Holi is an ancient and popular Hindu religious festival that has been celebrated throughout India. It is a celebration of spring, often referred to as the festival of colors. It’s India’s second most widely celebrated festival after Diwali. Holi is an ancient festival which celebrates the good over bad victory. There are several mythological stories behind the beginnings of the festival. The festival honors, according to one belief, the killing of Holika, Hrinyakashyapu’s sister. Holi festival is also widely related to Krishna and Radha’s everlasting love. The festival has a sense for the end of the winter season and the beginning of the summer. Here are the best places to celebrate Holi in India.
Places To Celebrate Holi In India 2020
You’ll find several different traditions for the Holi celebration during your stay in India. It’s a perfect time for capturing the country’s essential values and lively thoughts. The best visits you can count on here are:
1. Delhi
If you’ve been searching for livelier places in India to celebrate Holi, this one’s a good choice. No one will leave you without colors as you walk through the streets. Dance your heart out. Shout out your excitement and immerse yourself in all the fun that is just on your way. In the city there are many vibrant activities that encourage you to enjoy to the full.
2. Mathura & Vrindavan
The Mathura and Vrindavan Holi is extremely famous across the world. It attracts visitors and tourists from around the world. Mathura is Lord Krishna’s birth-place and Vrindavan is where he spent his childhood. These are the prominent pilgrimage sites in India, as well as famous places near Delhi to visit.
The practice of playing colors on Holi started, according to myth, from Radha’s and Krishna’s Leela. The week before Holi, Mathura holds a renowned show. There is a colorful and musical procession from the temples to the river and then to the Holi Gate, where the festival is marked. This Holi, Dwarkadheesh Temple is the best place to witness the throw of colors in Mathura.
The Vrindavan Banke-Bihari Temple holds week-long Holi celebrations. The celebration here is only one day before the big festival in Holi. The temple opens its doors to all tourists who want to come to play Holi.
3. Goa
In Goa the Holi festival is called Shigmostav. The celebrations begin with prayers to gods and goddesses in the village. It’s the biggest Hindu holiday that’s spread over the span of a fortnight. The parades have been held for the last five days of the festival. Shigmostav is illuminated in the form of parades and cultural dramas performed by troops. On the fifth day when the gulal is used to color all the celebrations hit the peak. Many festivals are centered mainly in Panjim, Vasco and Margao. The main Goa Beaches also turn vibrant on Holi Day with a significant number of locals & visitors gathering to play with colors on the beaches.
4. Shantiniketan, West Bengal
Famous Bengali poet and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore began the celebration of Holi as Basanta Utsav (Spring Festival) at Shantiniketan. Inspired by Holi’s spring and colors, he initiated the occasion there as an annual celebration at his University of Vishva Bharati. Students dress up in spring colors and put together a massive cultural event, including dances to Tagore’s music, for tourists. It is accompanied by conventional color throwing. Basanta Utsav has become a cherished part of the history and culture of Bengal and draws numerous international visitors.
5. Punjab
Holi celebrations in Punjab for the Sikhs tend to be different from other places in the country. So make sure to explore this incredible travel destination by seeing some entirely new traditions for Holi 2020.
Locals demonstrate their skills and enthusiasm in the martial arts. Together with the joy of color play, the tasty desserts and dishes served at home can overwhelm you.
6. Udaipur
In a ritual called holika dahan on the day before Holi people light bonfires to mark the occasion and warn of the evil spirits. Join the celebration of Udaipur’s Mewar royal family for an unforgettable regal experience. A splendid palace parade, including veiled horses and the Royal choir, will be conducted from the Royal Residence to Manek Chowk in the City Park. Subsequently the traditional holy fire will light up and a Holika effigy will be burnt.
7. Hampi
Holiday parties are considered to be rare in South India. However, because of the large numbers of western visitors, you can get very interesting views of this festival. Holi is celebrated in this town, along with the colors, with loud music and lively dance performances. Holi celebration will be a special experience.
8. Barsana, Uttar Pradesh
Indian men don’t rule the roost every time! Women in Barsana and Nandgaon villages near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh beat men with sticks at what’s known as the Lathmar Holi celebrations. Unfortunately, this event is not recommended for solo female travelers because men are disgusted by the molesterous behaviour.
In the week before Holi’s major day, Lathmar Holi takes place. This will take place in Barsana on 4 March and in Nandgaon on 5 March 2020. A few days before Lathmar Holi, it is worth visiting Barsana and you can also enjoy Laddoo Holi at Shriji Temple on 3 March. We throw sweets and songs about divine Radha and Krishna.
9. Mumbai
Five days after Holika Dahan, Mumbai is famous for celebrating Rangpanchmi. In addition to the lively color battle, you can savor fascinating Maharashtrian dishes. For the fishermen here, this festival is known to be significant. There are many different rituals here that are very interesting. Make sure you explore it as much as possible.
10. Manipur
It definitely would be a cultural extravagance if you wanted to visit the place in this era. The six-day Yoashang Festival is under way in Holi. This lively event is certainly really exciting for you with many musicians and folk dancers. As people experiment with colours, fluorescent lamps and bonfires make it all more exciting.
These are some of the best places to celebrate Holi in India.
When you feel excited and wish to take advantage of every moment, choose a great place to enjoy heartfelt encounters and to explore various cultures and rituals. The best choices for Holi 2020 are these places. Plan the trip successfully.
Also Read: WAYS TO MAKE NATURAL HOLI COLORS AT HOME
