Holi: Festival of Joy and Colours

Holi will be celebrated on 8th March 2023.

Holi, the festival of colours, is one huge celebratory event in the country when people indulge in a lot of fun and frolic. It is a festival which fills colours and happiness not just on the outside, but also in everyone’s hearts. Some of the best places to celebrate Holi in India range from east to west, and north to south. From celebrating Holi with the traditional colours of pink, yellow, orange, and more, to play with flowers, and water balloons, among other things, different regions of India have different ways and customs of celebrating this festival.

Marking the onset of the spring and harvest seasons, Holi also celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is also the time when the country sees a huge influx of tourists from all over the world, who come here to witness the pomp and festivities. From playing with gulaal to seeing the Holika Dahan, indulging in delicious gujiyas and thandai, or having house parties with your loved ones, Holi is surely a festival that brings everyone together.

Holi is very important in Hinduism, and the whole of India celebrates this festival. This is the festival of colours. Let us tell you that it is celebrated with great pomp in the whole country. According to the Hindu calendar, Holi is celebrated every year on the full moon date of Falgun month. In the year 2023, Holi, the festival of colours, falls on 8 March 2023.

Holi celebrations in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

Holi in Mathura is glorified, and all because of obvious reasons. After all, why won’t a place be famous for the festival that has its roots there? Being known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna and the place that holds some evidence of His miracles, Mathura is largely sought-after by devotees, most especially during Holi. Temples in Mathura host elaborate events to celebrate the festival. Some of these are the most spectacular and grandest Holi celebrations in India. Being a part of these festivities is a lifetime experience.

The colorful Holi procession commences late noon from Vishram Ghat and finishes near Holi Gate. The major attraction for Holi celebrations is the Dwarkadheesh Temple, where teeming devotees gather on the morning of Holi. They delight in the festive fervor with music and dance and a chant in a gulal-infused environment. Sri Krishna Janmasthan temple holds a famous show in the week before Holi. Do visit Mathura to see the beauty of this Indian festival.

Holi celebrations in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

Lord Krishna’s playland – Vrindavan, is highly revered by Hindus and frequented all through the year. Holi in Vrindavan is an occasion that receives a huge influx of Vaishnavas. The epicenter of the Holi celebrations in Vrindavan is Banke Bihari Temple. The celebrations continue for a week, commencing with flower splashes or Phoolon ki Holi, proceeding with Widows Holi, and concluding with a riot of colors a day before Holi. You will find people bathed in different colours in this Krishna-obsessed town.

The Gopinath Temple is another prime attraction that witnesses the unique coluor played by widows. A whopping amount of marigold flowers with clouds of gulal make the scene beautifully unreal, somewhat like a live picture! Krishna’s devotional songs add to the charm of Vrindavan Holi. Don’t miss out on this marvelous sight, and do visit Vrindavan for such an amazing Holi bash! This will be your best trip to Vrindavan.

Holi celebrations in Barsana, Uttar Pradesh

Barsana is among the top places for Holi celebrations in India. Holi celebrations in Barsana, also known as Lathmar Holi intrigue people. This is the Holi festival celebration with a twist where men need to safeguard themselves from the playful beatings by women. Women from Barasana and Nandgaon – the two suburbs of Mathura beat men with sticks, while men have to protect themselves from the hits under shields. Lathmar Holi takes place a week before the main Holi day.

These suburbs of Mathura are witness to the love story of Krishna and Radha. As per the legends, Krishna was jealous of Radha’s fair complexion as he was dusky. So, he used to paint her face with colours to maintain that there is no skin tone difference between them. He used to visit Barsana from Nandgaon with his friends to colour Radha and her friends. In the playful affair, the ladies used to beat the men with sticks. This became a tradition, which is now known as Lathmar Holi. Besides the Lathmar Holi, you can also take part in the sweet Ladoo Holi at the Shriji Temple in Barsana, where laddoos are distributed among the devotees in and around the temple, signifying the arrival of Lord Krishna from Nandgaon to Barsana, in order to meet Radha. People also sing a lot of folk songs in Braj Bhasha, along with bhajans praising Lord Krishna and Radha to celebrate Holi in Barsana.

