In the Braj region — which includes cities on both sides of the Yamuna river with its center at Mathura-Vrindavan — Holi is celebrated for over 40 days. The Lathmaar Holi festivities in the towns of Barsana and Nandgaon, located near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, are the center of attraction. The festival is said to be a recreation of a famous Hindu legend, according to which, Lord Krishna (who hailed from Nandgaon village) visited his beloved Radha’s town, Barsana. If the legend is to be believed, Krishna teased Radha and her friends, who in turn responded by taking offense at his advances and driving him out of Barsana. The ‘Braj ki Holi’ is a colourful event. See these images to believe.

Pic credit: Abhishek Verma