Lathmar Holi takes place well before the actual Holi celebration and is observed in Barsana Village in Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. Lathmar Holi 2024 date is March 18, March 19 and March 20. Barsana Lathmar holi is on March 18 and Nandgaon Lathmar holi is on March 19 and Lathmar holi in Janmasthan Mathura is on March 20. The famous stick fight between men from Nandgaon and women of Barsana take place on the day. The aim of the men from Nandgaon is to install a flag on the temple of Radha at Barsana and claim victory. Women of Barsana face them with bamboo sticks. In 2024, Holi festival is on March 25 . Holika Dahan in North India is on March 24. If you are a tourist or foreigner visiting for Lathmar Holi then be prepared to spend at least three days. Story of Lathmar Holi The legend behind Lathmar Holi is closely associated with Lord Krishna and Radha. It is said that Krishna, who is dark in color, was jealous of the fair-colored Radha. Krishna used to pester Mother Yashoda
The illustrious 15th-century composer-saint Annamacharya is famous for his Venkateswara stuti. Here is a story which tells how Annamacharya rejected Narastuti or praising men especially kings. Once Saluva Narasimha Raya, ruler of Tanguturu, invited the Annamacharya to his court. Impressed by the saint’s remarkable songs, the king asked for a song in praise of himself. Annamayya was shocked at his request and refused to engage in “narastuti” (praise of human being). He told the king he would compose songs only for Bhagavan. His ego hurt, the king threw the saint in prison. Legend says that when Annamacharya sang to the praise of Srihari Vishnu with utmost devotion, his shackles miraculously broke free. The king realized his folly and released the saint. Annamacharya returned to his spiritual home, Tirumala , the court of Bhagavan Sri Venkateswara. In the words of scholars Velcheru Narayana Rao and David Shulman, “Annamayya was Venkateshvara’s court poet, and the God rewarded hi