Holi celebrations in Agra, Uttar Pradesh

The Holi festival in Agra sets the city at the pinnacle of festive zeal. This Indian festival is celebrated with much zeal and gusto in this city and brings forth colorful opportunities to indulge. As people gulp glasses of bhang and delight in playing with colors, you know that the celebratory mode is at its top. Partying, dancing, savoring sweets and other fare, and making merry knows no bounds. Colorful parades with folk songs highlight the Holi celebrations in Agra.

Like many other destinations in India, the festivities kick start with the bonfire on the full moon night. Street corners are lit up with traditional fires that symbolize warding off evil spirits and bad omens. Thereby signifying the burning of Holika. The following day, people, enjoy colours, and in the evening, people greet each other at Holi mela or by visiting each other’s houses.

Holi celebrations in Udaipur, Rajasthan

To witness Holi celebrations in royal style, do visit Udaipur. Holi in Udaipur is an imperial affair that involves the participation of the royal family. The celebrations begin with Holika Dahan, where the local Maharaj lights the ceremonial bonfire in the royal palace’s courtyard. This is known as Mewar Holika Dahan. Next, the locals perform ‘Gair’- a folk dance, around the bonfire. After that, a royal procession takes off from Shambhu Niwas Palace and concludes at Manek Chowk’s royal residence. The royals are seated on bedecked elephants, horses, and camels in the parade, accompanied by the royal music band. The palace now serves cocktails and dinner to its guests. Finally, the celebration culminates with amazing fireworks.

The next day people rejoice with the play of colors. Traditional sweets are prepared in households, and people enjoy sharing the sweetness of the festival. The festivities are not confined to the royal palace and Manek Chowk but also to the narrow alleys of the city. Overall, the Holi celebration in Udaipur is an experience to be a part of.

Holi celebrations in Jaipur, Rajasthan

Holi in Jaipur transforms the Pink City into a rainbow. The highlights of Jaipur Holi celebrations are the gala celebrations in the palace. It is hosted by the royal family to support local charities. The old Khasa Kothi Hotel organizes functions with support from the local tourism office. Programs here include customary Rajasthani folk music and dance along with a decent gulal play. At the Govind Dev Ji Temple in the City Palace, a devotional atmosphere is created, where idols of Krishna and Radha are offered marigold flowers. Bhajans or hymns echo around, adding a soulful impact to the environment there.

Other aspects that make Jaipur Holi unique include ‘Gulaal Gotas’ or ‘Water Cannon Bowls. These are eco-friendly and made of melting lacquer. Bollywood theme parties are also organized at various resorts and luxury hotels as well as chic venues.

Holi celebrations in Hampi, Karnataka

It is a common notion that Holi celebrations are only confined to North India. However, Holi celebrations in Hampi are remarkable exceptions. Here, temples and other venues reverberate with the festivities of Holi. It is because of this revelry that Hampi is listed among the top places to visit for Holi celebrations in South India. Beginning with the Holika Dahan bonfire, the festivities include songs and dance around it. The next day, people get indulged in a delightful and colorful cheer. Drumbeats echo all over, adding dynamism to the festive fervor.

After enjoying the colorful play, people join River Tungabhadra to dive in. This cleanses colours from the bodies. This practice is backed by the belief that a dip in this river washes away your sins. The highlight of the festival is that people gather around the ruins of the grand Vijayanagar Empire for the festivities. Do visit Hampi for its unique Holi celebrations.

Holi celebrations in Shantiniketan, West Bengal

Known as Basanta Utsav, Holi in Shantiniketan is nothing short of a grand celebration. Located in Bolpur, near Kolkata in West Bengal, Shantiniketan celebrates the festival in a more cultural manner, taking inspiration from the vibrant colours of Holi. The Basanta Utsav festival was first introduced by the famous Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore at Rabindra Bharati University in Shantiniketan.

A cultural program is organized where students perform as per their talent. With melodious songs and enchanting dances, you get an experience to cherish. The festival not just welcomes one and all to celebrate the season’s charm but also welcomes spring in a beautiful way. All these include Shantiniketan among the best places to celebrate Holi in India. Teachers and students apply gulal on each other to delight in the joyous nature of the festival to the fullest.

