Who powers Mathura women on Latt Maar Holi: God or vigorous foods?

20 March, 2013

Latt Maar Holi is a very peculiar tradition in which womenfolk hurl sticks at men while enjoying the Holi festival. Commenting on the tradition of Mathura, Indu Sharma, a local said that the hurling of sticks doesn't fatigue them because of the heavenly blessings.

Further explaining her point, she said that whatever force they hurl sticks with, it never tires them down as they feel that Radha Rani's blessings are always on them and whatever happens and how many sticks they throw, they are never tired because of that. A local said that she enjoyed playing Holi at Mathura. Geeta Goswami, a local participant said that for this year new dresses have been made and all things are ready.

For the occasion, she also said that the sticks have been oiled and painted to that they look pleasing to the eye. For people, who are not aware of the Latt Maar Holi, it is a tradition and is celebrated in Mathura. It has its origin in mythology, according to which Lord Krishna came to Mathura and playfully teased Radha's friend; the womenfolk chased him and his friends away with sticks.

Carrying on the tradition, it is still practised in Mathura before Holi. However, the lack of fatigue might just not be because of some divine intervention as one month before the celebration, mothers-in-law feed their daughters- in-law rich foods so that on the day of the performance they do not fall back.