Holi is one of the most exciting festivals in India. It is full of colors and spreads joy around. There is also a story known as “Holika Dahan Story” which is celebrated one night before Holi There is some states in India where Holi is played in an extra special way. So, if you want to play Holi uniquely, you can choose from one of the 10 places listed below. You will definitely have a great time celebrating Holi if you visit these places this year.
Let’s check them out!
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Mathura & Brindavan
Mathura & Brindavan is full of devotees of Lord Krishna who is considered a place where Krishna and Radha played and lived during their childhood. This is the Braj region, and therefore, the Holi celebrated there is called Braj Ki Holi. You will hear the chants Radhe Radhe along with people celebrating with splendor and joy.
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Barsana & Nandgaon
Barsana & Nandgaon are the places where Radha and Krishna were born respectively. Here, they celebrate the special Lathmaar Holi. The men from Nandgaon come to Barsana to tease women in a friendly way, and the women from Barsana beat the men with a bamboo stick known as a ‘lathi.’ It is a two-day celebration that follows this old and interesting tradition.
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Purulia
In a district of West Bengal known as Purulia, there is also a folk festival around that time that is called Basanta Utsav and lasts for three days. If you visit this place around Holi, you can sing folk music and dance with the locals along with playing Holi. You will also get to see some interesting folk art. Some highlights of this festival are Darbari Jumur, Natua dance, Chau dance and songs by the local Bengali Baul musicians.
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Udaipur
If you are in for a royal Rajasthani style Holi then Udaipur can be your top choice. The beginning of this festival is marked by a huge parade with camels, elephants, horses along with locals on the street with their folk dances. Recently, elephants are not a part of this parade because of the pressure from animal rights groups. However, this festival is still one of the most exciting in Udaipur.
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Delhi
If you are in Delhi, you will see some fantastic functions and celebrations in several pockets of the city. There are water balloons everywhere, and many resorts plan music and dance parties along with colors and bhang to give people the right avenue to enjoy this festival to the fullest.
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Goa
Goa celebrated this festival over a period of 14 days, and it is known as the Shigmotsav. Many folk dancers happily dance around through the parade. You will find the most exciting programs and celebrations in Vasco, Panjim, and Margai areas. All the main beaches of Goa turn colorful with the joyous colors of Holi.
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Hampi
If you want to celebrate Holi in the South of India, Hampi can be a great choice. The festival of Holi is celebrated here for two days. Although Holi is primarily a North Indian festival, Hampi is an exception in the South. You can sing and dance on the drum beats as well as take a dip in the river. The place is very lively during this time. The ancient charm is definitely exuberant and makes it extra special.
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Anandpur Sahib
The warrior Holi celebrated in Anandpur Sahib is also known as Holla Mohalla where the tradition started at the Gurudwara of Keshgarh Sahib. It is a traditional festival here. It started with Nihand who was a traditional warrior amongst the Sikhs. You can go there to taste a new type of Holi celebration.
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Jaipur
Jaipur – the pink city of Rajasthan, is a place where you can celebrate Holi in the most Royal way. You will see beautiful and colorful parades with folk dances and other cultural celebrations. You can also check out some of the private parties that are organized in Jaipur to celebrate Holi.
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Mumbai
Mumbai is a place where Holi is celebrated with traditions and a hint of modernity. The ‘matki phod’ tradition is amongst the best in Mumbai. You can definitely enjoy a lot if you stay in Mumbai for Holi with many young boys running on the street trying to steal butter or buttermilk trying to keep up the tradition of Lord Krishna.
Final Words
These are some of the places with interesting rituals and fun-filled Holi. Visit any of these places to have a great time this Holi.
