In a first, Lathamaar-Holi to be celebrated for six days
For the first time, the popular Lathamaar Holi of Barsana will be celebrated in two phases over a period of six days with the addition of Mathura as a host. Participants' attire will be more colorful and the venue will be given an attractive look this year, said Shailjakant Mishra, Vice Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Braj Tirth Vikas Parishad. Read the details here.
To felicitate ever-increasing tourists, celebrations have been extended, said Mishra
To facilitate the ever-increasing domestic as well as international tourists, the two-day attraction which takes place in Barsana, has been extended to six days with the addition of Mathura as a host, said Mishra. Traditionally, the festival was celebrated for two days in Barsana near Mathura. "The entire area of Lathamaar Holi, including the participants' attires, would be given an attractive look," Mishra added.
What is Lathamaar Holi? How is it celebrated?
Celebrated a few days before Holi, Lathamaar means playing with sticks. In the festival, men folk try to smear color on women who traditionally protect themselves with lathis or sticks. A meeting to finalize the proposals was attended by the state government senior officers yesterday.
First phase will begin with Laddu Holi on March 14
The first phase of the celebrations will be held in Barsana over a period of two days on March 14 and 15 beginning with Laddu Holi. It will be followed by a colorful procession depicting different varieties of Holi of Brajbhumi accompanied by bands etc. starting from Rangili Mahal and passing through the main streets of the town, Mishra said.
Second phase will take place in Mathura between March 16-19
The remaining four days of festivities will take place in Mathura between March 16 and 19. Since UP CM Yogi Adityanath may not attend the Rangotsava this year, due to declaration of Lok Sabha election schedule, Governor Ram Naik has been invited for the function.
Efforts will be made to reduce traffic congestion, said Mishra
The winners of Radha Krishna sajsajja competition (children dressed as Radha-Krishna), Jal and Gobar Sanjhi (artistic impressions on water and using cowdung) competition would be rewarded, Mishra said, adding that children of foreign nationals too will participate in the competition. The temples of Barsana and Nandgaon would be decked up on the occasion and efforts will be made to reduce traffic congestion, he added.
