Kachori-aloo stalls near the Shri Radha Rani (Shriji) temple
Early-morning kachori with aloo sabzi, and bedai with jalebi in the main market. Stalls are unnamed
लट्ठमार होली
Barsana and Nandgaon Holi Grounds
Laddu Holi, Lathmar Holi and Huranga: the weeks of Braj's colour, played where it began.
Festival groundFurther outRadha and Krishna
The story: The men of Nandgaon come to tease Radha's village
In the tradition, Krishna and his friends from Nandgaon came to Radha's Barsana to play Holi with the gopis. The women, led by Radha, chased them off with sticks. Every year the men of Nandgaon visit Barsana, and the women play the part of Radha's friends, playfully hitting them with bamboo staves while they hold shields. Next day the women of Barsana go to Nandgaon and the same game is played back.
Holi in Braj starts about forty days before Holi with Basant Panchami. Laddu Holi is the day before Lathmar Holi: laddus are thrown to the crowd at the Barsana temple. Holi in Vrindavan has its own flavours: Phoolon ki Holi (flowers) at Banke Bihari. The Dauji Huranga at Baldeo is the day after Holi.
The scriptural root is the spring Rasa of Srimad Bhagavatam 10.29 to 10.33. Holi's story of Prahlada is in 7.5 to 7.8. The rest is Braj's own living tradition.
Where this is told
- Srimad Bhagavatam 7.5 to 7.8: Prahlada and Holika
- Srimad Bhagavatam 10.29 to 10.33: Rasa Lila
- Lathmar customs are local tradition
History
- The customs are centuries old. Official arrangements are made each year by the Mathura district administration, with barricades, parking slots and police.
What to see
- Lathmar Holi in the Barsana temple courtyard and the Rangili Gali
- Nandgaon's Holi next day
- Laddu Holi in the temple
- Phoolon ki Holi in Vrindavan
Key festivals
- Feb to Mar: Basant Panchami start, Laddu Holi, Lathmar Holi (Barsana, then Nandgaon), Phoolon ki Holi, Holi and Huranga
Timings and rules
| Summer darshan | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Winter darshan | Festival days only (dates shift each year with the lunar calendar) |
| Closed | Check the district's published schedule |
| Dress code | Wear old clothes you will not miss, closed shoes, and a dupatta/scarf for your hair. Protect phones and cameras with waterproof pouches. |
| Photos and phones | Your camera will be soaked. Carry only a waterproof or cheap phone. |
Check locally for the current year's dates.
Parking and getting there
Parking
Designated lots at the edge of Barsana and Nandgaon.
Charge: Check locally.
Restrictions
- During Holi the district barricades the towns, bans private cars inside and runs designated parking slots (45 in 2024 for Barsana)
- Expect to walk 2 to 4 km
Cab drop and walk
Drop: Your lala:Cab driver will drop you at the designated lot.
Walk: 30 to 60 minutes.
Town-wide parking and transport rules: Further out guide.
Distances and nearby places
| From Mathura Junction | About 50 to 55 km |
|---|---|
| From Banke Bihari, Vrindavan | About 50 km |
| From Delhi Airport (IGI) | About 150 km |
Distances and drive times are approximate and vary with traffic and diversions.
Practical tips
Timing and crowds
Best time: Arrive the evening before and leave after the second day.
Crowds: Extremely heavy. Women are advised to go in groups.
Monkeys: Yes.
Comfort
Footwear: Closed shoes you can lose.
Toilets: Temporary facilities.
Accessibility: Difficult.
Scams to avoid
- Overpriced rooms and rides; book ahead
Where to eat nearby
Sweet shops on Temple Road, Barsana
Chilled thandai (ask for no bhang), rabri and peda. No shop names found
Nandgaon market stalls
No named eatery could be found for Nandgaon. Ask your driver, or eat in Barsana (about 8 km)
This list comes from desk research in published guides and listings. We have not visited these places for this guide. Walk and drive times are rough, and opening hours, prices and onion/garlic policy can change, so check locally before you go.
Common questions
Is Lathmar Holi safe for tourists?
It is a crowded festival. Go in groups, follow the police guidance and keep valuables at your stay.
Check locally
- Dates of the festival this year
- Parking slots
- Route closures
Last checked: 2026-10-23. Sources for timings, parking and rules:
Radhe Radhe. Walk with love, we will take care of the road.
Book a cab for Barsana and Nandgaon Holi Grounds