‘Lathmar’ versus ‘huriyar’: Holi hues lash Barsana town

Lucknow: Temple town Barsana turned into a sea of colour and devotion on Wednesday during the world-famous Lathmar Holi ‘Rangotsav 2026', celebrated amid tight security .By late afternoon, crowds packed narrow lanes, terraces and temple courtyards of the town, while many streamed in from across the country and abroad. At 5 pm, the much-awaited ritual began, with men from Nandgaon—known as ‘huriyars'—arrived to play Holi with women of Barsana.
At Priya Kund, the huriyars were first welcomed like honoured sons-in-law, served sweets, pakoras, thandai and bhang and turbans were tied before they scaled the Brahmanchal hill to "seek permission" at Shri Ladli Kishori Ji Temple, amid shower of petals from a helicopter. Rangili Gali reverberated with Braj folk songs and rasiyas. As drums beat loudly, the women playfully struck the men with sticks, while the latter shielded themselves with sturdy leather guards—a ritual tracing back 5,000 years to legends of Krishna teasing Radha and her companions. With over 4,500 police personnel, PAC units and special squads deployed, officials maintained a strong security grid. District authorities, including DM and SSP, were seen patrolling lanes on foot.As gulal filled the air and chants of ‘Radhe Radhe' echoed through the town, Barsana once again lived up to its reputation as the heart of Braj's most iconic Holi celebration.