Braj Ki Holi
Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, is celebrated with unmatched energy across India, but nowhere does its spirit blaze more brilliantly and pleasantly than in the villages of Barsana and Nandgaon in Uttar Pradesh. Here Holi is more than just a festival, it is a celebration of a love story of Lord Krishna and Radha. The celebration here gives and brings life to the legend, in a way that is both playful and heartwarming. Known as Lathmar Holi, these villages put their own twist to the traditional celebrations, turning the streets into a lively playground of color and fun. In Barsana, where Radha was born, women are at the heart of the celebration. They playfully "beat" the men from Krishna’s village Nandgaon using lathis—known as sticks. But it’s all in good spirited fun, for the act is a playful reenactment of the flirtatious nature of the relationship shared between Radha and Krishna. The men too in response, respond by throwing vibrant colors, singing lively songs, and dancing with joy, turning the moment into a cheerful game filled with laughter and light-hearted mischief. The lively back-and-forth between the two villages is not just about the colors—it’s a beautiful celebration of love, tradition, and community.
Documenting Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon has always excited me. I grew up hearing the beautiful love story of Radha and Krishna, and there’s no better way to experience it than by visiting these places and capturing the celebrations with my camera. But, as anyone who’s tried to photograph this lively festival knows, it's not as easy as it seems. Preparing for this involves careful planning, like protecting camera equipment from the colors and water, arriving well before the action begins, and always having a separate set of clothes ready after the day is done. And it’s all worth it!
Lathmar Holi is truly a feast for the eyes, for the senses. The air shimmers with colored powder, ripples with joyous laughter and everywhere you look, there’s movement, energy, and delight. It’s a festival brimming with motion and excitement, offering endless opportunities to not only capture the joy but also the quintessence of the festival. Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon is an experience like no other—one that captures not just the soul of Indian culture but also allows to experience the timeless connection and love between Radha and Lord Krishna.
