A group of women beat men holding a shield over their heads during ‘Lathmar Holi’ at the village of Barsana in Uttar Pradesh yesterday. In a Holi tradition unique to Barsana and Nandgaon villages, men sing provocative songs to gain the attention of women, who then “beat” them with bamboo sticks called “lathis”. Holi, also known as the Festival of Colours, heralds the beginning of Spring and is celebrated all over the country.
