Barsana, the town of Shri Radha Rani, holds the most famous Holi in India — Lathmar Holi, where the women of Barsana playfully drive back the men of Nandgaon with long sticks (lath) while the men shield themselves. It is colour, song and devotion together, centred on the Shriji (Radha Rani) Temple on the hill. This guide covers when Lathmar Holi is expected in 2027, the rituals, where it happens and how to reach.
You can also walk the real map of Barsana in our free 3D yatra before you travel.
What is Lathmar Holi?
The play remembers a leela of Shri Krishna: Kanhaiya came from Nandgaon to tease the gopis of Barsana, and the women drove him and his friends away with sticks. Every year this is re-enacted with joy — the men of Nandgaon come to Barsana, and the women of Barsana meet them with lath while singing Holi.
Barsana Lathmar Holi 2027 date
Holi follows the Hindu lunar calendar, so the date shifts each year. Holi in 2027 falls in March. Barsana's Lathmar Holi is celebrated about a week before the main Holi, around the ninth day of the bright fortnight of Phalgun — which places it in mid-March 2027, with Nandgaon's Lathmar Holi the following day.
Because the exact day depends on the panchang and on local temple announcements, confirm the precise 2027 dates closer to the festival before you book travel.
The Braj Holi sequence
Holi in Braj is not one day but many. The usual order is:
| Day | Where | What |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Barsana | Lathmar Holi at Shriji Temple |
| Day 2 | Nandgaon | Lathmar Holi |
| Later | Vrindavan (Banke Bihari) | Phoolon wali Holi & colour |
| Later | Mathura & Dwarkadhish | Processions and colour |
| Main Holi | All of Braj | Holika Dahan and colour |
Where it happens
- Shriji (Radha Rani) Temple on Brahmachal hill — the centre of the celebration.
- Rangeeli Mahal — where the Holi samaj (devotional singing) gathers.
- The lanes and the bazaar below the temple.
More to see in Barsana
If you visit around Holi, keep time for the rest of Radha Rani's town:
- Maan Mandir: the cave shrine on the hill where Radha Rani sat in maan (loving sulk).
- Sankari Khor: the narrow gorge between the hills where the famous teasing leela took place.
- Mor Kutir & Gahvar Van: the grove and kunj below the temple.
- Kirti Mandir: dedicated to Radha Rani's mother, Kirti.
Combine with Nandgaon and Govardhan
Many pilgrims pair Barsana with Nandgaon, Krishna's town across the fields, and with Govardhan for the Govardhan parikrama. All three lie within a short drive of each other, so a one or two-day Braj trip can take in Barsana, Nandgaon and Govardhan together.
How to reach Barsana
Barsana is about 42 km from Mathura and around 21 km from Govardhan. The nearest railhead is Mathura Junction; from there taxis and buses run to Barsana. During Holi the town is extremely crowded — arrive early in the day and travel light.
Tips for visiting during Holi
- Wear old clothes you do not mind getting coloured, and protect your eyes.
- Keep your phone and valuables in a waterproof pouch.
- Reach early; roads and the climb to Shriji get very crowded by midday.
- Women travellers should prefer groups, as the crowds are dense.
See Barsana before you go
Walk the real map of Barsana in our free 3D yatra — climb the steps to Shriji Temple, see Rangeeli Mahal and Sankari Khor, and get your bearings before the festival.