One of the most celebrated festival in India - Holi is all about revelry and colours. Holi is the “festival of colours”, which is celebrated in commemoration of the divine love of Radha for Krishna. Even though the basic concept is it to smear each other in colours and drench in water, various places in India celebrate this festival in various other ways. In order to help you celebrate Holi in a unique way, we have come up with 6 best places to celebrate Holi in India.
(1) Holi in Bankar Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
Krishna is to Radha what Holi is to Vrindavan. Known across the nation, Vrindavan’s traditional Holi is known for its grandeur, life and bhang! The city celebrates Phoolon wali Holi, on the ekadashi before Holi, where flowers are thrown at the devotees by the temple priests. A few years ago, to break the convention that prevented widows from playing with colors or wearing colored clothes, Vrindavan celebrated Widow’s Holi.
(2) The Peculiar Lathmar Holi at Barsana
Goodbye to patriarchal norms for once! While most of the cities observe water balloons aimed at women by men, Barsana, a small village near Mathura, U.P., has an eerie tradition of beating men with sticks while playing Holi! People from across the nation come to be a part of this rapturous festivities.
(3) Shantiniketan, West Bengal: Cultural Holi
Bengali poet and Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore, initiated the celebration of Holi as Basanta Utsav (Spring Festival) in Shantiniketan. Shantiniketan is an old and premier university in West Bengal. The tradition is carried on till date and celebrated with dedication and spirits. Basanta Utsav has always been a cherished part of Bengali culture. Numerous foreign tourists from around the world come to be a part of spreading joy and colours along performing Tagore’s songs.
(4) Yaoshang Festival of Manipur
Yaosang or “Holi of Manipur” is a festival celebrated at the start of the full moon day of the month of Lamda (February-March). It is one of the most significant festivals in Manipur and the celebrations take place for six days in spring. During the 6 days, cultural performances take place along with fluorescent lamps and bonfires.
(5) Udaipur : Royal Holi
Witness a fantastically royal Holi in the magnificent palace procession from the royal residence to Manek Chowk at the Royal City Palace. At The Royal City Palace, Udaipur, the Maharana of Mewar presides over the Hindu festival of Holi. It is attended by dignitaries, guests and foreign tourists. It includes bedecked horses, bands, a grand bonfire for Holi ka dahan, fireworks and a sumptuous meal.
(6) Hola Mohalla in Punjab
Hola is the masculine form of the feminine sounding Holi. It was established by Guru Gobind Singh. It differs from holi celebrations in the rest of the country in many ways. People come out of their houses and shout their heart out as a part of the tradition when people playfully sprinkle colored powder, dry or mixed in water, on each other, the Guru made Hola Mohalla an occasion for the Sikhs to demonstrate their martial skills in simulated battles.
So, pick one of these aforementioned places which suits you and celebrate Holi in a unique and memorable way!