Lathmar Holi 2026 (Barsana & Nandgaon)

Full Date

25 February 2026 Morning 10:00 AM – 27 February 2026 Evening 6:00 PM

Muhurat Timings in India

• Barsana Lathmar Holi

  Held on February 25–26, 2026, marking the main day of playful stick Holi, reenacting Radharani’s Gopis defending their honor.

  25 February 2026 10:00 AM – 26 February 2026 6:00 PM

• Nandgaon Lathmar Holi

  Held on February 27, 2026, one day after Barsana Holi, when the spirit of Holi moves to Nandgaon accompanied by devotional music.

  27 February 2026 10:00 AM – 27 February 2026 6:00 PM

Introduction

Lathmar Holi is one of India’s most unique pre-Holi celebrations held in Barsana and Nandgaon, towns associated with Radha and Krishna. The festival depicts the playful tradition where women gently strike men with sticks as men defend themselves with shields, recreating Krishna’s teasing visit to Radha’s village.

Other Names

Stick Holi, Barsana Holi, Nandgaon Holi

Pooja Vidhi

• Begin the day with bathing and offering prayers to Radha and Krishna.
• Apply gulal on the idols of Radha-Krishna symbolizing divine love.
• Sing Braj folk songs like 'Chalo Barsane Aayo Ri' and 'Rang Barse Brij Ki Galiyon Mein'.
• Participate in the traditional Lathmar procession with laughter and reverence.
• Offer sweets and seek blessings at Radha Rani Temple.

Rituals

• Women of Barsana greet men from Nandgaon by playfully striking them with sticks while men shield themselves.
• Devotional songs dedicated to Radha-Krishna echo through the streets.
• Villages are decorated with gulal, flowers, and vibrant flags symbolizing joy and love.
• Sweets like gujiya and drinks like thandai are distributed among participants.
• The event concludes with prayers in Radha Rani temple for togetherness and divine blessings.

Regional Highlights

• Barsana, the hometown of Radha, celebrates with grandeur at Radha Rani Temple and Rangili Gali.
• At Nandgaon, devotees play Holi at Nand Bhavan temple marking Krishna’s return playfully.
• The entire Braj region comes alive with music, colors, dance, and traditional sweets.
• Thousands of Indian and international visitors attend the celebrations as part of the Braj Holi tour.

History

According to local lore, Lord Krishna from Nandgaon visited Barsana to playfully tease Radha and her friends. In defense, the gopis chased him away with sticks. Since then, the tradition of Lathmar Holi continues to celebrate divine love in a joyful and symbolic way. The festivities precede the main Holi celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan.

Additional Information

• Lathmar Holi reflects love, equality, and playfulness symbolized by Radha-Krishna’s eternal bond.
• It begins a week-long series of Holi events in Braj before Rang Panchami.
• Travelers are advised to reach Barsana early due to heavy attendance and security checkpoints.