Women hit men with sticks during celebrations of India's vibrant Lathmar Holi festival.

Footage from March 13 shows hundreds lining the streets of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh taking part in the Hindu festival which means "Holi of sticks."

Groups of women are seen beating a man holding a wooden pad with large sticks during the traditional celebrations.

Hundreds of women celebrated Lathmar Holi in northern India this week, by hitting men with sticks.Lathmar Holi is celebrated days before the actual Holi takes place, in Barsana and Nandgaon, near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh.

On this day, the women of Barsana take charge and all that men need to do is save themselves from the charged-up womenfolk.

Radha Devi said (Hindi sound byte) we feel enthusiastic and be happy playing Lathamar holi because it comes once in a year.We are doing preparation for Lathamar holi for more than 1.5 months earlier.In the gate up of Radha Rani and Gopi's as we  wait Gopis (huriyare) to come Barsana and play Lathamar holi with them.Feel very happy on this occasion.

Hashmina (english sound byte) said "This experience has been thrilling. I mean this is the 1st time i have visited Barsane ki holi & the energy & vibe which it brings to this place. The people here are full of vigour. They are here to enjoy themselves. They are here for the devotion which they have of Radha & Krishna. The unique feature of this Holi is the Lathi Holi which is played where women beat their own partners & that's fun to watch. I don't think I have seen this in any other place. I am enjoying myself and everyone should visit this place once.

Men from Lord Krishna’s village Nandgaon visit Barsana to play ‘Lath Maar Holi’, where, after paying homage to the only temple dedicated to Radha in India, they sing provocative songs in a bid to seek the attention of local women.

Seemingly offended, the women then hit the men with sticks called 'lathis'. The men protect themselves with wooden shields.

This tradition is said to date back to the time when Lord Krishna started the tradition of Holi, the festival of colours, by applying colour to Radha's face.