As the festival of Holi is just around the corner, all the travel buffs start looking out for the best places where they could celebrate the festival of Holi with a bang. And why not so? After all, Holi is truly one of a kind Indian festival.
We all know that the Holi celebrations in India are perhaps the most fun and happening to get yourself indulge in! There is no other Indian festival that could promise a riot of colors along with an opportunity to explore the Indian culture.
And if you find yourself in a state of unclarity then we are here with a list of 12 best places to celebrate Holi festival in India. Let’s hop on and discover with our eyes wide open!
1. Banke Bihari Temple
If you are on a lookout for something really cool, then, this Holi you must head towards the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan to see the incredible spectacle of Phoolon Ki Holi. The festivities observed here are something to look forward to when everyone is smeared in the splash of colorful hues! The sight is simply worth witnessing. Phoolon Ki Holi festival is all about connecting with the divine and finding the grace of God in your life.
2. Lathmar Holi in Barsana
This is quite a unique tradition of Uttar Pradesh where womenfolk beat men with lathis. Yes, you heard it right! The men get all beaten up on this fun festival. Agreed that it is a little weird way of celebrating the festival of colors, but that’s how it is! It is quite a sight to see the women enjoying while beating the men. Thus, if you want to see men in humorously lousy states then probably, its time to tag the Lathmar Holi in Barsana to your travel bucket list.
3. Shantiniketan - Celebrate the festival of Holi in a Unique Way
As per our history, it was Rabindranath Tagore, the classical poet himself who introduced the celebrations of Holi at Shantiniketan as Basant Utsav. It is quite an integral part of the Bengali culture and has got really charming feels to it. If you find yourself in Bengal, then its highly recommended that you don’t miss out on this amazing way of celebrating Holi.
4. Delhi
The capital city of our country is a hub for all the interesting cultural activities taking place in India. It can even be said that Delhi is the mini version of India in itself. So, if you are in Delhi this Holi, then consider that you are in for a show. Delhi’s Holi celebrations are probably a little louder than any other city and the most fun too. It is an incredible combination of fun, music, laughter and moments of joy shared together. Thus, it would be sad for you to miss out on the Holi celebrations in Delhi.
5. Manipur - A Off-beat Destination for Celebrating Holi in India
In Manipur, people celebrate Yaosang. Celebrated for a period of five days in spring, Yaosang is considered as one of the most important festivals in Manipur. This event is no less than a cultural extravaganza of fun and happiness. The festival of Yaosang usually begins after the sunset in the local villages. The children can be seen going from house to house for monetary donations which are known as Nakatheng. Then, on the second day, the groups of local bands participate in kirtans. Like this, there are a few other rituals are also observed.
6. Punjab
The Hola Mohalla celebrations of Punjab are quite extraordinary. During this event, the Sikh warriors showcase their mettle with their martial arts, and mock fighting. Apart from that, there is also a massive arrangement for langar. Hola Mohalla of Punjab is the perfect combination of Punjabi streak mixed with cultural ecstasy.
7. Hampi
Not many would have heard about the celebrations of Holi in Hampi. But they do happen there! Hampi is a spot where one can see a lot of tourists indulging in the celebrations of Holi with locals and savoring the taste of Indian culture. It is quite a spectacle to witness!
8. Phalgun Purnima in Bihar
It is another name for Holi where the word Phagu means the sacred red powder and the word Purnima is the full moon day. It is celebrated with a great sense of joy where you can see people playing with colors. Its highlighting feature is that this festival is celebrated during the later part of the month of Phalgun and in the early parts of the Chaitra month.
9. Udaipur
The flavor of Holi in Udaipur is quite royal to experience. And on the day of Holi, the Maharaja of Mewar himself comes to witness the grandeur of the event. With the advent of Holi in Udaipur, people start preparing for the same with great joy and the celebrations are just too ecstatic to observe.
10. Jaipur
This is yet another great heritage site in India where you can hope to explore the traditional flavors of Holi. The enthusiasm of this festival in this region is all about exploring the quintessential vibes that the heritage of India has to promise.
11. West Bengal
Purulia of West Bengal is a three-day festival that takes place at Nimdih in the Purulia district of West Bengal and Tepantar in the Birbhum district. Here, you get to sing and dance along with the tribal people and indulge in their little rituals and folk performances.
12. Mumbai
Now, this is a really special one. Just imagine the fun of being in the presence of playful children of slums. You can listen to their stories and even take a tour of the Dharavi. Celebrating this Holi would cost you about Rs.1,400. And 80% of this amount goes into helping the people of Dharavi.
Also, for more information on the events and festivals of India, stay tuned to Adotrip!