Mathura’s Barsana is alive with the spirit of Holi as preparations for the world-renowned Lathmar Holi gain momentum. Festive banners and rangoli light up every corner, while expert craftsmen race against time to complete bespoke outfits for Radha Rani and Thakur Ji.
Mahesh Kumar Sharma, a veteran tailor, revealed the labor of love behind these creations. Each set for Radha and Krishna demands six hours of precise stitching by home-based artisans. ‘We’ve upheld this for over three decades, with sizes unchanged across generations,’ he said, underscoring the timeless essence of the practice.
Sanjiv Agarwal delved into the specifics for Laddu Holi, set for February 24. Radha Rani will don a stunning river-motif lehenga and kanchari, complemented by a unique odhni shared with Krishna. The deity’s attire includes a richly embroidered jama, dupatta, and pajama. Vishakha and Lalita’s outfits round out the eight garments, all provided by Delhi’s Agarwal family this season.
This festival’s charm lies in its bold customs: Barsana’s women playfully thrash Nandgaon’s men with sticks, while the latter dodge with shields—a nod to mythology where Krishna teased the gopis, earning light-hearted retaliation. Beyond the fun, Lathmar Holi embodies deep cultural reverence, blending faith, community, and festivity in a spectacle that captivates visitors year after year.