Categories: Heritage

Best Places to Celebrate Holi Festival in India

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.

Places to Celebrate 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 & 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.

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.

Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Agra is another place is the Uttar Pradesh state where you can partake in incredible Holi celebrations. People celebrate the festival by drinking lots of bhang, playing with colours, relishing sweets and dancing.

Udaipur, Rajasthan

You and your loved ones can celebrate a royal Holi in the city of Udaipur. The festivities commence with Holika Dahan – the lighting of the ceremonial bonfire by the Maharaja of the city. It takes place in the courtyard of the palace. Performances of folk dance called ‘Gair’ are carried out around the bonfire. These events take place a day before Holi. The next day is filled with colourful powders and water balloons.

Pick any of the above-mentioned destinations and get ready for a Holi celebration In India like never before.

Rachit Chhabra

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