9 places in India where you can celebrate Holi with friends and locals
19 March, 2022
Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is enveloped with a myriad of colours on the occasion. As such, it is undoubtedly the site of one of the best Holi celebrations in India.Temples are decorated and multiple events are held for people to come together to celebrate the festival of colours. Special events include the mega procession from Vishram Ghat to Holi Gate. People not only sing devotional songs and dance, but many also express their love for the divine through chants and prayers.
Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Vrindavan, which is to the north of Mathura, is daubed in multiple colours of the joyous Holi celebration. The Banke Bihari Temple is the centre of activity on Holi, but other parts of the town, too, present an energetic spectacle.Vrindavan is also connected to Lord Krishna’s early life. Therefore, his devotees from around the country arrive at the holy town ahead of the festival.
Barsana, Uttar Pradesh
Barsana is a small town near the state’s border with Rajasthan. It is located approximately 50 kilometres to the northwest of Mathura. The town is famous for one of the unique Holi celebrations in India — Lathmar Holi (Hindi for ‘Holi of the sticks’).Barsana is considered the village of Radha. The tradition, therefore, has its roots in the tales of Lord Krishna and Radha.
Shantiniketan, West Bengal
Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore started the tradition of Basanta Utsav (Spring Festival) at Shantiniketan near Kolkata to celebrate Holi. The annual event, which is held at the Visva Bharati University, is now a major cultural festival of the state. Many foreign tourists visit Shantiniketan, drawn to its cultural vibes and Tagore’s legacy.Clad in Indian traditional dresses, students and other participants sing and dance to songs of Tagore and folk music
Purulia, West Bengal
Purulia’s Holi festival celebration closely resembles that of Shantiniketan. Here, too, it is called Basanta Utsav. Locals come together to participate in ceremonial folk dance and performances of Chau, Darbari Jhumur and Natua.The music is of particular note. Baul, travelling minstrels who sing traditional folk songs of Bengal, perform during these events.Holi in Purulia is all about Bengal’s rural traditions and the ethnic diversity of the region.
Udaipur, Rajasthan
A highlight of Udaipur’s Holi festival is the Holika Dahan. The ceremony is presided over by the Maharaja of Udaipur and members of the House of Mewar at the Manek Chowk of the City Palace, making the festival in Udaipur a regal affair.As locals perform a traditional dance known as Gair, a procession is carried out from the Shambhu Niwas Palace to the Manek Chowk. A grand spectacle, the procession involves the royals and their rides — elephants, camels and horses.
Hampi, Karnataka
Holi in South India is devoid of the fanfare seen in the north of the country. However, Hampi celebrates Holi in a unique manner.Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the ruins of buildings, dating back to the Vijayanagar dynasty. The majestic temples and other remarkable historic venues come alive with the festive fervour associated with Holi. Celebrations start with Holika Dahan, during which people sing and dance to usher in spring.
Puri, Odisha
Puri is one of the holiest places for the 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
Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
One of the unique Holi celebrations in India is held at Anandpur Sahib. The famous annual fair, Hola Mohalla, started in 1701 by Guru Gobind Singh, is held here on the occasion.Hola Mohalla is an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits Punjab. Nihang warriors from the Sikh community present an incredible display of martial arts during the festival. From sword fights to wrestling, every move is in absolute harmony with the bodies of the warriors.