A riot of colours: Barsana, Nandgaon celebrate Lathmar Holi

Barsana, the birth place of Lord Krishna's beloved Radha, celebrates Holi with extreme enthusiasm as Krishna was famous for playing pranks on Radha and gopis. In pic: A man daubed in colours looks on as he takes part in Lathmar Holi celebrations in Barsana. (REUTERS/Adnan Abidi)

Traditionally, the festival is celebrated just a few days before Holi and is usually celebrated for about two days in Barsana and Nandgaon temples near Mathura. (REUTERS/Adnan Abidi)

In a Holi tradition unique to Nandgaon and Barsana villages, men sing provocative songs to gain the attention of women, who then "beat" them with lathis.(REUTERS/Adnan Abidi)

Lathmar Holi means playing with sticks. In the festival, menfolk try to smear colour on women who traditionally protect themselves with lathis or sticks. In pic: Women holding sticks arrive to take part in "Lathmar Holi" celebrations in Barsana in Uttar Pradesh. (REUTERS/Adnan Abidi)

The temples of Barsana and Nandgaon are decked up on the occasion and security arrangements are done in order to avoid miscreants. (REUTERS/Adnan Abidi)

The festival is not just of colours and pranks but also about food and music. (REUTERS/Adnan Abidi)

A man dances as he takes part in Lathmar Holi celebrations inside a temple in Barsana. (REUTERS/Adnan Abidi)

Hundreds of devotees smeared with colours, during Lathmar Holi in Barsana. (REUTERS/Adnan Abidi)