Barsana

<!-- See WikiProject Indian cities for details -->Barsana () or Varsana (alt. spelling) is a town and a nagar panchayat in the Mathura district of the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.

History

It is a village near Mathura. Stories from the Hindu tradition relating to the deity, Krishna indicate that his favorite gopi, known as Radha, spent her childhood in Barsana. The town is thus a site of pilgrimage for many followers of Vaishnavism, and especially Gaudiya Vaishnavism which reveres Radha as the most worshippable Goddess, or Shakti.<br />The town comes alive every Holi around March, when the Lath mar Holi is played here. Tourist from all over flock the city for what is a truly remarkable sight.

Geography

Barsana is located at . It has an average elevation of 182&nbsp;metres (597&nbsp;feet).Barsana is known for a fervent form of Holi known as the Lath-maar Holi. It takes the form of a procession coming down from Radharani temple. Men from Nand gaon impersonating Krishna, come to play Holi with the ladies of Barsana who play the role of Radha- Lord Krishna's Consort.The legend has it that Radha and her friend gopis decided to teach a lesson to Krishna for stealing their clothes at a bathing ghat. In remembrance of the friendly revenge the ladies of Barsana charge at men with well oiled...
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