Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India
The festival of Holi belongs to the ancient Indian cultural practices and is one of the most joyous festivals celebrated in the world. A day when the colours of fun and celebration spread in the air, Holi is that one festival which you might want to be a part of no matter which part of the world you belong to.
The festival belongs to the ancient Indian cultural practices which also becomes a reminder of many beautiful legends and stories reinforcing the power of good over evil.
Explore some of the best places to witness Holi celebrations in India and some unique legends associated with the Festival of Colours.
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Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India
Mathura and Vrindavan
Mathura, the site of the birth of the most beloved Hindu deity Krishna, is coloured in layers of joy and celebration and is clearly one of the must visit places to witness Holi celebrations in India.
The ancient temples of Krishna in Mathura radiate with festive vibes for days before Holi. Regarded as one of the most ancient Indian cities, Mathura is a place where the most colourful Holi celebrations can be witnessed.
As per the legends associated with the life of Lord Krishna, Mathura is regarded as the birthplace of the revered deity. Various versions of this festival are celebrated around many parts of Vrindavan and Mathura, which include playing holi with flowers instead of colours on many occasions.
You can be a part of these fabulous Holi celebrations by visiting any of the renowned temples in Mathura and Vrindavan.
Barsana, Uttar Pradesh
The town of Barsana, known as the birthplace of Krishna's consort Radha, is where the most unique forms of Holi celebrations can be witnessed. Many customs of the festival are believed to be practiced since the time when Radha and Krishna celebrated Holi in this unique way.
In Barsana, there is a less known version of Holi, where women get the chance to playfully hit the men, with men not being allowed to reciprocate the same.
Also one of the most well-known places in India for Holi celebrations, during this festival these age old ways of celebrating the festival of colours are a must see sight on a visit to India.
Varanasi
An ancient Indian city known by the name of Kashi, this place is one of the holiest sites in India located on the banks of Ganges.
Any curious traveller to India would surely have heard of this age-old city which today shines in its most glorious spiritual vibrance.
But Varanasi becomes even more lively during the month of March amidst Holi celebrations. Varanasi is one of the best places to witness this exceptionally joyful festival of India.
Rajasthan
An integral part of the culture of Bhil tribe belonging to North-western India, Holi has long cultural significance for this ethnic group of Rajasthan.
Considered as one of the oldest tribes in India, the Bhil Tribe is spread among many regions of Central India. Predominantly, the tribe follows Hindu customs and festivals, with Holi being one of them.
Although the festival largely remains the same as it is in the rest of the country, there can still be found many new aspects of celebrating Holi which are unique to this tribe.
Besides, in the royal state of Rajasthan filled with magnificent palaces and temples, you can easily experience some of the best Holi celebrations in many popular cities of the state.
Legends of Holi
Legends of Holi
One of the most renowned legends signifying the foundation of the festival of Holi, the story of Holika reminds of the victory of good over evil.
The legend revolves around an evil king who wanted each one in his kingdom to worship him instead of the revered deities. As to his surprise, his own son Prahald became an ardent worshipper of a revered Hindu deity.
After several attempts to kill his own son, the king asked his sister Holika to enter the fire with him. Holika had the boon of remaining unharmed by the fire and so tricked Prahlad into entering the fire sitting on her lap. As the story goes, instead Prahlad came out of the fire unharmed while Holika’s boon did not work given her evil intentions.
Today, Holi celebrations in India mark a two-day event with the first day observed as the burning of Holika, signifying the victory of good over evil. The ritual takes place on the evening before Holi and is celebrated by offering grains and gram to the ritual fire, with the next day followed by colourful Holi celebrations.
Holi Tales from North India
Holi is celebrated as a two day event in North India in the month of March, with the first day observed by burning the effigy of Holika.
The day after Purnimasi or the day of the full moon, Rangpanchami is celebrated where people gather to play with colours and splash water on each other.
Although the festival is renowned all over the country, the celebrations can be best witnessed in many parts of North India. Given that many legends of the festival are associated largely with ancient Indian cities located in North India, Holi is mostly popular in North Indian states and is celebrated with fun galore.
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