On March 21, 2013, an Indian woman from the village of Barsana hits villagers from Nandgaon with a wooden stick during the Lathmar Holi in Barsana.
Absolute interestingly, in a Holi tradition unique to India's Barsana and Nandgaon villages, men sing provocative songs to gain the attention of women, who then "beat" them with bamboo sticks called "lathis".
Fact-fully, Holi otherwise known as the Festival of Colours, heralds the beginning of spring and is celebrated all over India.
In a Holi tradition unique to India's Barsana and Nandgaon villages, men sing stimulating songs to gain the attention of women, who then "beat" them with bamboo sticks called "lathis".
Quiet interestingly, during intervals, participants sip 'thandai', a cold drink that is sometime intoxicating because it is laced with a paste called bhang, made of cannabis. Bhang and Holi go together. After drinking bhang, people react in different ways, some crave for sweets, others cry or laugh. It is an ecstatic experience, which is heightened by the revelry which is a great way to de-stress and bond. They also sing Holi Songs and shout Sri Radhey or Sri Krishna which takes place in the sprawling compound of the Radha Rani temple in Barsana. Fragrance remains an important element of the colourful festival.
The Festival of Colours, which heralds the beginning of spring is celebrated all over India and is a time for all to get united irrespective of the religion, caste, creed, colour, sex and origin while bringing out the real magic through unity of humanity.
To conclude, this Holi battle zone is indeed a show of love, fun and equality.
(AW:Samrat Biswas)
