Mathura, Feb. 25 -- The vibrant and playful Lathmar Holi has commenced in the twin towns of Barsana and Mathura in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, marking the beginning of the week-long Holi celebrations that draw devotees and tourists from across the country and across the world.

This centuries-old festival, rooted in the Braj region's lore of Lord Krishna and Radha, is celebrated with colours, music, sweets, and the iconic playful use of sticks, or lathis.

According to folklore, Lathmar Holi symbolises the playful exchange between Krishna's village, Nandagaon, and Radha's village, Barsana. It is believed that Krishna, along with his friends, visited Barsana to tease Radha and her companions, who playfully responded by chasing them away wi...