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Home > Travel > India > Holi 2024: Top 11 places to celebrate the festival of colours in India
Holi 2024: Top 11 places to celebrate the festival of colours in India

Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout India. While Delhi and Mumbai are among the best places to celebrate Holi in India with their grand parties filled with music and dance, the festival is even more extravagant outside the metropolitan areas, making it worth exploring there.

Regardless of the location, Holi brings people from all communities together to apply colours to each other and celebrate. Sharing sweets and delectable dishes, and enjoying traditional drinks like thandai (a sweet milk-based drink with almonds and saffron) and lassi (buttermilk) are some of the activities that unite people of all ages and backgrounds.

According to the Hindu calendar, Holi falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Phalguna, typically in mid-March as per the Gregorian calendar. This year, the festival will be celebrated on March 25, although festivities often start days in advance in many places. Exploring India during Holi should undoubtedly include visiting one of the destinations from our curated list.

But before delving into that, let’s understand the significance behind the celebration of Holi.

Significance of Holi

The traditions and celebrations of Holi date back several centuries, with roots deeply embedded in Hindu mythology. Legend has it that Lord Krishna, a prominent deity in Hinduism, was a playful participant in the festival of colours.

However, beyond its mythological origins, Holi embodies the universal belief in the triumph of good over evil. This is symbolised by the traditional two-day festival’s commencement with Holika Dahan, a ritual held on the evening before Holi. During this ceremony, a large pyre is ignited to represent the burning of evil. Holika, the sister of the demon lord Hiranyakashipu, possessed a boon that rendered her immune to fire. Acting on her brother’s malevolent orders, Holika attempted to kill her young nephew, Prahlad, by sitting with him on a pyre. Prahlad, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, survived the flames unharmed, while Holika perished in the fire intended to harm him. This poignant tale illustrates the enduring truth that even the most powerful boon cannot shield evil from being vanquished by good.

Here are some places in India where Holi is celebrated

Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

Places To Celebrate Holi
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Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is enveloped with a myriad of colours 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 to celebrate the festival of colours. Special events include the mega procession from Vishram Ghat to Holi Gate. People sing devotional songs, dance, and 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. We also recommend witnessing the celebrations at Dwarkadhish Temple.

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Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

Places To Celebrate Holi
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To the north of Mathura, Vrindavan becomes a kaleidoscope of colours during the joyous Holi celebration. While Banke Bihari Temple and Radha Raman Temple are the focal points for the festivities, the entire town buzzes with energetic revelry.

Vrindavan holds significance in Lord Krishna’s early life, drawing devotees from across the country before the festival. Festivities begin with the renowned Phoolon Wali Holi, where participants joyfully throw flowers at one another. This is followed by Hindu widows engaging in colourful play at Gopinath Temple, culminating a day before the festival with widespread participation. Many devotees journey to Mathura to enjoy the city’s celebrations after these vibrant festivities.

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Barsana, Uttar Pradesh

Places To Celebrate Holi
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Barsana, a quaint town near the border with Rajasthan, lies approximately 50 kilometres northwest of Mathura. Famous for its unique Holi celebration known as Lathmar Holi (“Holi of the sticks” in Hindi), Barsana holds significance as the village of Radha, with its tradition deeply rooted in the tales of Lord Krishna and Radha.

Legend has it that Lord Krishna and his friends playfully endured beatings from Radha and her companions whenever they visited Barsana. Hence, a week before Holi, women in the town engage in a ceremonial playful beating of men with sticks and batons, while men eagerly participate by defending themselves with shields.

While in Barsana, don’t miss visiting the Radha Rani Temple, Shriji Temple, Lathmar Temple, and Mann Temple to immerse yourself in the festival’s spirit. Additionally, the town is famous for Laddoo Holi celebrated at the Shriji Temple, where priests toss laddoos (Indian sweets) at devotees followed by the joyful splashing of gulal (coloured powder).

Shantiniketan, West Bengal

Places To Celebrate Holi
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Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore initiated the Basanta Utsav (Spring Festival) tradition at Shantiniketan near Kolkata to celebrate Holi. Held annually at Visva Bharati University, the event has evolved into a significant cultural festival, attracting many international tourists enamoured by Tagore’s legacy. Adorned in traditional attire, participants engage in song and dance, featuring Tagore’s compositions and folk music, making it one of the best places in India to celebrate Holi, spanning three joyous days of gulal play.

