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Holi in India is a festival that paints not just skin but also hearts with colors of happiness. The best places to celebrate Holi 2023 in India bathe you with unparalleled festive fervor.
The choice of places to visit for Holi celebrations in India also varies as per the experiences you are looking forward to. Several activities and Holi traditions are celebrated as per the customs across the country, but the preparations and celebrations set each apart.
Marking the onset of the harvest season and spring, Holi infuses the atmosphere of unrestrained joy.
Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is enveloped with a myriad of colors on the occasion. As such, it is undoubtedly the site of one of the best Holi celebrations in India.
Temples are decorated and multiple events are held for people to come together to celebrate the festival of colours. Special events include the mega procession from Vishram Ghat to Holi Gate. People not only sing devotional songs and dance, but many also express their love for the divine through chants and prayers. A must-visit site on this occasion is the Sri Krishna Janmasthan temple. A sacred place for the Hindus, the temple marks the exact location of Lord Krishna’s birth and draws massive crowds during festivals connected to the god.
Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Vrindavan, which is to the north of Mathura, is daubed in multiple colours of the joyous Holi celebration. The Banke Bihari Temple is the centre of activity on Holi, but other parts of the town, too, present an energetic spectacle.
Vrindavan is also connected to Lord Krishna’s early life. Therefore, his devotees from around the country arrive at the holy town ahead of the festival. The celebrations begin with the famous Phoolon Wali Holi (Hindi for ‘Holi of the flowers’), in which people throw flowers at each other. It is followed by Hindu widows playing with colours at the Gopinath Temple and ends a day before the festival with everyone participating in it.
Barsana, Uttar Pradesh
Barsana is a small town near the state’s border with Rajasthan. It is located approximately 50 kilometers northwest of Mathura. The town is famous for one of the unique Holi celebrations in India — Lathmar Holi (Hindi for ‘Holi of the sticks’).
Barsana is considered the village of Radha. The tradition, therefore, has its roots in the tales of Lord Krishna and Radha. It is believed that Lord Krishna and his friends were playfully beaten by Radha and her friends whenever they came to Barsana. This is why, every year, a week before Holi, women in the town recreate the tradition in a ceremonial playful beating of the men with sticks and batons. The menfolk enthusiastically participate by protecting themselves with shields.
Pushkar, Rajasthan
The holy town of Pushkar celebrates Holi with much vim and vigor. The main square hosts a grand party here with live music and color-bathed people enjoying it. Their excitement is further upped with bhang thandai or lassi. The scene of color bombs being thrown around and the pulsating crowd all set to enjoy the day to its max.
Holi celebrations in Pushkar begin with the traditional Holi bonfire on the eve of Holi. The view of Holika Dahan is worth enjoying as wooden logs and garlands were thrown into the fire, and the flames rise higher and higher. Cheers add to the delight of the environment. After the fire is extinguished, people take embers to their homes to symbolize auspiciousness. The next morning witnesses the peppy play of colors, making the town look like flamboyant heaven.
Udaipur, Rajasthan
To witness Holi celebrations in royal style, do visit Udaipur. Holi in Udaipur is an imperial affair that involves the participation of the royal family. The celebrations begin with Holika Dahan, where the local Maharaj lights the ceremonial bonfire in the royal palace’s courtyard. This is known as Mewar Holika dahan. Next, the locals perform ‘Gair’- a folk dance, around the bonfire. After that, a royal procession takes off from Shambhu Niwas Palace and concludes at Manek Chowk’s royal residence. The royals are seated on bedecked elephants, horses, and camels in the parade, accompanied by the royal music band. The palace now serves cocktails and dinner to its guests. Finally, the celebration culminates with amazing fireworks.
The next day people rejoice with the play of colors. Traditional sweets are prepared in households, and people enjoy sharing the sweetness of the festival. The festivities are not confined to the royal palace and Manek Chowk but also to the narrow alleys of the city. Overall, the Holi celebration in Udaipur is an experience to be a part of.
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