Celebrate Holi festival in India and experience the vibrant colors, delicious sweets, and lively music and dance central to this traditional festival. This travel guide provides essential information for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the joy of Holi celebrations in India.
Go no further than the Holi festival in India if you’re seeking a distinctive cultural encounter. One of India’s most colourful and joyful holidays is the Holi festival. The celebration, which occurs each year in March, welcomes spring and is a time for fresh starts, optimism, and joy. It’s a festival of hues, music, dance, and cuisine, and it offers visitors an extraordinary chance to get a taste of India’s voluminous cultural legacy. These are seven ways to enjoy the fun of India’s Holi festival:
Lathmar Holi in Barsana, Uttar Pradesh
The Uttar Pradesh town of Barsana has a unique and somewhat odd Holi event known as Lathmar Holi. During this event, the town’s ladies chase and beat men with sticks or lathis while the males attempt to defend themselves with shields. According to legend, this custom started when Lord Krishna went to Barsana and was tormented by the gopis (women) there.
On the day of Lathmar Ekadashi, which falls a few days before the actual Holi celebration, the festival of Lathmar Holi is observed. By mingling with the locals, visitors can gain additional insight into the festival’s history and significance and look into Uttar Pradesh’s unique culture and traditions.
Hola Mohalla in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
A distinctive Holi celebration called Hola Mohalla occurs in the Punjabi city of Anandpur Sahib. The Sikh community celebrates the festival, distinguished by martial arts demonstrations, role-playing combat, and cultural performances.
On the day following Holi, which usually falls in March, the celebration of Hola Mohalla is observed. Nihangs, Sikh warriors dressed in traditional garb like blue robes, turbans, and weaponry, lead a parade to kick off the festivities. The Nihangs performed several martial arts, such as sword combat, archery, and wrestling.
Phoolon Ki Holi in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
The Uttar Pradesh town of Vrindavan has a unique and vibrant Holi celebration known as Phoolon Ki Holi, also called the Flower Holi. Flowers and petals are thrown throughout the festival as a sign of love and devotion for Lord Krishna.
A few days before the traditional Holi holiday, the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan hosts the Phoolon Ki Holi event. The Holi festival begins with a procession of participants chanting Holi songs in homage to Lord Krishna while carrying baskets filled with flowers and petals. The parade concludes in the temple, where the festival’s primary event occurs.
Rang Panchami in Maharashtra
A well-known Holi celebration is Rang Panchami, which is observed in Maharashtra. The genuine Holi festival is held on the fifth day following Phalguna’s full moon day, when it is celebrated. Throwing colours and water throughout the celebration serves as a symbol of harmony and joy.
While Rang Panchami is celebrated throughout Maharashtra, Pune and Mumbai are the most well-known locations for the festivities. The event begins with a procession of people singing Holi songs in homage to Lord Krishna while carrying vibrant flags and banners. The procession concludes at the festival’s focal point, where the main event is held.
Dol Jatra in West Bengal and Odisha
The eastern states of West Bengal and Odisha observe the Holi celebration known as Dol Jatra, often called Dol Purnima. Throwing colours and water during the event symbolises the triumph of good over evil.
Dol Jatra is observed on the Phalguna full moon day, the day of the Holi celebration. The Dol, a painted palanquin or chariot, is carried by participants as they enter the celebration. The Dol, embellished with flowers and vibrant hues, represents the celebration of love and joy.
Royal Holi in Udaipur, Rajasthan
In the Rajasthani city of Udaipur, there is a special Holi event known as Royal Holi, often called Mewar Holi. The celebration, highlighted by colour throwing, music, dancing, and a large procession, represents Rajasthan’s rich cultural legacy. The royal family of Udaipur hosts a spectacular event for guests and tourists, making the festival famous for its regal and opulent celebrations. The celebration offers the chance to mingle with the royal family, traditional Rajasthani cuisine and beverages, live music, and dancing performances.
In Udaipur, Rajasthan, a unique and abundant Holi event called Royal Holi is held. For those who are curious in the origins and significance of Holi, the festival is a must-see. It’s also a fantastic way to taste Rajasthan’s rich cultural legacy. A celebration of love, joy, and the triumph of good over evil, Royal Holi is a shining example of the richness and variety of Indian cultural traditions.
So take this opportunity to travel Rajasthan with us.
Celebrate Shigmo in Goa
Shigmo, an Indian spring festival, blends aspects of Hindu mythology with music, dance, and vibrant parades. The festival, exclusive to Goa, offers visitors an excellent chance to taste the state’s rich cultural legacy. The parades, which occur in several cities and villages throughout the state, are the festival’s main attraction. People marching in colourful costumes, carrying flags and floats, and dancing to the beat of folk music display colour and vigour during the parades.
Shigmo is known for its use of natural colours created from flowers and other organic materials used to smear and hurl at one another. This is a happy and enjoyable way to welcome spring and makes everyone smile.
The delicious food and sweet snacks that are a crucial component of the festivities also capture the enthusiasm of the Holi festival. India’s favourite Holi beverage is Thandai, a cool drink with milk, almonds, and spices. A typical Holi treat that is a must-try for foodies is the gujiya, a sweet dumpling stuffed with khoya and dried fruits. The Holi festival also offers a range of street foods and regional specialties, including chaat, pakoras, and jalebis.
The Holi festival offers visitors an excellent chance to taste India’s rich cultural heritage and engage with the locals. There are many ways to participate in the Holi holiday’s excitement in India, from the vibrant flower Holi in Vrindavan to the martial arts demonstrations at Hola Mohalla in Punjab. Pack your bags, purchase tickets, and prepare for an exciting journey around India.
