Lathmar Holi 2026 Date: Barsana Celebration & Story

Lathmar Holi / लठमार होली

Lathmar Holi festival is one of the most vibrant and unique Holi celebrations in India. Celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm in Barsana and Nandgaon, this festival transforms the narrow lanes of Radha Rani’s village into a colorful arena of devotion, tradition, and playful energy. Known worldwide as the famous Lathmar holi festival, this celebration attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year.

From traditional songs to playful stick rituals, Lath Mar Holi Barsana is not just a festival it is a living legend of Braj culture.

Lathmar Holi Date 2026 / When is Lathmar Holi 2026

Lathmar Holi 2026 date is 25th February  2026 during the Holi week in Barsana. The exact Lath Mar holi 2026 date will align with the Holi calendar of Braj.

If you are planning to witness Lath Mar Holi in Barsana, it is advisable to check the confirmed schedule in advance, as Barasana Lathmar Holi usually takes place a few days before the main Holi celebration. Just like Barsana holi 2026 drew massive crowds, Lathmar Holi is started by 25th Feb in Barasana.

What is Lathmar Holi?

Lathmar Holi (also written as लठमार होली or Lath Mar Holi) is a traditional celebration where women of Barsana playfully hit men from Nandgaon with sticks (lath). The men shield themselves with shields while singing devotional songs.

This iconic ritual makes Lath Mar Holi one of the most photographed Holi events in India. It beautifully represents the playful love between Radha and Krishna. Many people often ask, “Lathmar Holi kahan kheli jaati hai?” The answer is Lathmar Holi is celebrated in Barsana, Uttar Pradesh, part of the sacred Braj region.

How is Lathmar Holi celebrated in Barsana?

During Lathmar Holi, the streets of Barsana are filled with colors, laughter, and devotional music. Here’s how Holi in Barsana unfolds:

• Men from Nandgaon visit Barsana to “play Holi.”

• Women greet them with playful sticks.

• Traditional Braj bhajans and songs echo in the background.

• Gulal fills the air, creating a magical atmosphere.

Unlike regular Holi Rajasthan celebrations, Lathmar Holi has deep mythological roots connected to Lord Krishna’s playful visits to Radha’s village.

Holi Events: Lathmar Holi and Other Holi Schedule for Barsana Holi 2026

The Braj ki Holi includes multiple events:

• Barsana Laddu Holi in Sriji Temple – 24th Feb 2026, Tuesday

• Barsana Lathmar Holi ( Main Holi Barsana ) – 25th Feb 2026, Wednesday

• Nandgaon Lathmar Holi – 26th Feb 2026, Thursday

• Holi in Vrindavan and Banke Bihari Temple (Rangbharni Ekadashi) – 27th Feb 2026, Friday

• Mathura Holi at Krishna Janmabhoomi ( Birthplace of Lord Krishna) – 27th Feb 2026, Friday

• Phoolon Ki Holi at Bankey Bihari Temple – 28 Feb 2026

• Holika Dahan ( Holi Fire) – 3th March 2026, Tuesday

• Dhulandi Holi (Colorful Water Holi in Brij) – 4th March 2026, Wednesday

Among all these, Lathmar Holi remains the highlight. Visitors often plan their trip around barsana holi 2026 date patterns to understand the likely dates for Lath Mar Holi 2026.

Holi Food and Thandai During Lathmar Holi

No Lathmar Holi celebration is complete without festive food. During Holi in Barsana, you’ll find:

• Gujiya

• Mathri

• Kachori

• Malpua

• Thandai

The flavors of Braj enhance the entire Lathmar Holi experience. Devotees and tourists alike enjoy traditional sweets while soaking in the festive spirit.

How to Reach Vrindavan for Lathmar Holi?

If you’re planning to attend Lathmar Holi, here’s how you can reach:

• By Air: Nearest airport – Agra / Delhi

• By Train: Mathura Junction

• By Road: Well-connected from Delhi (approx. 3–4 hours drive)

From Vrindavan or Mathura, Barsana is easily accessible by road. During Lathmar Holi, it is advisable to arrive 1–2 days early due to heavy crowds.

Why Did Lathmar Holi Play?

The origin of Lathmar Holi comes from a legend of Lord Krishna. It is believed that Krishna visited Barsana to tease Radha and her friends. In response, Radha and the Gopis playfully chased him away with sticks. To recreate this divine pastime, Lathmar Holi is celebrated every year with the same spirit of joy and devotion. This makes barsana Lath Mar Holi a symbol of divine love rather than aggression.