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India's Most Colourful Festival
Holi, which traditionally marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, is celebrated with much fervour and enthusiasm across India and parts of Nepal. During Holi, families across the country meet and greet one another and celebrate new beginnings to generate a feeling of unison. Besides its traditional significance, Holi, a kaleidoscopic annual extravaganza, creates a euphoric environment for youths, who organise multicolour parades, flinging coloured powder, and water while revelling and dancing in the streets.
All in all, Holi 2022 will be more than just a colourful festival as it comes as a much-required occasion to unite people across the country after two years of uncertainty and abeyances.
Here are some of the best Holi Destinations In India.
Purulia, West Bengal
Indulge in the celebrations as the local and tribal artists take over the festival with their incredible Chau dance, Darbari Jhumur, Natua dance, and remarkable songs. Run into some Baul musicians, the wandering spiritualist minstrels who perform and sing extraordinarily about the philosophy of life using the basic articulations. Catch a glimpse of the exceptional experience of Bengal in Purulia through the Basanta Utsav folk festival. The festival is organised by the villagers as a means to sustain themselves.
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Looking for something different to experience this Holi? Well, Jaipur is the place to be! Every year, on the eve of Holi, the Holi celebrations kick off with an elaborate elephant parade. The festival is not just of boisterous parades but also hosts elephant beauty contests, yes you heard that right! With the gluttonous spread of local food, fireworks shimmering in the night sky, riot of lovely performances by the locals, Jaipur is probably one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India.
Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi is best suited for people who play Holi the less exuberant way. Holi, primarily being a North- Indian festival, the southern peninsula of the country celebrates this festival in a subdued fashion. However, Hampi being an exception to the list, the whole town rejoices with prolific drumming, dancing, tossing colours at each other amidst the evocative ruins of the majestic Vijayanagar empire.
New Delhi
The capital city goes all out when it comes to the festival of colours. Bathed in various vibrant shades and hues, the city gets crazy with fun and frolic. If you want to try something unique this Holi, sign up for the most happening Holi festival in the country, the Holi Moo Festival, formerly known as the Holi Cow Festival. Spen an awesome time in the mad 'moozik' festival with non-toxic colours, bhaang, street food and an incredible line-up of more than 40 Indian and International performers to add the rhythm to your Holi madness.
Mathura & Vrindavan
Visit the twin towns of Mathura and Vrindavan to celebrate a traditional Holi. Mathura and Vrindavan, predominantly being temple towns, are places where Lord Krishna was born and raised. Holi is celebrated very fondly in his honour in these towns as well as in the regions around for more than a fortnight, as opposed to the 2 days in general. If you happen to travel to Mathura and Vrindavan around Holi, you can be a part of a special puja, and the numerous traditional customs and rituals that are carried out here in the honour of the Makhanchor or the butter thief, as the lord is fondly referred as.
Shantiniketan, West Bengal
The Basanta Utsab or Vasant Utsav (spring festival) of Shantiniketan, near Bolpur in West Bengal, was introduced by the famous Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore. This festival is now an integral part of the Bengali culture and therefore, Basanta Utsab is a perfect time to visit the tranquil town of Shantiniketan, to immerse not just in the joyousness of the Holi festival but also in the Bengali tradition and culture. Clad in bright summer-coloured cloths, the students of the Vishwabharti University of Shantiniketan, which was founded by Rabindranath Tagore, put up spectacular cultural performances including singing and dancing, even to the works of Tagore.
Mumbai, Maharashtra
When it comes to celebrations, how can Mumbai fall behind? The livewire city of Mumbai in Maharashtra is known for its liveliness and fervour to celebrate all festivals. Mumbai Holi, too, is something that adds to the charm of the city. Partake in the colourful and musical Holi parties at multiple venues across the city, depending on personal choices and preferences. Most venues will have a DJ, food stalls, rain dance, flea markets, fun games and a lot of activities for kids as well as adults.
Udaipur, Rajasthan
Udaipur with all its royal demeanour and style looks spectacular on the day of Holi. Head to this city for a memorable regal experience and join in the celebrations of the royal family of Mewar. On the eve of Holi, people light up bonfires or as the locals call it, 'Holika Dahan', to mark the occasion that wards off evil spirits as the good triumphs over the evil. Join in the magnificent palace procession with elaborately bejewelled horses that commences from the royal residence of the Mewar family to the lanes of Manek Chowk.
