Holi is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. From kids to adults, almost every person in India loves to celebrate Holi in their own way. Obviously, colours are the most common way of celebrating Holi but there are many other ways to celebrate this festival.
In different parts of India, people have their own traditional ways of celebrating Holi. Each one of them has some things in common, i.e., celebration, fun and spreading happiness.
Here are the most fun and unique ways of celebrating Holi in different parts of India. You can visit any of these places this Holi if you get interested after knowing about them.
1. Mathura
Encountered in Braj in Uttar Pradesh, the city of Mathura is one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India. Mathura is associated with the birth of Lord Krishna and hence, is one of the only places in the country where you can see the evidence of his miracles. And during Holi, Mathura becomes a shelter for people, since it is here where you can see the most prosperous celebrations of this festival in the entire country.
From morning chants, bhajans, and playing with purple gulaal at the Dwarkadheesh Temple, to colourful caravans from the Vishram Ghat to Holi Gate and various music and dance festivals, you can experience it all in Mathura during Holi. You can also see Ras-Leelas and Matki Phod occurrences in Mathura during Holi.
So, to add more fun and spirituality to your celebrations, you can visit Mathura during Holi.
2. Barsana
Known to be the birthplace of Radha, this small town of Barsana, located near Mathura is quite popular for Holi celebrations in India. You can even witness the iconic Lathmaar Holi in Barsana. In Lathmaar Holi, women playfully beat the men with sticks. This event takes place around one week earlier than Holi.
Signifying the arrival of Shri Krishna to meet her love, Radha, sweet Laddoo Holi is celebrated at the Shriji Temple where laddoos are distributed among the devotees. People also sing a bunch of folk melodies in Braj Bhasha, along with bhajans glorifying Lord Krishna and Radha to commemorate Holi in Barsana.
3. Vrindavan
At the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, on the Ekadashi before Holi, a very interesting “Phoolonwali Holi” is celebrated. Instead of colours, the people play Holi with real and colourful flowers. People from different parts of the country visit Vrindavan especially to witness Phoolonwali Holi.
Another interesting way of Holi celebration is the widow’s Holi. Breaking the stereotype, widows living in Vrindavan celebrate Holi with flower petals and colours. Believe me, being a part of the Holi celebrations in Vrindavan is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you need to experience it atleast once in your life.
4. Shantiniketan
To relive the ancient tradition, Rabindranath Tagore introduced the Basant Utsav in Shantiniketan in West Bengal. The tradition is still being followed with the same zest and vigour by the people in Shantiniketan. This festival basically marks the celebration of spring, the season of new beginnings.
People celebrate by playing with coloured powders called abeer which signifies joy and hope.
5. Punjab
To celebrate the most unique form of Holi, you must visit Punjab. Punjab is already at its best during the spring season. But, if you visit especially for Holi, you may witness some different traditions and cultures. This different form of Holi is primarily celebrated by the Sikh community.
They enjoy it so much that they shout their hearts out. Furthermore, various martial arts are exhibited during the day and in the evening, they enjoy playing with colours. Believe me, this can be quite a different experience for you.
These were very few of the places you can visit during Holi to have a memorable experience. But, if you don’t want to travel and enjoy the festival at your own place, that’s totally understandable. After all, new experiences can wait but not the comfort you have at your home with your family and friends of course.
Written by Nidhi Jha
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