6-day Lathmar Holi planned

Mathura (UP): For the first time, the popular Lathmar Holi of Barsana will be celebrated in two phases over a period of six days with the addition of Mathura as a host, officials said on Wednesday.
The attires worn by the participants will be more colourful and the venue will be given an attractive look this year, Shailjakant Mishra, Vice Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Braj Tirth Vikas Parishad told PTI.
To facilitate the ever-increasing domestic as well as international tourists, the two-day attraction which takes place in Barsana, has been extended to six days with the addition of Mathura as a host, he said.
Traditionally, the festival was celebrated for two days in Barsana near Mathura. “The entire area of Lathamaar Holi, including the attires of its participants would be given an attractive look,” Mishra added.
Celebrated a few days before Holi, Lathamar means playing with sticks. In the festival, men folk try to smear colour women who traditionally protect themselves with lathis or sticks.
A meeting to finalise the proposals was attended by senior officers of the state government on Tuesday evening.
The first phase of the celebrations will be held in Barsana over a period of two days on March 14 and 15 beginning with Laddu Holi. (PTI)