The lathmar Holi of Barsana, Mathura, may be famous due to its unique rustic appeal and boisterous atmosphere but on the scale of cultural fineness, classical approach and period of celebrations, the Kumaoni Holi probably outweighs all. Kumaoni Holi has its genesis in the Kumaon division of Uttarakhand but now it is celebrated in all parts of the country and even in the foreign destinations as the migrating Kumaoni folks took baggage of this unique heritage along with them.

Vasant Panchami, which signifies the end of winter season, heralds the onset of spring and Holi celebrations in Kumaon hills. The Kumaoni Holi is broadly of two types Baithaki (sitting) and Khadi Holi (standing).

The president of a cultural organisation “Hamari Pehechan”, KC Pathak informed that traditionally the Baithaki Holi starts with Vasant Panchami and ends on the day of Mahashivratri, while the Khadi Holi starts on Mahashivratri and ends on the day of Charradi or Dhulandi (the day after the Holi).

The time period from Vasant Panchami to Dhulandi makes it one of the lengthiest celebrations of Holi festival in India. In the Baithaki Holi the ‘Holyars’ (men and women who celebrate Holi) assemble with local musical instruments and sing songs which are derived from the  various ragas of Indian classical music.

The songs are based on wide variety of subjects from religious deities like Shiva, Rama, Sita, Hanuman, Krishna, Radha to the humorous conversations of Devar - Bhabhi. The historians trace the Baithaki Holi to the 15 century Champawat court of Chand Kings of the region.