"The Greatness Of A Culture Can be Found In Its Festivals!"
The best way to welcome the Spring season is by celebrating Holi! Since Holi is a splendid festival of color and love, the celebrations are magnificent. Moreover, there is no better place to enjoy the colors of Holi than India. The beauty of the fact that different regions in India celebrate Holi diversely adds more fun to it. However, the fun is one part of this festival, the religious and cultural values of Holi are also treasured.
This being said, the legendary tales that people reminisce during this two-day festival are very fascinating. Furthermore, various stories run back to the origin of Holi in India. However, one of them is famous and recalled a lot.
The Sacred Fire Of Holika:
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Firstly, this two-day fest starts with “Badi Holi”(or the sacred fire of “Holika Dahan”). The story about this sacred fire is related to the ancient demon King Hiranyakashipu, his son Pralhad, and King’s sister Holika. Holika was eternally blessed not to be burned in the fire. They were from the demon kingdom and always envied God. However, the King and his sister were unhappy about Pralhad’s devotion to God. So they both thought of a devious plan to end his life.
Holika along with Pralhad was supposed to sit on the stacked logs which would then set on fire. She knew the fire couldn’t harm her but her thoughts were corrupted and it was too late for her to realize her sin. The evil Holika burned in the fire while Pralhad was saved. Thus, that day onwards on Holika Dahan, every year people gather in groups and perform rituals around the bonfire. Moreover, they pray that the evil inside them should be destroyed in that sacred bonfire. Moreover, the night ends with a delicious meal and lots of sweets.
The Laughter And Enjoyment Of Colors:
The real fun begins the next morning on the “Chhoti Holi” or “ Rang Wali Holi”. The kids get ready with their colored-water balloons and water guns to play Holi. Elders are seen enjoying Holi with bright and beautiful colors, especially Gulal! Moreover, there are various dishes specially made for this day that everyone loves. Holi is incomplete without the preparations of dishes like Gujiya and Malpua. Also, the playful fights with colors and water balloons are the most entertaining part of this festival. There is music, dance, food, laughter, color, and a lot of enjoyment on this day.
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The changing wave of traditions in each part of India makes it even more delightful and fascinating. A journey to incredible India will put an unforgettable and vibrant impression on you forever.
However, you will be surprised to know the different versions of Holi across India. Some places have their unique way of celebrating Holi. They do not just use powdered colors or colored-water to play Holi but add their twist to it. The traditional way of Holi celebrations in these specific parts of India is a great experience. Since this time in 2021, it’s a long weekend to enjoy the festival of colors, you could probably choose to visit these locations to enjoy to your heart’s content!
Let us walk through the cities of India that will drive you crazy with the magnificent arrangements and enthusiastic celebration of Holi:
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1. Vrindavan
The enthusiasm of Holi can be truly witnessed in Vrindavan. After all, it is the hometown of Lord Krishna and the tales of Radha-Krishna playing Holi are celebrated. This place holds the grand celebrations of Holi to welcome the spring season. Moreover, Phoolon Wali Holi is celebrated on the eve of Ekadashi that falls before Holi. On this day, the priests at Banke Bihari Temple shower the devotees with colorful flowers. However, the playful Holi with powdered colors is the true essence of this entire event. People are colored from head to toe with pink, purple, blue, and all kinds of colors. Furthermore, the vibrant and bright scenario gets lit by the music tunes that make everyone dance.
The interesting fact about Vrindavan’s Holi is the celebrations at Gopinath Temple. Unfortunately, the widows here were not allowed to touch the colors or even wear colorful clothes for a long time. However, the people of Vrindavan broke this stereotype a few years back. Therefore, at the Gopinath Temple, the widows celebrate the Holi with colors and marigold petals. Their event is more pious and elegant than the fancy celebrations at the Bankey Bihari Temple.
2. Mathura
Since Holi is deeply associated with Lord Krishna, the town of Mathura has some magnificent celebrations during the festival of Holi. This is where Krisha was born and thus the grand gusto and ceremony. It is at the Dwarkadheesh Temple that the grandeur celebrations take place. Firstly, the locals have a jubilant tone, and they get together to look after all the arrangements of Holi. Moreover, there are a huge number of visitors, travelers from all around the world who visit Mathura during this time. The bright colors that fill up the air make the town look even beautiful. Everyone seems to enjoy the festival as they dance along to the music while playing with the colors.
3. Varanasi
When it comes to representing Indian culture, we cannot help but mention the name of this city. Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in India with the presence of the River Ganga. Firstly, the undisputed attraction of Varanasi is the riverside ghats that offer the most fascinating views. Moreover, the narrow alleys all around the city are mazes and can confuse you at times. However, walking through these streets a night before Holi is the best possible thing you can do. Since there is a holy bonfire on that night, you can see the fire lit across every lane. The majestic flame that rises in the night is something to take a look at.
