Holi, the festival of colours, will take place on March 14, this one of India’s most vibrant and joyous celebrations, marking the arrival of spring, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil. No two Holi celebrations in India are the same. In one town, women playfully chase men away with sticks, while in another, flower petals rain down like confetti. Some communities turn the festival Holi celebrations are more muted in South India compared to the north, and focus mainly on religious aspects of the festival and temple rites. However, the villages surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins at Hampi in Karnataka stand out for their vibrant Holi celebrations, starting with Holika Dahan bonfires followed by color play Many cities across India also hold special Holi events or parties that include live music, dancing, and color fights. Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa are well-known places to go to attend color parties. Top 9 Places to Celebrate Holi in India >>> Top 10 Places to Celebrate Holi World Wide >>> 3. Lathmar Holi (Stick Holi) In Mughal India, Holi was celebrated with such exuberance that people of all castes could throw colour on the Emperor. [52] According to Sharma (2017), "there are several paintings of Mughal emperors celebrating Holi". [53] Grand celebrations of Holi were held at the Lal Qila, where the festival was also known as Eid-e-gulaabi or Aab-e-Pashi. The festival of colours, Holi, is the most vibrant of all Hindu festivals. It marks the end of winter in India and welcomes the spring season. On this festive day, people play with colours, meet and greet one another and create new beginnings. Traditional Holi Celebrations in India. Holi is a two-day festival filled with devotion, fun, and colors! 1. Holika Dahan (March 13, 2025) – The Bonfire Ritual. At night, bonfires are lit to symbolize the burning away of evil. People offer coconuts, wheat grains, and jaggery to the fire. Families and friends gather to sing folk songs and Celebrations in North India focus on Phoolon Ki Holi linked to Lord Krishna, while West India enjoys Dahi Handi and Garba dances. South and East India mix traditions, colors, and rituals. Holi is a Hindu spring festival celebrated in India and Nepal on the full-moon day of Phalguna (February–March). On this day, participants throw colored water and colored powders on one another, and the usual societal norms are set aside. This is the magic of Holi, India's exuberant festival of colours, and celebration of spring. A festival that transcends religion and age, inviting you to shed inhibitions and embrace the spirit of togetherness. As winter draws to a close, the Indian landscape comes alive with vibrant colours to welcome the arrival of spring. Jaipur’s Holi celebrations combine Rajasthan’s royal traditions with modern-day revelry, creating an experience that’s both unique and colorful. The Pink City, with its palaces and forts, provides a stunning backdrop for the lively Holi festival. Best Places to Visit: Amer Fort; Hawa Mahal; Best Time to Visit: March; Average Cost for 2 Many visitors visit this place for the Holi celebration and stay in cottages and tents during the festival. 5. Anandpur Sahib, Punjab: Witness the masculine celebration of Holi through Hola Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib, which is among the best places to celebrate Holi in India. Every year, this three-day fair is organized after the festival. Let’s dive into some unique Holi celebrations across India. 1. Lathmar Holi – Barsana, Uttar Pradesh. In the small town of Barsana, Holi takes on a playful and historic twist with Lathmar Holi. This tradition is rooted in the legend of Lord Krishna’s mischievous visits to the home of his beloved Radha. Holi celebrations are already in full swing, and the excitement is spreading across the world! This year, Holi will be celebrated on March 14th, but the fun has already begun. The famous Laddu Mar The capital city of India, Delhi, is known for its grand Holi celebrations. The streets are filled with people of all ages, joyfully throwing colors and sharing sweets. The Holi festival at the famous Holi Cow Festival is particularly popular among young people, featuring live music, food stalls, and a lively atmosphere. 4. Jaipur and Udaipur, Rajasthan – Rajasthan offers a royal touch to Holi celebrations. In Jaipur, the Elephant Festival is a unique attraction, while Udaipur’s royal family hosts grand Holi events. 5. Delhi – The capital city celebrates Holi with a modern twist, featuring DJ parties, color runs, and Holi-themed events. Holiyappa parties Unlike the boisterous Holi celebrations in other parts of India, Sangla's Holi is a more serene and culturally immersive experience. It is part of the four-day Faguli festival, which marks the In 2026, Holi will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Holi Celebrations Across India. Holi is known by various names across India, including Dol Purnima, Phagwah, Rangwali Holi, Dhulandi, Shigmo, and more. While the core traditions remain the same, each region adds its unique touch to the celebrations. Holika Dahan Rituals (Puja Vidhi) Photo: Supplied. The trippy voice of Indie pop singer Ritviz will guide you through the colourful haze of this Holi part. Groove away to hits like Udd Gaye, Liggi and more while you drink up Thandai, scrummy Indian snacks from the stalls around the venue and smear your friends and family with the free colour packets handed out to all attendees. A guide to Holi celebrations in India-Traditions, rituals and tips. Celebrating Holi involves experiencing the different things that this festival offers, such as special food and drinks, playing with colours, going on temple darshans, and so on. Here’s how you can make the most out of your celebration of Holi festival; 1. Gather everyone
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