Unique places to celebrate the Holi festival of colours in India
India’s famous festival of colours offers much more than just throwing colours! Holi is a celebration of brotherhood, the divine love of devotees for the Hindu deity Krishna, the coming of spring and India’s diverse and spectacular cultural heritage.
So dig out your old clothes (because they’re irretrievably stained) and your boldest side and celebrate Holi like a local with these five insider tips:
1. Admire a breathtaking display of ancient martial arts
A rare glimpse of Sikh warrior heritage is offered by the annual Hola Mohalla carnival in Punjab, four hours away from the home of the Golden Temple. Men and boys in colourful turbans and traditional costumes perform fascinating sword fights, mock battles, military stunts and acrobatics.
This visual feast, which dates back more than three centuries, captures the unmistakable spirit of Punjab and is complemented by the warm hospitality of its people. Expect delicious and elaborate dishes in the communal langar and poetry that will sweep you away.
Where Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
2. Throwing candy and hitting men with sticks
Celebrations in the state of Lord Krishna’s birth begin only ten days before the national celebrations – with a whimsical shower of homemade sweets by A.K.A Laddoo Holi! Women gather in traditional colourful saris and throw sweets while singing folk tunes about Hindu mythology.
The ensuing revelry involves women taking to the streets with sticks (“Lathmar Holi”) and beating men with makeshift shields in a playful procession with music and dancing through neighboring villages. The festival culminates on the day of Holi at the famous Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan, where a wild extravaganza of colour takes place.
Where Barsana, Uttar Pradesh
3. Enjoy the folk music of the mighty Himalayas
The Kumaon region of the lower Himalayas, especially the ancient town of Almora, offers a quieter and less crowded Holi, celebrating the arrival of spring after a freezing winter and enjoying the folk traditions of the region.
The month-long celebrations begin with Baithaki Holi, a recreation of musical gatherings from the royal era, where stories from the life of Lord Krishna are sung to the sound of classical instruments. This is followed by ethnic Kumaoni music in Khadi Holi (“standing” Holi) and Mahila Holi (“women’s Holi”). The melodious affair fittingly culminates with people rubbing each other with “abeer”, the ubiquitous dye extracted from flowers most commonly associated with Holi.
Where Almora, Uttarakhand
4. Dance under the full moon
For those who long to go off the beaten track, in the northeastern state of Manipur, the traditional harvest festival called Yaoshang is coupled with colourful Holi celebrations. The celebrations begin when the full moon appears in the sky on the night before Holi, with the older generation telling folk legends and singing indigenous tunes on modern instruments and the younger generation competing in neighbourhood sports competitions.
On the day of Holi, small straw huts are built and burnt in bonfires, colours are thrown and devotional songs are sung in street processions and local temples – an intimate affair that heralds the beginning of a colourful spring.
Where Imphal, Manipur
5. Celebrate like royalty
Step back in time to India’s royal era in the state of Rajasthan, where descendants of the Mewar clan still uphold the family tradition with a flamboyant procession through the old cobbled streets of Udaipur. Imagine decorated half-blood stallions and men marching in festive dress, led by a local band that mixes Holi folk songs with majestic melodies! Locals line the streets from the royal residence to the City Palace to watch the parade and light spring purification fires to chase away all evil.
Tip: Take a local friend or guide with you so you know where to go, what to do and how to stay safe on the streets during the Holi celebrations!
Where Udaipur, Rajasthan
About the author
Shivya Nath quit her corporate job and embarked on a nomadic journey in search of an adventure she had rarely experienced. Join her travels on her award-winning travel blog – The Shooting Star – and on Twitter @shivya.
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