Hurriyare reached Rangili Gali at around four in the afternoon. Traditional Rasiya and Holi songs of Braj were sung to the beat of drums. The Hurriyas tried to woo the Hurriyanis through songs.
In response to this, the women pelted them with sticks amid laughter. The men protected themselves with strong leather shields. For the spectators, this scene was a wonderful confluence of thrill and faith.
It is believed that this tradition has been going on since Dwapar era. When Lord Krishna came to Barsana with his friends to tease Radha Rani, the friends chased him away with sticks. Even today, this Lathmar Holi is played in the memory of the same incident. Holi in Braj starts from Basant Panchami and continues for about 45 days and its biggest attraction is Lathmar Holi.
This experience was unforgettable for the devotees who came from different parts of the country. Devotee Bharti said that for the first time he has seen such Holi, where love and devotion are clearly felt even in the beating of sticks. They felt as if Kanha himself was present in this festival.
Another devotee named Swati said that despite such a huge crowd, the arrangements were excellent. The administration appeared ready everywhere. The moment of showering flowers from the helicopter was the most special for him.
Manish Goswami, chief priest of Nandababa temple, said that the relationship between Nandgaon and Barsana is related to Dwapar era. These sticks are not meant to cause injury, but are a symbol of the love and affection of Radha-Krishna. The whole of Braj is immersed in love at this time.