Holi celebrations in Pushkar, Rajasthan

The holy town of Pushkar celebrates Holi with much vim and vigor. The main square hosts a grand party here with live music and color-bathed people enjoying it. Their excitement is further upped with bhang thandai or lassi. The scene of color bombs being thrown around and the pulsating crowd all set to enjoy the day to its max.

Holi celebrations in Pushkar begin with the traditional Holi bonfire on the eve of Holi. The view of Holika Dahan is worth enjoying as with wooden logs and garlands were thrown into the fire, and the flames rise higher and higher. Cheers add to the delight of the environment. After the fire is extinguished, people take embers to their homes to symbolize auspiciousness. The next morning witnesses the peppy play of colors, making the town look like flamboyant heaven.

Holi celebrations in Delhi

Holi in Delhi is an enthusiastic affair that transforms the metro city into a vibrant rally. Colored water-filled balloons are thrown everywhere, pichkaris spray colors, and clouds of gulal paint the city into a colorful scenery. If you wonder where to go in Delhi for Holi celebrations, the Holi Moo Festival (previously the renowned Holi Cow Festival) welcomes you. Here, you will enjoy good Holi celebration times with performances by several Indian and international artists. Frenzy Adventure, the Garden of Five Senses, Janmashtmi Park, Maharana Pratap ISBT, Gamesforest, and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium are some of the places where happening Holi parties are hosted.

With organic/non-toxic colours, bhang drinks, lip-smacking treats, and sprinklers, a safe and enjoyable environment is assured during the Holi events and parties in Delhi. Enjoy DJ music, live performances, rain dances, and more in Delhi Holi celebrations.

Holi celebrations in Mumbai, Maharashtra

Mumbai Holi celebrations in 2023 are worth partaking in. all the top-notch resorts, clubs, and grounds of the city get ready to throw pulsating Holi parties in Mumbai. Every nook and corner of this city ooze with Holi cheer. With a host of unique Holi events in Mumbai, people are spoilt for the choice to select where to go for Holi celebrations. Every year, the Holi celebrations in Mumbai are more vivid than before, offering the best trip for festival celebrations to tourists. By doing so, you can be sure of having festive memories to cherish.

Have an amazing revelry with colours, music, and fun at Mumbai Holi parties and events. Groove to the tunes of thumping beats at luxurious hotels, partake in rain dance and soak in the merriment. Water parks also host Holi events where the unrestrained color spray will take you to childhood days. Delight in a greener celebration at nature camps if you have planned to travel to Mumbai for Holi.

Holi celebrations in Purulia, West Bengal

Purulia is a gem tucked in the westernmost West Bengal that keeps its pristine beauty intact. The land is blessed with emerald landscapes, verdant hills, and dense woods. Its rustic ambiance and peaceful surroundings make it a must-visit destination. Another unavoidable reason to visit this place is its Holi celebrations. People here celebrate Holi in the traditional style three days before. Holi or Dol festival (as locally called) is organized around Bandhar Deul – a temple dating back to the 8th century. Chau dance, Natua dance, Darbari Jhumur, and songs of Baul musicians mark the merriment of Holi in Purulia. These dances and music add a unique color to the colorful festival and its festivities.

What’s more, what makes Purulia Holi unique is the fact that its Ayodhya Pahar is bathed in red colour during the season in which Holi is celebrated. It is because of the generous shower of Palash flowers. That is why it is also called the land of Palash. The entire hill covered in lovely red flowers presents an amazing sight to behold. Don’t forget to sip on Mohua – the local brew during Holi/Dol celebrations in Purulia.

Holi celebrations in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab

Holi has various hues – gulal and wet colors are just mediums through which this festival of colours is celebrated. Love, happiness, and valor are among the several hues of the festival. Among these, Anandpur Sahib celebrates Holi with the colour of valor. The event is called Hola Mohalla and is more of like the Sikh’s colorful display of pageantry. Celebrations include the Sikhs demonstrating martial arts in a three-day-long event. In addition, they celebrate the foundation of the Khalsa (Sikh brotherhood) through this event that is held after Holi.

