Hindu devotees in the northern town of Barsana in Uttar Pradesh celebrated ‘Laddoo Holi’ on Tuesday (24 February), a traditional pre-Holi ritual honouring the Hindu deity Krishna.

Thousands gathered as flower petals, coloured powder and wrapped laddoos (traditional Indian ball-shaped dessert) were thrown into the air in scenes of jubilation. Devotees danced to music, caught the sweets from balconies and joined in the festivities marking the lead-up to the festival of colours.

A devotee from Nandgaon said the town of Barsana had formally invited residents to take part in the celebration.

“They sent an invitation to Nandgaon. They invited us to come to Barsana and enjoy playing Laddoo Holi. Today, hundreds of thousands of devotees have gathered here. It is truly a day of great joy and celebration,” he said.

Another devotee, who travelled from Haridwar in Uttarakhand, described the festival as a blessing.

“I am feeling immense joy. Laddoo Holi is a festival. It is happiness. It is the blessing of Radha Rani that she has called us here and given us the opportunity to take part today. We have brought about one and a quarter quintal of laddoos, prepared and packed to offer here,” he said.

Police personnel were seen moving through the large crowds as celebrations continued.

Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, will be celebrated on 4 March this year, with the traditional Holika Dahan bonfire observed the previous evening on 3 March.

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