India is known as the land of festivals; it is a country where every celebration is filled with traditions, joy and warmth. Among all the festivals, Holi stands out as one of the most vibrant and important celebrations of India. Rooted in ancient mythology this “festival of colours” signifies the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of the spring season. This festival is full of happening activities and delicious snacks. From the royal celebrations in Udaipur to the traditional Lathmar Holi in Barsana, each one has its own charm. Celebrated on full moon of Phalguna Month as per Hindu Calendar, Holi festival date lies in months of March every year. If you are in India during Holi and want to witness the best Holi celebrations, then look no further than this list of some Top places to celebrate Holi in India.
Phoolon wali Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh)
Holi celebration in Vrindavan and Mathura has different energy and way of celebration. Both the places have strong connections with Lord Krishna. One is his birthplace while the other is the land where he spent his childhood. Holi celebrations start almost a week before the festival at famous temples.
A procession starts early in the morning before Holi from Banke Bihari Temple and leads to Mathura. A colorful parade with dhols and drums begins from the temple to the river and is marked at the Holi gate.
What’s Special?
- Play with flowers and gulal at Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan with other devotees. But you can get too much rush and crowd here during Holi. So, plan a trip to Mathura in advance during Holi.
- Locals act in Krishna-Leela drama and also re-enact the Holi scenes at Gulal Kund near Govardhan Hill to make Holi event pleasure filled.
Important Places to play Holi in Mathura – Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Holi Gate, Chhata Bazar, and Vikram Ghat.
Top spots for Holi celebration in Vrindavan – Banke Bihari temple
Lathmar Holi Barsana (Uttar Pradesh)
Holi festival in Barsana is celebrated in a very interesting way. Barsana- Place of Shri Radha Rani. Here, the tradition of “Lathmar Holi” is still carried where women playfully beat men with sticks (Lath) while they shield themselves with shields.
Dancing in tunes of Radha and Krishna songs and playing colors make it a fun place to enjoy the festival. Arrive Barsana a week before the festival as the celebrations start quite early. You can book 2 Days Mathura Vrindavan Tour Package to explore all attractions and holi celebration.
What’s Special?
One day before Lathmar Holi, Laddu Holi is celebrated in Laadli Temple. In this unique holi fest, thousands of Radha Rani’s devotees participate to make laddoos, sweets, and gulal.
Top spots for Holi celebration in Barsana- Radha Rani temple, Rangoli Gali Barsana, Shriji Temple
Basanta Utsav in Shantiniketan (West Bengal)
Holi in Shantiniketan has a unique flavor. The festival is known as the Basanta Utsav (Spring Festival). Inspired by spring and the colors of Holi, famous Bengali poet and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore introduced the occasion as an annual event in his Vishva Bharati University.
What’s Special?
Holi is celebrated here as a welcome of spring season with devoting songs, music, and interesting rhymes along with colors. Women dress up in traditional attire – yellow sarees and flame of the forest flowers. The campus echoes with melodious rhythms and dance beats. Soak in the eclectic ecstasy with Rabindra Sangeet.
Top spots for Holi celebration in West Bengal – Visva-Bharati campus, Shantiniketan
Royal Holi in Udaipur (Rajasthan)
If you want to witness a royal Holi celebration, then Udaipur is the perfect place to celebrate Holi in India. The festival begins one day prior to Holi on the eve of Holika Dehan with the participation of the royal family. Maharaja or king lights the bonfire in the palace’s courtyard. The folk dance ‘Gair’ is performed around the bonfire followed by playing with colours on next day. Traditional sweets and other delicacies are cooked and distributed among all.
What’s special?
A procession commences from the Shambhu Niwas Palace and ends at Manek Chowk’s residence. The royals gather with their entourage, and the festivity ends with traditional food and fireworks.
Famous sites for Holi celebration in Udaipur — City Palace, Manek Chowk narrow lanes, and the local market of Udaipur.
Holi in Jaipur (Rajasthan)
Holi is always being so special in the Pink city, Jaipur. Every year on this occasion, Rajasthan Tourism organizes the elephant festival which attracts thousands of tourists from across the world.
The festival kick starts with a grand and magnificent procession of elephants. These elephants are painted in different colours, decorated with embroidered clothes, silver ornaments, and then they are marched in the polo ground with their mahouts, thumping to the sound of nagadas and loud blows of bankiya (a musical instrument).
DO NOT MISS: Places to visit in Rajasthan in 3 Days
What’s Special?
- Tourists from different countries have a whale of a time at the lawns of Khasa Kothi and near the railway station on MI Road. Rajasthani folk dance and music are organized here.
- You can also extend your trip with visit to Khatu Shyam for Holi Celebration. Book Jaipur Khatu Shyam Ajmer and Pushkar Tour.
Top Spots for Holi celebration Jaipur— Rambagh Palace, Govind Dev Ji Temple, Khasa Kothi Hotel lawn, Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal
Holla Mohalla in Anandpur Sahib (Punjab)
Punjab celebrates a very different version of Holi. Since the beginning of the 18th century, this festival Holla Mohalla is been conducted. The tradition of Holla Mohalla was started by Guru Gobind ji as a protest against the Mughals.
During this celebration, the Sikh warriors, known as Nihangs, demonstrate physical ability with martial arts performances, mock wars, competitions, sword fights and military exercise performances.
What’s Special?
- A long procession from Takth Keshgarh Sahib through various gurudwaras such as Qila Anandgarh, Lohgarh Sahib, and Mata Jitoji is held to culminate the festivities. Panj Pyaras leads the procession
- There are music competitions, poetry, and mock battles. Swordsmanship and horse riding are also displayed here.
Places you can visit in Punjab for Holi celebration- Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Gurudwara Sri Anandpur Sahib, Gurudwara Sri Kesgarh Sah and Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Museum
Tips for a safe and joyful Holi
- Prefer wearing white or old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained.
- Apply coconut oil to protect your skin from colour stains.
- Wear protective eyewear
- Respect the local custom and be mindful of cultural sensitivities.
How to Celebrate Holi in India in Unique Ways!
Regional and cultural diversity of India makes Holi celebration in India versatile. You will find various style of celebrating Holi across India in different regions. From Party-styled Holi in North India and Rajasthan to traditional style celebration in Mathura Vrindavan, make your Holi Party enjoyable with us. From playing with Gulaal, to take part in Holika Dahan Puja rituals, Rain dance or music festival, indulge in Lassi, Thandai or Gujiyas are key activities to enjoy. Choose one of the destinations and book a Holi Tour Package to get on a wonderful holiday.
Conclusion
Holi is more than a festival! The celebration of Holi in unique ways across the country truly highlights the diversity and richness of Indian culture. So, plan your Holi in an exciting way and explore these wonderful places to celebrate Holi in India to immerse yourself in the most colourful festival.