Holi, the festival of colors, is a celebration deeply rooted in Indian culture and tradition. It marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm throughout the country. As approaches, millions of people eagerly await the vibrant festivities, which include applying colored powder to each other, dancing to traditional music, and enjoying festive delicacies.
In this article, we embark on a colorful journey across India, exploring the diverse ways of celebrating Holi in different regions, from the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene ghats of Varanasi.
1. Spirit of Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan
Your journey starts from Mathura and Vrindavan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna and the center of Holi celebrations in North India. Here, the festival is marked by the legendary Lathmar Holi, where women beat men with sticks while reenacting the divine love story of Radha and Krishna. The air is filled with drums and laughter as locals and visitors immerse themselves in joyful glee.
Places to Visit Mathura and Vrindavan
- Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura
- Yamuna Temple, Mathura
- Vishram Ghat, Mathura
- Raman Reti Temple, Mathura
- Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
- Prem Mandir, Vrindavan
- Nidhivan, Vrindavan
- ISKCON Temple
2. Jaipur: Pink city painted in colors
Holi is celebrated with great pomp in the pink city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. The city comes alive with the Elephant Festival, where majestic elephants adorned in colorful decorations parade through the streets. Locals and tourists gather to witness this spectacular sight and take part in the festivities, which include traditional music, dance, and frolic of colors.
Places to Visit in Jaipur
- Amer Fort (Amber Fort)
- Jantar Mantar
- Hawa Mahal
- Chokhi Dhani
- Nahargarh Fort
- City Palace
- Panna Meena Ka Kund
- Kanak Vrindavan
3. Anandpur Sahib: Hola Mohalla and Sikh traditions
Continuing northwards into Punjab, we reach Anandpur Sahib, where Holi is celebrated in the unique Sikh tradition of Hola Mohalla. This three-day festival includes martial arts demonstrations, mock battles, and vibrant colors as Nihang warriors showcase their skills and bravery. Amidst the vibrant festivities, devotees seek blessings at the iconic Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, making it truly a rich cultural experience.
Places to visit in Anandpur Sahib
- Virasat-e-Khalsa
- Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib Ji
- Sarovar Anandpur Sahib
- Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sikh Museum
- Flying Fox Kikar
- Sound and Light Show – Amber Fort
- Jateshwar Mahadev Temple
4. Basant Utsav in Santiniketan
In West Bengal, the town of Santiniketan comes alive with the spirit of Basant Utsav inspired by poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Students and faculty members of Visva-Bharati University participate in cultural performances, dances, and songs celebrating the arrival of spring amidst the vibrant colors of nature. Basant Utsav is a cherished part of Bengali heritage, attracting tourists from far and wide to experience its beauty and charm.
Places to visit in Santiniketan
- Visva Bharati University
- Tagore’s Ashram
- Amar Kutir
- Kala Bhavana
- Chhatimtala
- Patha Bhavan
- Prakriti Bhavan
- Prayer hall- Upasna Ghar
- Srijani Shilpagram
5. Udaipur: A royal affair of colors
Traveling to the majestic Udaipur in Rajasthan, we witness Holi celebrations full of royal splendor. The Maharaja of Udaipur attends the festivities at the City Palace, where the air is filled with the sweet tunes of folk music and the sight of dancers moving to the beat. The city’s picturesque lakes and historical monuments provide a stunning backdrop to the colorful revelry, making it an unforgettable experience.
Places to visit in Jaipur
- Chokhi Dhani
- Govind Dev Ji Temple
- Kanak Vrindavan
- Jagat Shiromani Ji Temple
- Museum of Legacies
- Shila Devi Temple
6. Hampi: Color among ancient ruins
Holi holds a unique charm in the ancient city of Hampi, located in Karnataka, amidst stunning ruins and temples. Here, locals and travelers alike gather to play with colors, dance to traditional music and enjoy the festive spirit against the backdrop of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Hampi’s Holi celebrations offer a blend of history, culture, and vibrant colors, making it a must-see during the festival.
Places to Visit in Hampi
- Virupaksha Temple
- Tungabhadra Gardens and Dam
- Elephant Stables
- Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex
- Pampa Sarovar
- Lotus Mahal
- Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple
- Hazara Rama Temple
7. Delhi: A mix of Holi celebrations
In the bustling metropolis of Delhi, Holi is celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm and energy. Traditional Holi parties, concerts, and cultural events take place across the city, attracting people from all walks of life to join in the festive cheer. From the narrow lanes of Old Delhi to the expansive parks of South Delhi, the capital comes alive with the vibrant colors and infectious joy of Holi.
Places to visit in Delhi
- India Gate
- Red Fort
- Qutub Minar
- Humayun’s Tomb
- Lodhi Gardens
- National Museum, New Delhi
- Sacred Heart Cathedral
- Swaminarayan Akshardham
- Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
8. Varanasi: A spiritual stay on the ghats
No Holi trip would be complete without a visit to Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India. Here, the ghats of the river Ganga come alive with rituals, bonfires, and vibrant colors of Holi. Devotees pray and seek blessings amid the sacred traditions of this ancient city, creating a mystical atmosphere that is truly awe-inspiring.
Places to visit in Varanasi
- Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir
- Bharat Mata Temple
- Ramnagar
- Bharat Kala Bhavan
- Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple
- Kedar Ghat
- Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
9. Pushkar: Camels and colors in the desert
In the desert city of Pushkar located in Rajasthan, Holi takes on a unique flavor amid the backdrop of camel races and cultural performances. Visitors are treated to a spectacle of vibrant colors, traditional music, and the infectious energy of the festival. Pushkar’s Holi celebrations offer a delightful blend of tradition and excitement, making it a must-see for Holi lovers.
Places to Visit in Pushkar
- Pushkar Lake
- Adhai Din ka Jhonpra
- Taragarh Fort
- Ajmer Sharif Dargah
- Brahma Temple
- Nasiyan Jain Temple
- Lake Foy Sagar
- Daulat Khana
10. Mumbai: Bollywood glitz and glamor
Our journey ends in the vibrant city of Mumbai, where Holi is celebrated with the glitz and glamor of Bollywood. Street parties, dance shows, and colorful celebrations take place across the city, attended by locals and tourists alike. From the film studios of Film City to the bustling streets of Bandra, Mumbai’s Holi celebrations capture the essence of India’s cinematic culture, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Places to visit in Mumbai
- Elephanta Caves
- Bandra – Worli Sea Link
- Gateway of India
- Flora Fountain
- Marine Drive
- Rajabai Clock Tower
- Siddhivinayak Temple
- Taraporewala Aquarium
- Girgaon Chowpatty
Conclusion:
As our colorful journey across India comes to an end, we reflect on the rich tapestry of traditions, cultures and celebrations that define Holi. From the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi to the royal charm of Jaipur, each destination offers a unique and unforgettable experience of this vibrant festival. Whether you are spraying Rang Gulal on the streets of Delhi or dancing to folk music in Udaipur, Holi is a time to come together, celebrate, and spread joy and happiness among everyone. So, as Holi approaches, let’s embrace the spirit of the festival and begin our colorful journey across the diverse landscapes of India.