Festival of Holi

India is famous for its colorful customs and one of the most colorful festivals of all is the “Festival of Colors” itself. Holi, the vibrant festival celebrated to welcome spring Mythically, it celebrates the death of demon Holika by Prahalathan, a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Cultural dance and music performances, puppet shows and much more are enjoyed as part of the festival celebration. Although celebrated throughout the country, Holi is an exclusive festival in only a few states of the country.

Holi in Barsana

Barsana is a small village located near Mathura of Uttar Pradesh. When it comes to festival, the village turns into beautiful paradise of bright colors. Holi festival is celebrated with an age-old tradition where women of the land beat up men with small sticks decorated with colorful cloth and paper.

This celebration is called Lathmar. Lathmar Holi is playing exactly one week prior to the actual celebration of Holi. Two days before Holi, the village celebrates Ladoo Holi during the households in the region make delicacies and share with others.  Tourists are more than welcome to be part of this celebration.

Mathura & Vrindhavan Traditional Holi

If you want to enjoy in Holi festival without commercialization, we recommend you to visit Mathura or Vrindavan. Mathura is an ancient city and is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna was born. This marks the beginning of Holi festival, which takes place for one week.

Banke Bihari temple is the location of celebration in Vrindhavan. On the day before Holi, thousands of people visit the temple to participate in the Holi of God. Priest spray color water on the deity and on the devotees. The devotees chant in unison and It is an amazing site to watch cultural and ritual activities. On the Holi day, the celebrations start at 9 am in the morning. People throw powder at each other inside the temple. Devotees specifically dressed in light colors or white for enjoying the colors. Right outside the temple, you can find street foods, shops for souvenirs shopping and much more.

Holi in Shantiniketan

If you want to enjoy Holi festival filled with cultural activities, West Bengal’s Shantiniketan is the best spot to visit. Here, Holi is called as Basanta Utsav. You can experience several cultural activities during this festival. Folk dance, music festival, puppet shows and much more are conducted throughout the city. The temples of the city conducts special rituals during this day.

Purulia of West Bengal celebrates the spring with Basanta Utsav. However, it is quite dissimilar to that of the one celebrated in Shantiniketan. Folk dance, Nauta dance, Chau dance and Darbarijhumur are conducted throughout the place. Baul musicians conduct concerts at various spots in Purulia. The festival is celebrated in various places in the city.

Holi in Purulia

Thousands of people visiting the temple early in the morning to enjoy music performances and enjoy with colors. Mohua, a local beverage served to people who enjoy Holi in the temple. The evenings are dedicated for dance forms. An open-air theater is constructed and people enjoy folk performances. On the day after Holi, poetry recitals take place in the temple. Short folk performances also takes place at various places.

 

 

Holi in Anandpur Saheb

Holi is celebrated in cliché manner with rituals, cultural activities and many colors in Andandpur Sahib, Punjab. On the day after Holi, Hola, at Sik festival is celebrated in Anandpur Sahib. A day before Holi, a large three-day fair is that the Sikh New Year. You can enjoy fireworks, music, poetry, dance forms, martial art performances and many others. A military styled procession is conducted near the Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib.

 

 

Holi in Udaipur

Udaipur celebrates Holi in a royal style. On the evening before Holi, Holika Dahan is conducted. The royal family of Udaipur take part in the iconic procession of the celebration, seated on elephants or horses. The whole city forms a procession of dance, music and celebration and the royal family from the palace to Manek Chowk.

A large bon fire is conducted in the chowk region, which is followed by several dance and music performances. By the end of the day, a large puppet of a demon On the day of Holi, buckets of colored waters are thrown at anyone found on the street. People enjoy with folk dance and music. The hotels & restaurants in Udaipur conduct live night dance programs with DJ.

Holi is celebrated throughout India. Remember that the locals will throw water at strangers without considering their attire, belongings or others. Thus, cover your cameras and other precious items.. Apply to thick layers of coconut oil in your body and hair. It will help you remove the colors easily after the festival.