22 February,2026 07:57 PM IST | Mathura | mid-day online correspondent
The centuries-old tradition of Lathmar Holi, in which women playfully strike men with sticks, will be celebrated in Barsana on February 25. File Pic
To avert any untoward incidents during Holi celebrations in Mathura, including the renowned Lathmar Holi in Barsana, security personnel will mingle with crowds disguised as âHuriyars' and regular devotees to monitor suspicious elements, news agency PTI reported.
The centuries-old tradition of Lathmar Holi, in which women playfully strike men with sticks, will be celebrated in Barsana on February 25.
District Magistrate Chandraprakash Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shlok Kumar said elaborate security arrangements have been made from Barsana to the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, reported PTI.
"This time, security personnel will be deployed among the crowds, disguised as Huriyars and ordinary devotees, to monitor miscreants and suspicious individuals. Intensive checking by the anti-sabotage team and bomb detection and disposal squad is underway at sensitive and crowded locations," they said.
Officers added that crowd control, traffic management and area monitoring will be coordinated through a central control room and drone surveillance.
Anti-social elements and rumour-mongers will be closely monitored.
Over 1,000 police personnel from several districts, including Hathras, Aligarh, Etah, Mainpuri, Firozabad, and Agra, will be deployed alongside local police to maintain law and order, reported PTI.
Personnel from other agencies, including the local intelligence unit, will also monitor the situation. Four anti-Romeo mobile teams will be deployed this year to enhance safety.
In view of incidents reported in previous years, police have released photographs of two alleged miscreants and warned that anyone found harassing women by forcibly applying colour during Holi will face strict action.
SSP Shlok Kumar said the two men had allegedly taken advantage of the crowd during last year's Lathmar Holi in Barsana to forcibly apply colour on women and behave indecently. A purported video of the incident had circulated online, prompting a search for them. Those providing information leading to their arrest will receive a certificate of recognition, he added.
Mahesh Pathak, chief patron of the Mathur Chaturvedi Parishad, released the schedule for the "Holi Dola," which will pass through major markets in the city before Holika Dahan.
He urged police and the administration to strictly prevent incidents of indecency involving visitors, reported PTI.
He emphasised that such behaviour is unacceptable and tarnishes the reputation of society, culture and the joyful Holi traditions of Braj, while calling on the community to help maintain a respectful and festive atmosphere.
(With PTI inputs)
