Holi is one of the biggest celebrations in India, and naturally, the enthusiasm of Indians is at its peak for the Festival of Colors. This Indian festival is known beyond the borders of the country for its vibrant celebrations that begin with Holika Dahan on the night before the festival and reach zenith on the actual day of Holi. Although the festival is synonymous with colors, there are various other interesting Holi traditions that are followed in different parts of the country. It is because of their unique Holi traditions that these places have always topped the list of the best places to celebrate Holi in India. Which are those places, you ask? Well, we have listed the top 5 in this article.
Barsana
A small village called Barsana in Uttar Pradesh is famous for its Lathmar Holi celebrations, in which women chase the men carrying sticks in their hands while the latter try to protect themselves with shields. A unique way of celebrating Holi, this playful fight is an age-old tradition with origin in legends related to Sri Krishna and Radha. This tradition is alive by the people of Barsana and Nandgaon to this day. If you are planning to celebrate this Holi at Barsana, make sure you reach one or two days before the festival date as the Laddoo Holi at Shriji Temple is worth witnessing too!
Vrindavan
As a place associated with the legendary tales of Radha and Krishna, Vrindavan is one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India. On the Ekadashi before Holi, the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan organizes a Phoolon Wali Holi to mark the advent of spring. A large number of devotees visit this temple during the festival to drench themselves in the shower of flowers. Another note-worthy ritual (that has emerged of late) is Widow’s Holi which takes place at Gopinath Temple. Widowed women smear gulal (color) on each other, breaking free from the age-old tradition that restrained them from playing with colors.
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Shantiniketan
This renowned university in West Bengal celebrates the onset of spring as Basant Utsav. The Utsav that adds many cultural elements to Holi celebrations was first initiated by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The festivities include students dressing themselves up in traditional attire and taking part in various programs that display Bengali culture. Students traditionally wear yellow on this day, and welcome spring in a cheerful manner with music, dance, and other art and cultural performances. Many foreigners book flights to Kolkata to witness the resplendent celebrations at Vishva Bharati University.
Udaipur
The royal city of Udaipur is among the top places to celebrate Holi in India. You can actually join the celebration hosted by the Maharaja of Mewar. The king himself welcomes dignitaries and guests, including foreign tourists, to the City Palace. He sets off the celebration with Holika Dahan which signifies the victory of good over evil. The locals perform the folk dance around the bonfire while folk music is being played. A huge procession to Manek Chowk is arranged. A grand feast follows and the royal celebration comes to an end with an eye-popping fireworks display. Holi at Udaipur is a royal affair, isn’t it?
Hampi
Although widely believed, the best places to celebrate Holi in India are not just limited to the northern part of the country. If you are thinking of traveling to South India this Holi 2022, then Hampi is the best option you can consider. The colors of Holi accentuate the ancient charm of the temple city. The festival is celebrated for 2 days. Music and dance also form a part of the cheerful festival celebrations at Hampi. After splashing color on each other, people traditionally take a bath in the nearby Tungabhadra River as it is believed to wash away all the sins.
Apart from the above, Mathura, Jaipur, Delhi, Purulia, Agra, Mumbai, Amritsar, Pushkar, and Varanasi are some of the best places to celebrate Holi in India.
Holi 2022 is falling on Friday! Don’t you think the occasion and these places are perfect to plan a long weekend trip? Then, come on, book cheap flight tickets with Indian Eagle and celebrate the ‘Festival of Colors’ in a memorable way!