Traditionally a rite
that celebrates the coming of spring, Holi is marked by joyous
participants throwing colored water and powder. In northern Uttar
Pradesh, "Lathmar Holi" is celebrated before Holi itself, and while it
is a rite of spring there as well, the festival also features another
layer of fun rooted in Hindu mythology. Lord Krishna is said to have
visited the village of Barsana to tease his consort Radha. Women in the
town responded by chasing him away. Today women from Barsana "beat"
the men from Krishna's village of Nandgaon with sticks for singing
provocative songs and throwing colored powder on them. This year Holi
itself will be celebrated throughout India and in other places on March
8. -- Lane Turner (22 photos total)
A
man daubed in colored powder smiles as he celebrates "Lathmar Holi" in
the village of Nandgaon in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on
March 3, 2012. In a Holi tradition unique to Nandgaon and Barsana
villages, men sing provocative songs to gain the attention of women, who
then "beat" them with bamboo sticks called "lathis". Holi, also known
as the Festival of Colours, heralds the beginning of spring and is
celebrated all over India. (Adnan Abidi/Reuters)
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