The tradition of celebrating Holi dates back centuries. It is when people play with colours and throw water at each other. However, different parts of India have their own unique way of celebrating this Festival of Colours. Thus, where you should go to celebrate Holi in India depends on the sort of experience you are seeking. Here are some places where you can see the best of Holi in India.
Best of Holi in India
Barsana, Uttar Pradesh
Holi is celebrated in a grand fashion throughout the state of Uttar Pradesh. However, the difference lies in the way the festivities take place. The people of Barsana, a small town located about 42 km from Mathura, have a peculiar way. The Festival of Colours is known as Latthmaar Holi as women beat men with bamboo sticks. Barsana Holi is famous all over the world and you do not want to miss to witness it.
Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Mathura and Vrindavan breathe a new life as the Festival of Colours draws close. Plan a trip and get ready to be a part of one of the best Holi celebrations in India. No matter where you go in Mathura and Vrindavan, you will come across grand festivities. Pilgrims along with hordes of domestic and international tourists flock to the area to participate in one of the most extravagant Holi celebrations.
New Delhi
New Delhi is a melting pot of culture and that shows in the way locals celebrate various festivals. The national capital is known for its noisy and loud Holi, but the fervour with which it is celebrated is truly remarkable. People roam the streets, smashing colours on everyone who comes their way. Feasts, music, dancing and other festivities go on through the day and often till the evening before Delhiites call it a day.
Punjab
People of Punjab have their own way of celebrating Holi. They refer to it as Hola Mohalla and scream their hearts out as a part of an old tradition. The day of the celebration is marked by an enchanting display of traditional martial arts of Sikhs. And, later in the evening, they play with colours like in most parts of North India and paint each other in various hues. Book cheap flights to Punjab and witness Holi in a different way.
Shantiniketan
Shantiniketan in West Bengal is famous for the old and premier university set up by the great Nobel laureate and poet Rabindranath Tagore. The great poet introduced the Basant Utsav in Shantiniketan to relive the ancient tradition of Holi. Today also, this tradition of playing colours is followed and celebrated in unmatched zest and enthusiasm. The students of the university of Shantiniketan dress up in colourful attire and showcase a lively cultural extravaganza for the visitors. The happiness, colours, and joy of Shantiniketan make it among the best Holi celebration in India.
Manipur
Holi is celebrated as a 6 day festival in Manipur along with the great Yaoshang Festival of Manipur. It is quite an extravaganza sight to witness a large number of local folk dancers and musicians performing. Fluorescent lamps and bonfires are put ablaze, and people are seen playing with gulal.
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur is synonymous with royalty. Till 2012, the Jaipur Elephant Festival used to be observed in the Pink City on the day of Holi. However, it got cancelled subsequently due to pressure from animal rights groups. But that has not taken anything away from the celebration of the festival. You can attend events that feature folk performances.
Goa
Holi is referred to as Shigmotsav in Goa. It is one of the biggest festivals for Hindus in the small coastal state, marking the departure of the winter season. The festival is observed for several days and sees villagers donning colourful clothes and carry out a procession with flags, beating drums and playing flutes. It is the perfect time to witness the rich culture of Goa. So, grab a flight booking offer to this tropical paradise today.
Hampi, Karnataka
Holi is essentially a North Indian festival. Although the festival is celebrated in other parts of the country, the charm is somewhat subdued and the emphasis is put on the religious aspects of the occasion. But Hampi is an exception. Holi celebration in this small city is an affair of loud music, coloured powder and liquid colours. If you are planning to celebrate Holi is South India, then Hampi is a great pick.
Pick any of the above-mentioned destinations and get ready for a Holi celebration In India like never before.