Nihangas lead a procession, where they are clad in traditional costumes and showcase mock battles. Wrestling and sword fights are among other activities during the procession. The horse riding show is the highlight of this event in which amazing stunts are performed. Weapon exhibition, poetry reading followed by kirtan, singing, dancing, and community service such as Langar (voluntary community kitchen) are other features of this event.

Holi celebrations in Puri, Odisha

Puri is one of the holiest places for Hindus. Millions of devotees visit the grand Jagannath Temple to pray to the lord of the universe.

In Puri, Holi is known as Dol Purnima, which revolves around the deity. A palanquin of Lord Jagannath is carried out in a procession around the city a day before Holi. As part of the tradition, milkmen lead the festivities in the evening. A traditional local game called Dandi Khela is held as the Lord’s idol is placed in a tent known as Jhoolan Mandap.

People play Holi the next day. Special sweetmeats, such as pethas, are distributed. Before the end of the day, Lord Jagannath returned to the temple after ceremonial bathing.

Types of Holi Festival Celebration in India

As you already know, India is home to various cultures. Thus, there are different ways of celebrating Holi across the country. Take a look at the types of Holi festival celebrations in India and choose which one you want to be a part of –

Lathmar Holi in Barsana Village, Uttar Pradesh

People say Holi began in Barsana and other places including Vrindavan, the home of Lord Krishna. On Holi, women dress like ‘Gopis’ and chase men using ‘lathis’ or wooden sticks. Unlucky men who get caught are dressed as women and are made to dance in public.

Khadi Holi in Kumaon Region, Uttarakhand

The Kumaoni people celebrate the musical Holi. They wear traditional dresses, sing Khari songs, and dance in groups. They go around the village in groups and greet people as they pass by. This type of Holi celebration is further categorized into Mahila Holi and Baithaki Holi.

Hola Mohalla in Punjab

Celebrated at Gurudwara Anandpur Sahib in Punjab for 3 days starting after Holi, Hola Mohalla is also known as the Warrior Holi. Observed by Nihang Sikhs, it is basically to display martial arts, sing devotional songs, and remember the teaching of their gurus.

Dol Jatra/Basant Utsav in West Bengal

At Shantiniketan, Basant Utsav is celebrated to welcome the spring season. Kids can be seen in saffron-colored clothes, singing, and dancing. On the contrary, Dol Jatra is celebrated on the day of Dol Purnima, where idols of Krishna and Radha are carried in the streets while locals throw colors at them.

Shigmo in Goa

This is a major celebration in the smallest state of India, Goa. Hindus celebrate this festival here by performing traditional folk dances. Even tourists can be seen taking part in the festivities with enthusiasm.

Yaoshang in Manipur

It is a 6-day celebration of the Holi festival that starts on the full moon day. A combination of Hindu and indigenous traditions, the major highlight of Yaoshang is the Manipur folk dance called Thabal chongba.

Manjal Kuli in Kerala

Travel to the state of Kerala to enjoy a unique style of Holi celebration in India. Here, it’s known by the name of Manjal Kuli and is rejoiced in the Konkani Temple of Gosripuram Thirumala.

Phaguwa in Bihar

In the local Bhojpuri dialect, Holi is called Phaguwa in Bihar. Before playing it with water, powered colours, and dancing to folk songs, it is considered important to light the Holika pyre.

Phakuwa in Assam

Assamese people call Holi, Phakuwa, similar to West Bengal’s Dol Jatra. Here, it is celebrated for 2 days. On the first day, people burn clay huts that signify the legend of Holika Dahan. And on the second, they paint each other with colors.

Rang Panchami in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh

Holi in Maharashtra starts early. On the 5th day after Holika Dahan, color celebrations are performed, also called Ranga Panchami.

Royal Holi in Udaipur, Rajasthan

Last but not least, the Royal Holi of Udaipur starts with locals lighting bonfires. This marks the occasion and gets rid of the evil spirits. The Mewar royal family of Udaipur celebrates the Holi festival at a grand level, where processions are carried out with decorated horses and the royal band.