Holi with gulal and sticks

Lathmar holi is not meant for the weak-hearted. It's played with sticks, in Barsana and Nandgaon near, Mathura. According to Hindu mythology, Krishna would go to Barsana which was Radha's village and tease her and the other gopis at Holi. In retaliation the women from Barsana would chase Krishna and his friends out with sticks. The tradition has evolved now with men from Nandgaon going to Barsana to play Holi where they are greated with sticks by the women and colours by the men. The next day men from Barsana arrive at the Krishna temple where they are soaked in coloured water by men from Nandgaon, which is Lord Krishna's village, and then beaten by the women of the village with wooden sticks as they depart the town. Images from celebrations at Nandgaon. 

Holi celebrations at Nandgaon, near Mathura. AP

It's pink gulal all the way for Krishna devotees. AP