The ancient festival of Holi is historically a Hindu festival that’s now celebrated across India with diverse rituals and practices. Follow traditional customs or blend into one of the modern Holi parties with non-toxic colours and DJ’s spellbinding music – the choice is yours.
1. Barsana
The Lathmar Holi of Barsana, made famous by Bollywood, is one of the most unusual ways to celebrate Holi in India. The highlight of Holi celebrations in this village near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh is women beating up men with lathis (wooden sticks). Men can protect themselves with shields.
Legend says, Lord Krishna was chased away by the women of Barsana where he went to tease Radha and her friends. In the two-day Holi celebrations at Barsana, men from Lord Krishna’s village Nandgaon visit Barsana to tease the women there who chase them away and on the second day, women from Barsana visit Nandgaon to play Holi with the people there. This celebration is held in Barsana a week before the rest of the nation celebrates Holi. Make sure you consider this before planning a trip there.
Image courtesy: Twitter
Tip: Consider going to Barsana during Holi with a group of friends or family and watch out as the crowds can get a bit over enthusiastic.
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2. Udaipur
Udaipur is synonymous with royalty. Just like everything else there, the Holi celebrations are regal too. A day before Holi, the locals light holy bonfires (Holika Dahan) across the city, led by the royalties at the City Palace. You can also witness the grandeur of Udaipur’s Holi celebrations by being a part of the lively procession (think jewelled horses and elephants!) and pleasing music from the Shambhu Niwas Palace to Manek Chowk. Make sure you witness and maybe even participate in Gair, a traditional dance performed by the locals. The following day, the entire city is covered in bright colours.
Tip: If you don’t feel like indulging in the overpowering colour smearing custom on the streets on Holi, stay back in your hotel and be a part of the toned down but fun events there.
3. Vrindavan and Mathura
If you want to experience varied traditional and interesting ways to celebrate Holi, a trip to Vrindavan and Mathura is a must. If being covered in water and colours is not your idea of fun, you could be a part of the unique Phoolon wali Holi in Vrindavan. Celebrated on the Ekadashi before Holi, this unique Holi celebration is marked by priests showering devotees with flowers instead of colours to play Holi at the Banke Bihari temple at Vridnavan. Once this short celebration is over, get ready to be a part of the vibrant Holi procession from Vishram Ghat in Mathura to around Holi Gate. With almost a dozen vehicles and hundreds of kids and adults involved, this colourful, musical procession is an unforgettable event.
Tip: If you want to capture some mesmerising photos of Phoolon wali Holi, arrive at the temple well in advance and keep your camera ready.
Read more: Long weekends 2018: plan your public holiday weekend getaways
4. Punjab
Anandpur Sahib in Punjab hosts one of the most uncommon Holi celebrations in India. Claimed to be the masculine counterpart of Holi, Hola Mohalla is celebrated there a day after Holi every year. The three-day festival, started by Guru Gobind Singh, is marked by the display of physical valour and defence readiness of Sikhs, especially the Nihang Singhs. Expect to see shiny swords, horse riding and daredevil stunts, followed by peaceful kirtans and delicious langar.
Image courtesy: Twitter
Tip: Anandpur Sahib is only around 4 hours away from Amritsar by road. So, why not club a trip to the serene Golden Temple when you are planning?
5. Mumbai
Want to witness everyone from Bollywood superstars to slum dwellers celebrate Holi with the same energy levels? Plan a trip to Mumbai right away. From swanky DJ parties with organic colours and mouth-watering buffets, to special community events such as celebrating Holi with the residents of Dharavi, one of the largest slums in Asia – Mumbai has it all. Most lively pool parties and events will require you to buy passes in advance so do some research before you head out. For those wanting to capture the real spirit of Mumbai on camera, the best locations would be Juhu Beach or Chowpatty. Since Mumbai is a victim of constant water shortage, make sure you avoid the use of water while playing.
Tip: Don’t forget to savour the local favourite vada pav on your trip.
6. Santiniketan (West Bengal)
Holi, known as Basant Utsav in Santiniketan, is an integral part of Bengali traditions. The celebrations in this calm town in the Birbhum district of West Bengal were started by Rabindranath Tagore. During Basant Utsav (generally held a day before the actual Holi festival), the students of Tagore’s Vishva Bharati University dress up in yellow clothes and floral ornaments and perform graceful dances on soothing songs. This is their way to welcoming spring. The colour smearing follows.
Image courtesy: Twitter
Tip: Don’t hesitate on joining these cheerful students in their celebrations. They will love it!
General tips for Holi celebrations across India:
- Wear clothes that cover your body almost completely to avoid contact with any toxic colours.
- Oil your hair to protect it from the chemicals in most colours. Better, wear a cap or bandana.
- Keep children away from bonfires.
- Use non-toxic, natural and organic colours.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses. Instead, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Enjoy yourself to the fullest!
Inspired enough to plan a fun trip to celebrate Holi in your favourite way? It is time to go ahead and book that trip! Book your flights, hotelor rent a car with Skyscanner today. You can do all of these on our mobile app too.
