The Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India
We are finally in the spring season of 2019, which means its almost Holi time! An all-out paint war is soon going to break out in India, that will colour the entire subcontinent in celebratory hues. Packed with madness and loads of fun, we will once again witness people chasing one another on the streets, armed with packets of dry powdered colour & water guns, splattering random people from head to toe in colours!
Every region in India celebrates Holi in their own way; some prefer it with music & bhang, while others opt for a more traditional route. So before you make any plans to celebrate the festival of colours, let us introduce you to the best places in India to celebrate Holi.
1. Braj Ki Holi, Mathura & Vrindavan
Holi is one of the major festivals celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, as according to Hindu mythology, Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna while Vrindavan is where he spent his childhood (both located in UP). Book a comfortable AC cab from Delhi to Vrindavan and witness the joyous celebrations.
Braj ki Holi is laden with innumerable colours, mouth-watering food, age-old traditions and unrestrained fun. Phoolon ki Holi (Flower Holi) in Gulal Kund (Mathura), near Govardhan Mountain, is one of the most coveted Raas-Leela (enacted scenes from Krishna’s life where he dances & teases Radha & her friends) performances in India. On the other hand, Holi in Vrindavan at the Banke Bihari Temple, fills the air with a spiritual trance and loud chants of bhajans followed by a nonstop shower of gulal (coloured powder).
2. The Lathmar Holi, Barsana and Nandgaon
Legend has it that Krishna, in his boyhood, would visit Barsana during Holi with his close friends. Being a good-hearted prankster, Krishna once playfully smeared Radha’s face with colour. Witnessing this sight, the elder females of Barsana expressed their displeasure by driving away Krishna with their lathis.
A mischievous take on the bond of Radha & Krishna, Lathmar Holi observes women carrying a lath (bamboo stick) and playfully beating men who try to put colour on them while singing some traditional folk songs. The Radha Rani Temple in Barsana hosts the gathering on the first day of the 2 day festival (15th March this year) while Nandgaon (20 mins from Barsana) turns host on the succeeding day.
3. Basanta Utsav, Shantiniketan
The most cherished Indian poet, Rabindranath Tagore, introduced Basanta Utsav (spring festival) in Shantiniketan, West Bengal to recreate the magic of Holi. An integral part of Bengali tradition, this festival carries traditions & age-old customs that take the centre stage, reconnecting attendees with the roots of Bengali culture. Book a cab from Kolkata to Shantiniketan to experience the Basant Utsav first-hand!
A cultural extravaganza, students dress up in spring colours (especially yellow) and put up a diverse cultural program for visitors that include dances on Tagore’s songs followed by the celebratory riot of colours. Tapping to the tunes of grooving music, students as well as the audience welcome spring season wholeheartedly during this unique Holi celebration (20th March this year).
4. Hola Mohalla (Warrior Holi), Anandpur Sahib
While the rest of India celebrates the festival of colours, it is a distinct and fascinating sight in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, where the entire city celebrates Hola Mohalla. Demonstrating martial skills in simulated battles, Hola Mohalla exemplifies machismo and the indomitable spirit of the sikhs.
On this three-day grand festival, mock battles, exhibitions & display of weapons are exhibited for visitors, followed by kirtan (devotional songs), music and poetry competitions. The participants perform daring stunts/activities such as Gatka (mock encounters with real weapons), tent pegging, bareback horse riding, and various other feats of bravery. Langar (free meal) & the traditional Bhangra are other key highlights of this unique Sikh-style Holi.
5. The Royal Holi, Udaipur and Jaipur
Just like the palaces & the grandeur of Rajasthan, Holi too is an imperial and grand affair in Udaipur and Jaipur. From Holika Dahan to fireworks to spraying colors, Holi celebration in Rajasthan is an enchanting and exuberant experience, complete with traditional delicacies like gujiya (puff pastry with a sweet filling) and thandai with bhang (Cannabis or marijuana).
The celebrations start with Holika Dahan (first day of Holi) by commemorating the victory of good over evil. It is believed that Holi is celebrated to mark the victory of Prince Prahlad — emblem of good, over Holika who symbolised evil. So the royal house lights a bonfire on the grounds of the City Palace, where the ruling king and his family grace the occasion by lighting a holy pyre and the locals perform Gair (a folk dance) around the bonfire. On the second day, everyone rejoices Holi throughout the city with dry colours, water guns and water balloons.
Excited already? So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and set out to drench in the festivities of the most playful & colourful festival of India.
