Thousands of devotees and tourists gathered in Banaras, Mathura, to take part in the iconic Lathmar Holi celebrations, where women playfully beat men with sticks in a centuries-old tradition rooted in the legend of Lord Krishna and Radha. The vibrant festival marked the beginning of Holi festivities in the Braj region (Pics/PTI)

Devotees gathered at the iconic Dwarkadheesh Temple in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, to celebrate with colours ahead of the Holi festival, filling the air with gulal and festive cheer in the sacred city closely associated with Lord Krishna. The celebrations mark the beginning of the Holi season in the Braj region, which is renowned for its week-long, vibrant pre-Holi festivities (Pics/PTI)