Latmar Holi, Barsana

Holi at the hillock-top temple of Barsana is a reverse phenomenon in every sense. Firstly, the town surrounding the temple is ancient while the temple itself is not. Then this is the only temple in entire Krishna-land around Mathura (known as Brajabhumi) that is dedicated to Radha and not to Krishna. Krishna—or more precisely his cronies who still invade this little village on Holi—are squarely beaten up by the womenfolk here, and, be sure, this is no ritualistic patting for a beating. They are rounded up by groups of ladies with veils and sticks, and the rest is colliding calypso of sticks and protective shields. ‘Barsanewale Radhe’ is by no means a weaker sex.