Furthermore, the locals can be notorious on the day of color Holi. Considering the celebrations, a lot of foreign visitors are expected here in Varanasi. The kids like to play around them and douse them in colors. Anyway, it seems to be fun; after all, Holi is all about colors and fun! Finally, the day ends well with the famous sweet dish, Gujiya that is particularly enjoyed during Holi.
4. Barsana
This is quite an interesting destination for the ceremony of Holi. Barsana is famous for the unique way of celebrating Holi. The locals have this weird tradition where ladies beat the men with sticks while playing Holi. The men are supposed to dodge them and protect themselves with shields. It is pretty amazing to watch. They have named it the “Lathmar Holi.” Perhaps women take pleasure while this bizarre ceremony takes place. It is fascinating to catch a glimpse of this playful way of Holi celebration. Barsana is one of the most visited places in India during Holi due to this very reason. However, the colors are later used to celebrate Holi. This kind of festivity is always filled with laughter, joy, music, and of course a lot of sweets!
5. Udaipur
If you want to celebrate Holi with all its royalty, then there is no other place better than Rajasthan. The city of Udaipur holds the grandeur and royal events of Holi. The Royal City Palace welcomes all the esteemed guests, royalties, and even foreign tourists. The King or the Maharana then lit the bonfire and commemorated the traditions. Moreover, folk music and dance bring about the best of Indian culture and set the joyous tone for the evening. After a lavish dinner at the royal palace, the night ends with beautiful fireworks that fill the sky with light. The next morning is all about colors, music, dance, and sweets.
6. Jaipur
There is no doubt that Pink City offers some of the best moments of Holi celebrations in entire India. Just like Udaipur, the celebrations are royal and guests are welcomed with enthusiasm. One of the famous places to stay in the Khasa Kothi Hotel. They offer you the best hospitality and experience of Holi events. Moreover, the royal palace announces a gala bash every year during Holi. The tickets to the gala seem on the pretty high end, but if it’s in your budget, then do not miss the chance. The locals then engage themselves in folk music and dance and thus the celebrations are moved forward.
7. Amritsar
There is no way we will be leaving the city of Amritsar out of this list. The enthusiasm and excitement that Punjabi people have are almost incomparable to anyone else in the entire world. This being said, Amritsar is one of the best destinations to visit in India during Holi. However, the celebration here is a bit different than any other place, considering the over-enthusiasm. You can witness the locals showcasing their martial arts skills and even sword duals on Holi. These events should not be missed as the locals pour their hearts out with cheers and shouts.
The most alluring of all these events is the ceremony at the Golden Temple, where people worship the god and play Holi with gulal. The colors are everywhere. Finally, delicious food dishes like Gujiya, malpua, halwa, and puri are served for every visitor.
8. Pushkar
The town of Pushkar has many foreign and local visitors throughout the year. Therefore, the Holi celebrations are at their peak in Pushkar as well. The techno music that is played in the main square is chest-thumping. This is more of a concert where people are smothered in colors. The Bhang served at Pushkar’s Holi ceremony will get you pumped up like never before. This traditional mixture of yogurt, cannabis, and sugar is very popular during the festival of Holi. Since people are high on Bhang, they celebrate Holi most excitingly and crazily possible.
9. Purulia
Towards the eastern side of India, the events of Holi are not too fancy but considered folk festivity. Holi in Purulia, West Bengal is celebrated with a twist of local traditions and culture. People dress up in their unique traditional clothing and enjoy folk dance and music. The exhibition of local folk art is mesmerizing. Unlike the other places, the spring season blooms in this region with melodious songs and different forms of folk dance.
10. Delhi
Finally, let’s celebrate the festival of colors right in the heart of the country itself. Delhi is known for the crazy and the most heart-thumping celebrations in India. The kids fight with their water guns, while elders seem to be more enthusiastic than kids. If you are in Delhi during this time, then you should get the tickets for the “Holi Cow” Festival. It is one of the most exciting events that take place in the entire year. The music, art, and acts that happen here are breathtaking. Moreover, the people do enjoy the colors and delicious sweets just like everywhere else too. The celebrations are awesome and you will get the best experience of Holi in Delhi.
Which is the best place to celebrate Holi according to you? Let us know your thoughts and which of these places amazed you the most. If you are in any of these places, we hope that you have the beautiful experience of welcoming Spring. Share your favorite Spring Festival memories and let everyone rejoice like the bright colors of Holi.
Happy Holi! Happy Travel!