21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Stick Holi in India

Holi is an ancient Hindu tradition and also one of the most popular festivals in Hinduism. It celebrates the eternal and divine love of god Radha Krishna.The day also signifies the triumph of good over evil, as it commemorates the victory of god Vishnu as Narasimha Narayana over Hiranyakashipu. It originated and is predominantly celebrated in the Indian subcontinent but has also spread to other regions of Asia and parts of the Western world through the Indian diaspora. This is called Lathmar Holi (Stick Holi). Lath means ‘stick’ and mar means ‘to beat’. Lathmar Holi is the most popular celebration in Braj of Uttar Pradesh, the only area in the world where you can experience this unique activity.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Mathura, India
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Copyright: © Azim Khan Ronnie