Holi Celebrations: Choose from these Top 10 Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India
Holi, also known as the festival of colors, is one of the most vibrant and exciting festivals celebrated in India. It is a festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. People throw colored powder and water at each other, dance to the beats of dhol, and indulge in delicious food and drinks. If you are planning to experience Holi in India, here is a list of Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India in 2024.
- Mathura and Vrindavan
- Purulia
- Jaipur
- Delhi
- Hampi
- Shantiniketan
- Anandpur Sahib
- Goa
- Mumbai
- Manipur
01. Mathura and Vrindavan
Mathura and Vrindavan are the birthplaces of Lord Krishna, who is the God of love and playful mischief. The Holi celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan are legendary, and people from all over the world come to witness the festivities. The week-long celebrations begin with the Lathmar Holi, where women playfully hit men with sticks, and the men must protect themselves with shields.
The next day is the Phoolon ki Holi, where flowers are used instead of colors. The celebrations culminate with the Rangbharni Ekadashi, where people throw colored water and powder at each other. Here are some of the best places to celebrate Holi in Mathura
Banke Bihari Temple – The Banke Bihari Temple in Mathura is one of the most famous temples in the country, and during Holi, it becomes the epicenter of the celebrations. Devotees and tourists alike gather here to witness the Lathmar Holi, a unique tradition where women playfully beat men with sticks. It is an energetic and vibrant celebration, and one that should not be missed.
Dwarkadheesh Temple – The Dwarkadheesh Temple is another popular destination for Holi celebrations in Mathura. Here, people come together to enjoy the Phoolon wali Holi, where colorful flowers are used instead of colored powder. It is a beautiful and peaceful celebration, and one that is perfect for families and children.
Radha Kund – Radha Kund is a sacred tank in Mathura that is associated with Lord Krishna and Radha. During Holi, it becomes a colorful and lively place, with people from all over the world coming to participate in the celebrations. Here, you can witness the traditional Holi customs of Mathura, including the throwing of colored powder and the singing of Holi songs.
Barsana – Barsana, a small town near Mathura, is famous for its Lathmar Holi celebrations. Women here playfully beat men with sticks, and the men try to protect themselves with shields. It’s a unique and entertaining tradition that draws a large number of tourists and locals alike.
Mathura City – Finally, the city of Mathura itself is a great place to celebrate Holi. The streets are filled with color and energy, and there are countless events and festivities happening throughout the city. From dance performances to food stalls, there’s something for everyone here.
02. Purulia
Purulia, one of West Bengal’s best-kept secrets, is a wonderful location to celebrate the Holi holiday in a distinctive style. Purulia, which features lush green scenery, undulating hills, and dense forests, observes this event three days before Holi. Holi in Purulia, also known as the Dol Festival, is organised around the Bandhar Deul, a temple built in the eighth century.
A wide variety of folk acts, like as the Chau and Natua dances, the Darbari Jhumur, and Baul music, which give the event its own distinct flavour, are also available here during Holi. The Ayodhya Pahar in Purulia, where Holi is celebrated, is one of the festival’s main attractions since it is painted red throughout the springtime. This is because the Palash flowers blossom here and are widely dispersed around the area throughout this season, providing for a mesmerising picture.
03. Jaipur
Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is known for its vibrant culture and colorful festivals. The Holi celebrations in Jaipur are a sight to behold, with people playing with colors and dancing to the beats of dhol. The festivities begin with the lighting of a bonfire the night before Holi, called Holika Dahan.
The next day, people take to the streets, throwing colored powder and water at each other, and visiting friends and family. The city is also famous for its grand Holi processions, where people dress up in colorful attire and dance to the tunes of folk music.
Here are other best places to celebrate Holi in Rajasthan:
Udaipur: The city of lakes, Udaipur is another excellent destination to celebrate Holi. The city hosts a grand Holi procession, where beautifully decorated elephants, horses, and camels move through the streets. The celebration also includes traditional music and dance performances, and visitors can enjoy delicious food and drinks.
Jodhpur: Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City of India, is famous for its unique style of Holi celebrations. People gather in the streets and play with colors while dancing to traditional music. The celebration also includes a procession of decorated elephants, horses, and camels, which is a sight to behold.
Pushkar: Pushkar, a small town in Rajasthan, is known for its annual Holi celebrations, which attract visitors from all over the world. The town hosts a grand Holi procession, which includes traditional music and dance performances. The celebration also includes a camel fair, where visitors can see a variety of camels decorated in colorful attire.
Jaisalmer: Jaisalmer, also known as the Golden City of India, is another great destination to celebrate Holi. The city hosts a grand Holi celebration, which includes a procession of beautifully decorated camels and horses. The celebration also includes traditional music and dance performances, and visitors can enjoy delicious food and drinks.
04. Delhi
Delhi, the capital city of India, is known for its grand Holi celebrations. The city comes alive with the sounds of dhol and the sight of people covered in colors. The Holi celebrations in Delhi are a blend of traditional and modern festivities, with people playing with colors, water guns, and balloons. The city is also famous for its Holi parties, with DJs, food, and drinks, making it a perfect place to celebrate Holi with friends and family.
05. Hampi
Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a small town in Karnataka, known for its ancient ruins, temples, and boulders. The town comes alive during Holi, with people playing with colors and enjoying the festivities. The Holi in Hampi starts with a procession of elephants and horses, followed by music, dance, and feasting. The town’s ancient temples also host traditional Holi celebrations, where devotees offer flowers and sweets to the deities and play with colors.
