Lathmar Holi 2026: Barsana & Nandgaon Dates & Guide

New Delhi, February 24, 2026: As the vibrant season of spring approaches, the sacred land of Braj prepares for its legendary 40-day Rangotsav. While the world celebrates Holi on a single day, the towns of Barsana and Nandgaon offer a week-long spectacle of devotion, ancient rituals, and “playful combat.”

If you are planning to witness the world-famous Lathmar Holi 2026,, here is your comprehensive guide to the dates, significance, and unique traditions of this divine celebration.

Braj Holi 2026: Key Dates for Barsana & Nandgaon

The festivities in Braj move in a specific sequence, following the lunar calendar (Phalguna month). In 2026, the primary celebrations in the Radha-Krishna circuit are scheduled as follows:

Event	Date	Location
Laddu Holi	February 24, 2026 (Tuesday)	Shriji Temple, Barsana
Lathmar Holi (Barsana)	February 25, 2026 (Wednesday)	Rangili Gali, Barsana
Lathmar Holi (Nandgaon)	February 26, 2026 (Thursday)	Nand Bhawan, Nandgaon
Rangwali Holi (Main)	March 4, 2026 (Wednesday)	All over Braj (Mathura/Vrindavan)

Laddu Holi: The Sweet Beginning

Before the sticks come out, the atmosphere is sweetened with Laddu Holi at the Radha Rani (Shriji) Temple in Barsana.

• The Ritual: This event celebrates the “Phag Invitation.” Traditionally, a priest from Nandgaon (Krishna’s village) visits Barsana to accept the invitation to play Holi.
• The Celebration: Upon his arrival, he is greeted with thousands of laddus (sweets). Priests shower the gathered devotees with these sweets from the temple heights. It is a chaotic yet joyful scramble as devotees try to catch these “blessings” amidst chants of “Radhe Radhe.”

Lathmar Holi: The Legend of “Stick Holi”

Lathmar Holi is not just a festival; it is a live reenactment of the divine Leela (play) between Lord Krishna and Radha Rani.

1. Barsana Lathmar Holi (Feb 25)

Legend says Krishna visited Barsana to tease Radha and her friends. In response, the women playfully chased him away with sticks.

• The Ritual: Men from Nandgaon (known as Gops) arrive in Barsana. The women of Barsana (representing the Gopis) “attack” them with long bamboo sticks (lathis).
• The Defense: The men carry sturdy leather shields to protect themselves. They are not allowed to strike back; their only weapons are their shields and their witty, teasing songs.

2. Nandgaon Lathmar Holi (Feb 26)

The following day, the “return match” happens. Men from Barsana head to Nandgaon to drench the village in color. The women of Nandgaon then take up the lathis to defend their territory, continuing the playful rivalry.

Tips for Travelers & Journalists

If you are heading to Braj in 2026, keep these practical points in mind:

• Arrival Time: For Lathmar Holi, arrive by 8:00 AM. Roads are often blocked 2–3 km away from the main temples by noon.
• Safety & Gear: Wear old clothes and cover your camera/phone in waterproof plastic. The crowds are extremely dense, so stay in elevated areas (temple balconies) if possible.
• Security: The Uttar Pradesh police typically implement a “7-zone” security plan for Barsana, including drone surveillance and designated parking sectors to manage the millions of pilgrims.

Beyond the Colors

While the colors and sticks grab the headlines, the essence of Braj Holi is Bhakti (devotion). Every strike of the stick and every cloud of gulal is seen as an act of love for the divine couple. The air resonates with traditional Hori folk songs that have been passed down for centuries.