One of the ancient and popular Hindu religious festivals of India, Holi is round the corner and people from different parts of the world are excited to be a part of the celebration of colourful love. The festival lies when the cold of winter is replaced by the soothing tones of spring, and displays the vivacious shades of fascinating Indian culture. It is celebrated with an array of activities taking place all over the country, ranging from traditional rituals at temples to luxury parties with DJ’s, bhang and cheerful colours.
If you are planning a visit to India this Holi, know about the places where you make the most of this joyful festival:
Delhi
It is a known fact that the capital turns into a rowdy affair during the festival of Holi. There is no end to fun and frolic all over the city with music, dancing and an array of Holi-themed parties. If you wish to make the most of the festival in Delhi, be a part of the Holi Moo Festival – the festival of colour and madness held every year with over 40 Indian as well as international artists performing over various stages. Street food, bhang lassi, sprinklers and non-toxic colours – each and everything about the event is certain to get you into a perfect festive mood.
Mathura and Vrindavan
The Holi celebration in Mathura and Vrindavan is quite popular all over the country. The festival is celebrated with great gusto and fervour here and appeals to tourists and pilgrims from different corners of the world. The celebrations start 40 days before the main day of the festival in the temples across Mathura and Vrindavan. From the temples to the river to the Holi Gate, all become livelier with a colourful and musical procession during the festival. You can visit Dwarkadheesh Temple to experience the best of throwing of colours in Mathura.
Hampi
Though South India is not popular for Holi celebrations, Hampi, an ancient village in Karnataka, celebrates the festival with all the zeal due to the presence of huge crowds of western tourists. The Holi celebration is highly popular in the city; it is celebrated for two days with coloured powder and liquid colours along with extravaganza of music and dance. You would also love to explore the heritage monuments of the city that turn colourful and appear more beautiful on Holi than the usual days.
Punjab
One of the most important Sikh festivals celebrated in Punjab, the festival of Holi in the state is also called Hola Mohalla or Hola. It is celebrated in a unique style following a peculiar tradition that comprises less of colour play and more of kushti (martial art practices). Held at the Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara, in Rupnagar for three days, it is considered as a holy festival for the Sikhs and also comprises sword fighting, acrobatic military stunts and elaborate langars (free food) on each day.
Udaipur
Renowned for its royal aura appealing to tourists from different corners of the world, Udaipur celebrates Holi with all the poise. The festival is celebrated with lighting bonfire which is also called Holika Dahan one day before and is followed by a procession to the City Palace organised by the Royal Rajputs of Mewar family of Udaipur on the day of Holi. While the decked up horses and live band party are a treat to watch during the procession, the colour play, afterwards, is such a delight to indulge in.