06. Shantiniketan
Shantiniketan, a small town in West Bengal, is known for its unique Holi celebrations, which are based on the teachings of the famous poet and philosopher, Rabindranath Tagore. The town is home to Visva-Bharati University, founded by Tagore, and the Holi celebrations are a blend of traditional and modern festivities. The celebrations start with a procession of students, dressed in colorful attire, singing and dancing to Tagore’s songs. The students also perform Tagore’s famous play, “Chitrangada,” which depicts the love story of Arjun and Chitrangada.
07. Anandpur Sahib
Anandpur Sahib, a holy city in Punjab, is known for its grand Holi celebrations, called Hola Mohalla. The festival was started by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, as a way to train his soldiers in martial arts and warfare. The celebrations start with a procession of Nihang Sikh warriors, dressed in their traditional blue robes and wielding weapons. The warriors perform acrobatics, horse-riding, and martial arts, while the crowds cheer them on. The celebrations also include music, dance, and feasting, making it a unique and unforgettable experience.
08. Goa
Goa, the popular beach destination in India, is known for its vibrant nightlife and parties. The state also celebrates Holi with great enthusiasm, attracting visitors from all over the world. The celebrations start with Holika Dahan, followed by a street party, where people play with colors and water guns. The beach shacks and clubs in Goa also host Holi parties, with DJs, food, and drinks, making it a perfect place to celebrate Holi with friends and family.
09. Mumbai
The 2023 Mumbai Holi festivities are worth attending. Mumbai’s elite resorts, nightclubs, and venues prepare to host energetic Holi celebrations. This entire city is dripping with Holi spirit. Individuals in Mumbai can choose from a myriad of unique Holi events, making it tough to decide where to celebrate Holi. The Holi celebrations in Mumbai are more vibrant than ever, giving visitors the greatest journey possible for the occasion. You can be sure that you’ll have happy holiday memories if you do this.
Enjoy a spectacular celebration of colour, music, and fun at Mumbai Holi events and parties. Enjoy the festivities while dancing to thundering sounds at opulent hotels and participating in rain dance. Holi activities are frequently held in water parks, and the unrestricted colour sprinkling will transport you back to your younger years. If you’re travelling to Mumbai for Holi, take pleasure in a more environmentally friendly celebration at nature camps.
10. Manipur
The grand Yaoshang Festival of Manipur begins on the full moon day of Phalguna and lasts for six days. Holi marks the beginning of the event. A number of folk dancers and musicians perform in front of fluorescent lights, bonfires are lit, and people play with gulal as part of this cultural spectacular. These two Manipur festivals have been observed here since the very inception of Vaishnavism.
In conclusion, Holi is a festival that celebrates love, joy, and togetherness, and the above-mentioned places offer a unique and unforgettable experience of this vibrant festival. Whether you want to witness the traditional celebrations in Anandpur Sahib or experience the modern festivities in Goa, these places are sure to leave you with a lasting impression of the festival of colors. So prepare to travel, pack your luggage, and enjoy the beauty of Holi in India.
FAQs
Q.1-Which is the best place to celebrate Holi in the world?
Here are some of the best places to celebrate Holi in the world.
Mathura and Vrindavan, India: Mathura and Vrindavan, located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh in India, are known for their Holi celebrations. The cities are associated with Lord Krishna, and the Holi celebrations here are unique and colorful. The week-long celebration includes traditional folk dances, songs, and the throwing of colored powders and water.
Nepal: Holi, known as “Phagu Purnima,” is celebrated in Nepal with great enthusiasm. People in Nepal celebrate Holi by throwing colored powders and water at each other, and the festival is marked by traditional music and dance performances.
Trinidad and Tobago: Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Trinidad and Tobago, which has a large population of people of Indian origin. The celebrations here include traditional Indian music, dance, and food, along with the throwing of colored powders and water.
Mauritius: Holi is a national holiday in Mauritius, and the celebrations here are known for their vibrancy and colorfulness. People in Mauritius celebrate Holi by throwing colored powders and water, and the festival is marked by traditional music and dance performances.
Bali, Indonesia: Bali, known for its vibrant culture and beautiful beaches, celebrates Holi in a unique way. The festival is known as “Nyepi Day,” and it is celebrated with traditional music, dance, and the throwing of colored powders and water.
Q.2- Which are the best places to celebrate Holi in Gujarat?
Ahmedabad: The city of Ahmedabad celebrates Holi with great fervor and enthusiasm. People gather on the streets and play with colors, water guns, and water balloons. The Sabarmati Riverfront is one of the most popular spots to celebrate Holi in Ahmedabad. The city also hosts a traditional Holi procession known as ‘Haldi-Kumkum’ where women gather to apply turmeric and vermilion on each other.
Baroda (Vadodara): Baroda is another city in Gujarat that celebrates Holi with great enthusiasm. The city hosts a unique Holi celebration called ‘Dhuleti’ which involves people throwing colors and water on each other. The Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda is a popular spot for Holi celebrations.
Bhuj: Bhuj, a city in the Kutch region of Gujarat, is known for its traditional Holi celebrations. The city hosts a Holi fair where people gather to play with colors, dance, and enjoy traditional delicacies. The famous Rann of Kutch also hosts a Holi celebration where people gather to witness the beauty of the white desert turn colorful.
Surat: Surat, a city in southern Gujarat, celebrates Holi with great joy and enthusiasm. The city hosts a unique Holi celebration known as ‘Dhuleti’ where people gather on the streets to play with colors and water. The city also hosts a Holi fair where people come together to enjoy traditional food and music.
Q.3- What are the best places to celebrate Holi in India?
- Mathura and Vrindavan
- Purulia
- Jaipur
- Delhi
- Hampi
- Shantiniketan
- Anandpur Sahib
- Goa
- Mumbai
- Manipur
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