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Purulia, West Bengal

Purulia
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The Holi festival in Purulia closely mirrors that of Shantiniketan, also known here as Basanta Utsav. Locals gather for ceremonial folk dances and performances of Chau, Darbari Jhumur, and Natua, accompanied by the captivating melodies of Baul musicians. Purulia’s celebration embodies Bengal’s rural traditions and ethnic diversity, offering a rich tapestry of local art forms.

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Udaipur, Rajasthan

Udaipur Holika
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In Udaipur, the highlight of Holi is the grand Holika Dahan ceremony held at Manek Chowk of the City Palace. Presided over by the Maharaja of Udaipur and the House of Mewar, this regal affair features the traditional Gair dance procession, led by royals on majestic elephants, camels, and horses, culminating in a dazzling display of fireworks. The following day, locals join in the colourful festivities across the city.

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Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi
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While Holi in South India may lack the grandeur of the north, Hampi’s celebration stands out with its unique charm. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi’s ancient ruins serve as a backdrop for vibrant Holi festivities. Starting with Holika Dahan, the festivities continue with locals applying colours, dancing to drum beats, and gathering along the banks of the River Tungabhadra for communal celebrations. For an immersive experience, explore Hampi’s iconic landmarks such as the Virupaksha Temple, Anegundi Village, Hampi Bazaar, and Sanapur Lake, witnessing the fusion of ancient traditions with modern revelry.

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Puri, Odisha

Places To Celebrate Holi
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Puri, revered among Hindus, hosts Dol Purnima, or Holi, centred around the sacred Jagannath Temple. Preceding Holi, a procession carries Lord Jagannath’s palanquin through the city, accompanied by milkmen-led festivities. The day sees the traditional Dandi Khela, alongside the distribution of sweetmeats like pethas, concluding with Lord Jagannath’s ceremonial return to the temple after a ritual bath.

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Anandpur Sahib, Punjab

Anandpur Sahib
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Anandpur Sahib hosts the unique Hola Mohalla fair, established in 1701 by Guru Gobind Singh. The festival features awe-inspiring displays of Sikh martial arts by Nihang warriors, including sword fights, wrestling, and daring horse-riding stunts. Amidst vibrant processions, devotional Kirtan sabhas and community langar meals enrich the spiritual atmosphere of this revered Sikh destination.

Jaipur, Rajasthan

Jaipur, famed for its majestic palaces and vibrant culture, welcomes Holi with exuberance and love, epitomising togetherness and uninhibited joy. From Holika Dahan preparations to colourful city-wide celebrations, key festivities unfold around iconic landmarks like Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Chokhi Dhani, and Sisodia Rani Garden.

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Pushkar, Rajasthan

For a culturally immersive Holi experience, Pushkar in Rajasthan offers a blend of tradition and spirituality against the backdrop of stunning temples and a holy lake. Festivities commence with Holika Dahan, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, followed by vibrant gatherings where revellers drench each other in colours, accompanied by music, dance, and traditional delicacies at revered sites like Brahma Temple, Pushkar Lake, Mela Ground, and Ajmer Sharif Dargah.

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Hero and Featured Images: Courtesy Aneesh Ans/Pexels

Also read: Lucky colours to play with this Holi, based on your zodiac sign

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What makes Mathura and Vrindavan special for Holi celebrations? How is Holi celebrated in Mathura and Vrindavan?

Mathura and Vrindavan, considered Lord Krishna’s birthplace, host vibrant Holi festivities with immense fervour. Commencing a week before the festival, these places celebrate the festival with unique variants like Phoolon Waali Holi, Lathmar Holi, and elaborate processions.

– Which place in India celebrates Holi for the longest time?

Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh host the most extensive and elaborate Holi celebrations.

– What is the best time to visit India to see Holi celebration?

Late February to March-end is ideal for experiencing Holi in India. It’s advisable to check the specific date of Holi for the year of your visit and the related festivities nationwide.

– What are the activities to attend during Holi in India?

Partake in diverse activities during India’s Holi celebrations, including witnessing the Holika Dahan ritual, enjoying traditional dance performances, relishing signature Holi delicacies like gujiya, thandai, lassi, and rasmalai, and joining lively local celebrations filled with music and dance.

– What are the safety tips to follow while celebrating Holi in India?

Ensure safety during Holi celebrations by avoiding synthetic colours, wearing goggles to shield your eyes, applying oil to hair and skin before playing with colours, conserving water, and donning full-sleeved clothing.

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