Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour across India. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the victory of good over evil and to spread joy and happiness. One of the best ways to experience the true spirit of Holi is to travel to different parts of India and witness the unique traditions and customs associated with the festival. In this blog, we have compiled a list of the 40 best places to travel for Holi in India.
Sure, here’s a detailed blog on 22 popular places in India to celebrate Holi:
1. Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Mathura and Vrindavan are the birthplaces of Lord Krishna, and Holi is celebrated here with great fervour and enthusiasm. The celebrations start a week before the main Holi day, and people participate in various rituals and customs like Lathmar Holi, where women playfully beat men with sticks, and Phoolon Wali Holi, where flowers are used instead of colours. The temples are decorated, and devotees sing bhajans and chant mantras, adding to the spiritual atmosphere.
2. Barsana, Uttar Pradesh
Located near Mathura, Barsana is famous for its unique Lathmar Holi, where women hit men with sticks. It is believed that Lord Krishna visited Barsana to play Holi with Radha, and this tradition has been carried forward to this day. The men of Nandgaon come to Barsana, and the women of Barsana beat them with sticks, signifying the women’s dominance in the relationship. It is a fun and unique way to celebrate Holi.
3. Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh
Nandgaon is the village where Lord Krishna grew up, and Holi is celebrated here with great enthusiasm. The men of Nandgaon come to Barsana to play Holi with the women there, and the next day, the women of Barsana visit Nandgaon to play Holi with the men there. The celebrations are colourful and lively, with people smearing colours on each other, dancing to the beat of the dhol, and enjoying traditional delicacies.
4. Delhi
The capital city of India, Delhi, is known for its grand Holi celebrations, especially in the areas of Purani Dilli, Chandni Chowk, and Connaught Place. People gather in large numbers, smearing colors on each other and dancing to the tunes of Bollywood Holi songs. The food scene is also a major attraction, with traditional delicacies like gujiya, dahi bhalla, and thandai being served in many places.
5. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur, the pink city of Rajasthan, is another popular destination to celebrate Holi. The celebrations here are a mix of traditional and modern, with people smearing colors on each other, dancing to the beats of dhol, and enjoying traditional delicacies. The city’s palaces and forts are also decorated, adding to the festive atmosphere.
6. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Known as the city of lakes, Udaipur is a beautiful destination to celebrate Holi. The celebrations here are grand, with people participating in the famous Holika Dahan ritual, where a bonfire is lit to symbolize the victory of good over evil. The next day, people play with colors and water, and the city comes alive with music, dance, and food.
7. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
The city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat is known for its unique Holi celebrations, where people play with colors made from natural ingredients like turmeric, sandalwood, and henna. The festivities here are a mix of traditional and modern, with people dancing to the beats of dhol and enjoying traditional food like jalebi and fafda.
8. Mumbai, Maharashtra
Mumbai, the city of dreams, is a hub of Holi celebrations, with people gathering in large numbers to play with colors and water. The city’s famous Juhu Beach and Marine Drive are popular destinations, with people coming together to enjoy the festivities. The food scene is also a major attraction, with traditional delicacies like puran poli and shrikhand
9. Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historical significance and grandeur. During Holi, people gather at the banks of the Tungabhadra River to celebrate with colors and water.
10. Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
Anandpur Sahib is a holy city for Sikhs, and Holi is celebrated here as Hola Mohalla. The celebrations involve martial arts demonstrations and mock battles.
11. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali is a popular hill station known for its scenic beauty. During Holi, people celebrate with music, dancing, and colours amidst the snow-capped mountains.
12. Pushkar, Rajasthan
Pushkar is a famous pilgrimage destination known for its serene ambiance and sacred temples. During Holi, the town comes alive with vibrant colors, music, and street food.
13. Shantiniketan, West Bengal
Shantiniketan was founded by Rabindranath Tagore and is a center of culture and education. Holi is celebrated here as Basanta Utsav, where students and locals gather to sing, dance, and throw colors.
14. Dwarka, Gujarat
Dwarka is an ancient city known for its spiritual significance in Hindu mythology. Holi is celebrated here with great enthusiasm, with people throwing colors and enjoying festive meals.
15. Dharavi, Mumbai
Dharavi is one of the largest slums in Asia and is a melting pot of cultures. During Holi, the streets are transformed into a colorful playground, with people of all backgrounds coming together to celebrate.
16. Amritsar, Punjab
Amritsar is a holy city for Sikhs, and Holi is celebrated here with great enthusiasm. People gather at the Golden Temple to offer prayers and celebrate with colors and music.
17. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Jaisalmer is a beautiful desert town known for its sand dunes and historic forts. During Holi, the town comes alive with cultural performances, camel rides, and street food.
19. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in India, known for its spiritual significance and historic temples. During Holi, people gather at the ghats of the Ganges to celebrate with colors and music.
20. Goa
Goa is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches, nightlife, and cultural diversity. During Holi, the state comes alive with music festivals, beach parties, and colorful parades.
21. Kolkata, West Bengal
Kolkata is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and festive spirit. During Holi, people gather at the Victoria Memorial to celebrate with music, dance, and colors.
22. Hyderabad, Telangana
Hyderabad is a city known for its historic architecture, delicious food, and vibrant culture. During Holi, people gather at the Charminar to celebrate with colors, music, and street food.
Conclusion
Holi is a festival that brings people together and celebrates the spirit of unity and harmony. It is a time when people forget their differences and come together to celebrate with colours, music, and delicious food. India, with its diverse culture and traditions, offers a unique experience of Holi in every region. Whether it’s the streets of Mathura or the beaches of Goa, Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. So, if you want to experience the true spirit of Holi, plan a trip to one of these 40 best places and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy Holi!
