in every temple and other religious imagery or narrative and are worshiped together as a couple. Among some devotees the love between Radha and Krishna is known as the source of all power in the world. Yet, you’d be surprised to know that Radha and Krishna were not married to each other, in fact as per certain scriptures, Radha as married to Krishna’s uncle and Krishna was married to Rukmini… (Continue reading about the background festival on my photography blog. Below are some photos)

Devotees from Nandgaon and world over gather at the Radha temple in Barsana

Devotees make tolis and sing holi bhajans

Colours are poured from vantage position on the devotees just entering the temple

A vibrant community of bold and beautiful transgenders also visit the festival and are loved by all

Random strangers suddenly dance into dance and merry go rounds

In the evening women prepare for the Lathmar, symbolic of the myth that Radha and her friends used to beat up Lord Krishna and his friends with sticks as they tried to pour colours on the girls

Women hit the men with stick who save their heads with a leather armour