Commonly referred to as the Festival of Colors, Holi is among the most beloved and spirited festivals celebrated across India, following Diwali. This colorful festival occurs on Phalgun Purnima, which usually takes place in March. It signifies the onset of spring and is often called the festival of colors. The roots of the Holi festival are ancient, representing the victory of good over evil. Various mythological stories narrate the origins of this festival. One such tale describes the defeat of Holika, the sister of Hrinyakashyapu. Furthermore, Holi is intimately associated with the everlasting love between Krishna and Radha. This vibrant festival brings together people from various backgrounds, creating an environment filled with joy, laughter, and cultural diversity. Below are some of the finest locations in India to experience or engage in the famous Holi festival as part of the India tour packages.
Goa
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The festival of Holi is called Shigmostav in Goa, one of the top beach destinations in India, and among the most popular places to visit near Mumbai. Festivities start with prayers to the village gods and goddesses. It is the biggest festival for Hindus and is spread over a fortnight. The parades are held in the last five days of the festival. Shigmostav is highlighted with performances of troupes in the form of parades and cultural dramas. Festivities reach their peak on the fifth day when gulal is used to color everyone. Most of the festivities are mainly concentrated in Panjim, Vasco, and Margao. The main Goa Beaches also turn colorful on the day of Holi with a large number of locals & tourists gathering on the shores to play with colors. Besides the festivities, one can also book some renowned yoga retreats in India, like Ashiyana, to relax their body, mind, and soul as part of the Goa Tour Packages.
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Mathura & Vrindavan
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The Holi of Mathura and Vrindavan is extremely famous throughout the country. It attracts tourists and pilgrims from all over the world as part of Mathura tour packages. Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and Vrindavan is the place where he spent his childhood. These are the popular places of pilgrimage in India, and also famous places to visit near Delhi. According to legend, the tradition of playing colors on Holi originated from the Leela of Radha and Krishna. Mathura holds a renowned show in the week before Holi. A colorful and musical procession takes place from the temples to the river, then to the Holi Gate, where the festival is marked. On Holi, the best place to catch the throwing of colors in Mathura is Dwarkadheesh Temple. The Banke-Bihari Temple in Vrindavan hosts week-long Holi celebrations. The event here takes place just a day before the main Holi festival. The temple opens up its doors to all visitors to come and play Holi.
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Barsana
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Located near Mathura, Barsana in Uttar Pradesh is renowned for its Lath Mar Holi. Considered to be the birthplace of Radha, Barsana becomes vibrant in the days leading up to Holi. In this town, the festival takes on a theatrical form where women humorously strike men with sticks, a tradition that is deeply rooted in the legend of Krishna and Radha. The primary festivities in Barsana occur at the Ladliji temple, which is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites near Delhi. The two-day Lath Mar Holi celebrations are bold, dramatic, and among the most photographed Holi events in India. On the first day, men from Krishna’s village, Nandgaon, journey to Barsana to playfully tease the local women. The women then pursue the men, striking them with sticks, which gives rise to the name Lathmar Holi. Men are permitted to defend themselves using shields. On the second day, the women from Barsana travel to Nandgaon to celebrate Holi with the men there. Pilgrims, photographers, and newcomers flock to these vibrant celebrations as part of the Vrindavan tour packages.
Must Visit: Pilgrimage Sites in Uttar Pradesh
Shantiniketan
Shantiniketan – Image Source
The Holi festival is recognized as Basanta Utsav or the Spring Festival in Shantiniketan, West Bengal. This celebration was initiated as an annual event by the renowned Bengali poet and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore at his Vishva Bharati University in Shantiniketan. The students of Vishva Bharati commemorate Basanta Utsav in a uniquely special manner. They adorn themselves in yellow attire and showcase delightful folk dances and cultural performances, which are followed by the playful throwing of colors. The festivities commence a day before Holi and have now become a significant aspect of Bengali heritage. Each year, a large influx of tourists visits Shantiniketan to observe and engage in these celebrations as part of the West Bengal tour packages.
Also Read: Places to visit near Kolkata
Anandpur Sahib
Anandpur Sahib – Image Source
Sikhs observe Holi, referred to as Hola Mohalla, in a distinctive manner at Anandpur Sahib, Punjab. Hola Mohalla is an annual event that takes place a day after the Hindu festival of Holi. This celebration was initially established by Sikh Guru Gobind Singh to honor Holi. Notably, the term Hola is the masculine counterpart of the feminine Holi. While the lively Holi festival is characterized by the throwing of colors, Hola Mohalla is marked by the exhibition of martial prowess in simulated combat scenarios. During this three-day grand event, individuals showcase their physical capabilities through martial arts displays, mock battles, competitions, military drills, swordplay, and more. Numerous poems and discussions regarding the bravery of both men and women in warfare are held during this festival. Anandpur Sahib stands out as one of the prime places to visit near Chandigarh to experience the Holi festivities in a remarkable manner.
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Jaipur and Udaipur
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Holi is one of the prominent festivals celebrated in Rajasthan. The Elephant Festival takes place concurrently with Holi in Jaipur, featuring activities such as sprinkling colors on elephants, tug-of-war, folk dance and music, and elephant beauty contests, among others. In Udaipur, the Holi festivities last for two days. The first day, known as Holika Dahan, is celebrated at the City Palace in Udaipur, which is a must-visit location in Rajasthan tour packages. The tradition of lighting the Holika Dahan is carried out by the current custodian of the Mewar dynasty. The following morning, the streets of Udaipur come alive with Holi celebrations.
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Hampi
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Holi is indeed a festival that is celebrated more in the North than in the South. However, if you find yourself in southern India and wish to partake in the Holi festivities, Hampi is the ideal destination, being one of the most frequented heritage sites in Karnataka. Holi is a significant festival in addition to the Hampi festival, celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Phalguna. This festival is meaningful as it marks the conclusion of the winter season and the beginning of summer. The Holi celebrations in Hampi last for two days. People congregate in the streets to throw colors and dance to the rhythm of drums, followed by a refreshing dip in the river. Foreign tourists enthusiastically join in the Holi celebrations alongside locals as part of the Hampi tour packages.
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Mumbai
Mumbai – Image Source
Holi is a prominent festival in Mumbai, celebrated with great enthusiasm. Moreover, Holi parties are held across the city of Mumbai, which is an essential inclusion in Maharashtra tour packagess. The Dharavi slum area in Mumbai is one of the vibrant locations to experience Holi. During the festival, tourists can partake in the celebrations alongside local children for a fee that supports the welfare of both the children and the community. Those who wish to celebrate Holi for a good cause opt to enjoy the festivities with the children of Dharavi as part of the Mumbai tour packages. The celebrations include the tradition of suspending a pot filled with buttermilk, with men climbing on each other in an effort to reach the pot. The person who successfully breaks the pot is honored as the Holi King for that year. Such activities evoke the legendary feats of Krishna. Individuals with physical disabilities also take an active part in this festival. Additionally, Bollywood celebrities participate in the color festivities during this celebration.
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* Source of Feature Image – Wikimedia
REFERENCE
Mumbai Darshan
Mathura Temples
Vrindavan Pilgrimage
Hampi Historical Sites
Places to visit in Goa
Places to visit in Jaipur
