Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, serves as an enchanting occasion for people to unwind, come together, and engage in joyous celebrations with friends and family. Across the vast expanse of India, this festival is celebrated in different ways, each region infusing its own unique customs and traditions, yet all sharing in the unwavering spirit that defines the festival of colours. Streets turn into bright parties with lots of laughter, music, and people throwing colors everywhere.
When To Celebrate Holi 2024?
Holi, also called the ‘Festival of Colours’, occurs when spring begins. It doesn’t have a fixed date like New Year’s Day. Instead, it’s celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu calendar’s Falgun month, which usually falls in February or March. This year, the festival will be celebrated on March 25.
Where To Celebrate Holi 2024?
Holi, a significant festival celebrated throughout India, offers a variety of activities in different regions. Each region in India boasts its own unique customs and traditions associated with Holi, offering a diverse range of experiences for revelers.
Here’s a list of places where you can enjoy Holi celebrations this year.
Lathmar Holi in Uttar Pradesh
Phoolon Ki Holi in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, offers a truly enchanting way to celebrate this vibrant festival. Instead of traditional coluored powders, people joyfully toss fragrant flower petals, creating a mesmerizing display of colors and scents.
IN PICS: Unique Holi Traditions
Vrindavan holds a special significance as the childhood playground of Lord Krishna, infusing the celebration with profound spiritual essence. The Banke Bihari Temple and the ISKCON Temple stand as must-visit destinations to witness the spiritual fervor of Phoolon Ki Holi.
Another place to enjoy Holi in Uttar Pradesh is Barsana, known as the birthplace of Radha, where Lathmar Holi is celebrated. During Lathmar Holi, women playfully chase and hit men from Nandgaon, Krishna’s village, with sticks.
This is like a game to recreate the playful teasing between Radha and Krishna. It’s a colourful and lively festival that brings joy to everyone involved.
Basant Utsav in West Bengal
In West Bengal’s Shantiniketan, Holi takes on the name Basanta Utsav also known as Spring Festival. This unique celebration was initiated by the renowned Bengali poet and Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore, and has become a cherished tradition at Vishva Bharati University.
During Basanta Utsav, students wear vibrant spring attire and showcase cultural performances, including dances set to Tagore’s melodies, for visitors. Following the festivities, participants joyfully engage in the colorful tradition of throwing powdered colors, mirroring the jubilant spirit of conventional Holi celebrations.
Himachal Pradesh
Dive into the extraordinary Holi celebration in Sangla Valley, Himachal Pradesh, as part of the four-day Faguli Festival. This valley offers a unique twist on the traditional festival. Unlike other parts of India, Sangla uses dry colors and even snow for playful celebration, adding an adventurous touch to the festivities. You can also witness the vibrant procession during Holi, where characters from the Ramayana come to life amidst the sound of drums and joyful singing.
Punjab
Hola Mohalla is a significant festival for the Sikh community, typically occurring in March just after Holi. Originating from the time of the 10th Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh, this festival holds deep cultural and historical significance. During Hola Mohalla, Sikh warriors known as Nihangs dress in distinctive blue attire and demonstrate their martial skills with swords, weapons, and Gatka, a traditional form of martial arts.
Goa
Shigmo, also known as Shishirotsava, is a vibrant spring festival celebrated in Goa, marking one of the major festivals for the Hindu community. Additionally, it is enthusiastically observed by the Konkani diaspora. The festival, which typically takes place in the Phalguna month of the Hindu calendar, corresponds to March in the Gregorian calendar. Shigmo is a time of grandeur and splendor, with colorful processions, traditional dances, and joyful celebrations filling the streets of Goa.
Manipur
Yosang, also known as the ‘festival of colours’ or ‘Yaoshang,’ is a renowned celebration in Manipur, particularly among the Meitei community, the largest group in the state. During Yosang, people engage in various joyful activities such as dancing, singing, and playing games. A highlight of the festival is the Thabal Chongba dance, where boys and girls come together, holding hands, to dance around bonfires to the beats of drums and other instruments.
Rajasthan
Holi celebration in Rajasthan is a grand affair. In Udaipur, Holi celebrations are hosted by the royal family which presents a magnificent display of the city’s cultural richness. Led by the Maharana of Mewar, the grand procession commences at the historic City Palace. Guests enjoy a delicious feast amidst enjoying captivating local performances. The highlight of the event is the ‘Holika Dahan’ ceremony, signifying the triumph of good over evil. The following day, both the royal family and guests engage in joyful Holi festivities and enjoy traditional delicacies.
Karnataka
Traveling south, Hampi offers an enchanting setting for vibrant Holi celebrations. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which sets the stage for festive joy. The festivities start off with bonfires, symbolising the victory of good over evil. The next day, everyone engages themselves in playful celebration by throwing colors and enjoying the festival with music, dance, and gatherings.
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