Known as the “Festival of Colours,” Holi is a widely observed festival observed by the Hindu community in India and other countries. If you enjoy the sights, sounds, and colors of Holi, visit some of the most breathtaking locations in India where it is still observed in a very traditional way. In India, the following locations are among the top choices for Holi sightseeing:
Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh:People travel from all over India and the world to participate in the legendary Holi celebrations here, which are known for their traditional and colorful Holi celebrations, including the well-known Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon. These are the birthplaces of Krishna. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the most frequented locations are Govardhan, Barsana, and Nandgaon. In an event known as Lathmar (stick-beating) celebrations, the ladies of Barsana village, which is close to Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, beat up males from nearby Nandgaon village with sticks. Roughly a week precedes the major day of Holi, which is Lathmar Holi. In addition to seeing the renowned Banke-Bihari Temple, one must take in the celebrations at Mathura and Vrindavan.
Jaipur, Rajasthan:The Elephant Festival and royal processions are just two of the extravagant ways that the Pink City celebrates Holi. As a result, Jaipur’s Holi celebrations are known as the “Elephant Festival” because elephants are painted and decked with color before being led in a procession.
Anandpur Sahib, Punjab: The best place to experience Holi the Sikh way is at Anandpur Sahib, where during the festival of Hola Mohalla, it is fascinating to watch Nihangs (Sikh warriors) in action on the banks of the Charan Ganga. Anandpur Sahib is famous for its Hola Mohalla celebrations, which feature martial arts demonstrations, mock battles, and vibrant colors. Thousands of Sikh pilgrims travel to Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, one of the five temporal seats of the religion, over the course of the three-day celebration in order to ask the Almighty for blessings.
Shantiniketan, West Bengal: Inspired by Rabindranath Tagore, this little town in West Bengal celebrates Basanta Utsav with music, dances, and cultural displays. Known as Basanta Utsav, Holi celebrations here are marked by a cultural program of song, dance, and poetry presented by students and faculty members of Visva-Bharati University, which was founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. When the students dress in springtime attire and provide a massive cultural show for the public, this is one location that should not be missed during the Spring Festival, which coincides with the Holi celebrations.
Udaipur, Rajasthan: Folk music and dancing accompany the Holi festivities in Udaipur, which are well-known for its royal celebrations held at City Palace and other historical monuments. Naturally, a regal experience awaits you in this magnificent location. In the days leading up to Holi, also known as Holika Dahan, hundreds of pyres are lit throughout Kolkata. The largest one, though, is in the Jagdish Temple.
Hampi, Karnataka: Amidst the breathtaking ruins and temples, the ancient city of Hampi in Karnataka is well-known for its Holi celebrations, where people congregate to play with colors and take in traditional music and dance performances.
Delhi: Delhi celebrates with a variety of events including music festivals, traditional Holi parties, and cultural gatherings where attendees paint each other with colors and dance to local tunes.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Another UP city well-known for its spiritual Holi celebrations, where the Ganges ghats are illuminated with flames, rituals, and brilliant colors.
Pushkar, Rajasthan: Allow Pushkar in Rajasthan’s camel races, cultural shows, and festivals to add a special touch to your Holi celebrations.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: If you’re a die-hard Bollywood lover, the Film City, also known as the City of Dreams, celebrates Holi with street parties, dancing activities, and vivid colors in many neighborhoods
