Best places to celebrate Holi in India

If you are planning a trip to India in March, you must check out the best places to celebrate Holi in India. Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated in March across India in different ways. From the royal processions in Rajasthan and the martial arts display in Punjab to the techno-parties in Mumbai, Holi displays different colors in different regions of the country. Read this article to find out some of the best places to celebrate the festival of colors.

What is the festival of Holi?

The festival of colors, Holi, is one of the most popular Hindu festivals in India. The festival marks the end of winter and arrival of spring season. Taking place on a full moon day, the eve of the festival is Holika Dahan. It is celebrated by lighting a bonfire to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. On the day of Holi, people take to the streets and play with colors and water. There are feasts full of traditional regional food and sweets, along with drinks like lassi and thandai often mixed with bhang, or marijuana.

Holi, the festival of colors

What is the history of Holi?

The history of the festival of Holi dates back to ancient Indian mythology, and there are a few different stories about the festival.

One of the stories is of Prahlad. Hiranyakashipu was a demon king in ancient India, who wanted everyone to worship him. However, his son Prahlad, worshipped Lord Vishnu. Angered by this, Hiranyakashapu asked his sister Holika to kill his son. Holika was immune to fire. She took Prahlad in her lap and sat on a burning pyre, knowing that the fire would not harm her. To her and everyone’s surprise, however, Holika perished, while Prahlad was unharmed. This story symbolizes the victory of good over evil, which is why a bonfire is burned on the eve of Holi.

Another story is the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha. Krishna was in love with Radha, but he was embarrassed of his dusky skin next to Radha’s fair complexion. So, Krishna’s mother told him to smear some color on Radha’s face. He did so, and thus began one of the most beloved love stories of Hindu mythology. This is supposed to be the origin of smearing colors and water during Holi.

Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan is unlike anything you have ever seen. The birthplace and home of Lord Krishna, hordes of devotees make their way to Mathura and Vrindavan during Holi. These towns celebrate Holi for an entire week with various events and activities. For the Phoolon wali Holi, people throw flowers instead of colors. People sing devotional songs and play with colors across the towns. This is a beautiful spiritual and traditional celebration of the festival of colors.

Barsana, Uttar Pradesh

Holi is celebrated in a very unique way in Barsana in Uttar Pradesh. Known as Lathmar Holi, women from the regions of Barsana and Nandgaon near Mathura beat men with sticks, while the men have to protect themselves. This tradition is a playful take on the legends of the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha. According to the story, Lord Krishna, who was dusky, was jealous of Radha’s fair complexion, so he used to paint her face with colors. He and his friends used to visit Barsana to color Radha and her friends, so the ladies of the village used to beat them with sticks to shoo them away.

This festival takes place a week before Holi, so if you are around the region during this time, make sure to check out this quirky tradition!

Lathmar Holi in Barsana (Picture credit: Prabhat Khabar)

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh celebrates Holi in a religious way. The celebration takes place along the ghats of the river Ganges. On the eve of Holi is Choti Holi, celebrated by lighting bonfires, known as Holika Dahan. This symbolizes the victory of good over evil. People gather around the burning pyre and pray for their well-being.

The day of Holi sees a riot of colors, with music, dance, and bhang as people enjoy this festival to the fullest.

Delhi

A trip to the capital of India during Holi is always a good idea. Delhi celebrates Holi with aplomb – colors, water balloons, water sprays, and pink gulaal, along with dhols and dancing make it a festival to remember. With bhaang and delicious snacks to accompany the celebration, the private Holi parties across Delhi are something you should not miss.

Anandpur Sahib, Punjab

Holi in Anandpur Sahib in Punjab is celebrated in a unique way. This is a display of the men of the Sikh culture. The Holi celebration takes place through Hola Moholla, a three-day festival that comprises mock battles by Sikh warriors, martial arts, and colors. Devotees visit Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib to seek blessings of God.

Hola Mohalla in Anandpur Sahib (Picture credits: Times Now)

Pushkar, Rajasthan

Perhaps the most talked about Holi celebration in India, experiencing Holi in Pushkar is a bucket list item for many. The festival of colors is celebrated in Pushkar with full vigor. On the eve of Holi is Holika Dahan, when wooden logs and garlands are thrown into a pyre. The day of Holi is a big celebration with colors, water, water balloons, and music. There is a grand feast that follows, with traditional Rajasthani fare like dal baati, gatte ki sabzi, and many sweets. There are drinks like thandai and lassi, often mixed with bhaang, which is marijuana.

Udaipur, Rajasthan

The royal city of Udaipur celebrates Holi in equal royalty. The Maharaja of Udaipur lights a ceremonial bonfire in the palace courtyard on the eve of Holi, known as Mewar Holika Dahan. A royal procession takes place from the Shambhu Niwas Palace to the royal residence at Manek Chowk. The royals are seated on adorned elephants, horses, and camels. There are also grand fireworks to accompany the festival.

The day of Holi is celebrated with colors and traditional food and sweets.

Holika Dahan

Jaipur, Rajasthan

The pink city of Jaipur turns into a vibrant riot of colors on Holi. Celebrations take place in full vigor at the royal palace. This celebration is also known for its Elephant Festival, where elephants are adorned with jewelry, fabrics, and colors and participate in various competitions and events. There are many Bollywood themed parties and music performances at the many luxury resorts and hotels around the city. You can also visit the Govind Dev Ji Temple where there is a grand celebration of Holi.

Mumbai, Maharashtra

Holi in Mumbai is a fun affair. With parties in various clubs, grounds, and resorts, everyone in the city celebrates Holi in some way or the other. You will find people out on the streets playing with color and water, while residents of housing societies also celebrate the festival within themselves. There is food, music, dance, and bhaang – the festival of colors is truly one of the most-loved in the city.

Shantiniketan, West Bengal

Shantiniketan in West Bengal celebrates Holi as Basant Utsav, or the Spring Festival. This festival was introduced here by Rabindranath Tagore. The morning starts early with a procession from the Visva-Bharati University campus to the Kopai river. The festival includes cultural songs, dances, and performances by the teachers and students of Visva-Bharati University. People dress in colorful attire dominated by the yellow color and play with colored powder. This is a Holi experience different from what you would see anywhere else in India. If you want to see a unique side of Holi in India, you should definitely experience Holi in Shantiniketan.

Basant Utsav, West Bengal

Hampi, Karnataka

Holi is not celebrated in a big way in South India, but Hampi is an exception, along with a few other towns and cities. The ancient town celebrates the festival with colors and music, turning the landscape into a vibrant kaleidoscope. The festivities take place around the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. People later wash off the colors in the river.

So, did this article make you want to plan a trip to India to experience Holi? At India Someday, we plan curated trips to India based on your requirements and interests. Contact us to plan your ideal trip to India!