The festival of Holi brings much-needed colour and cheer
As the winter ends and spring is welcomed, the festival of colours, Holi, is looked forward to by everyone. India too has some of the best Holi celebrations where people immerse in enthusiasm, music, love, and the joy of season change. So let’s take a look at some places where Holi is celebrated the most in India:
Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Since Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Holi is famously celebrated in this city where people are doused with colour and music. If you are there on Holi, head to the Dwarkadhish Temple in the morning as it is the sought-after experience, especially in the morning. In the late afternoon, there is a procession from Vishram gate towards Holi gate.
Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Holi at Vrindavan is famous for the celebrations around the Banke Bihari Temple. At around 4pm, the temple priests shower everyone present there with flowers for half an hour. That’s why this place has earned the name Phoolonwali Holi. Gopinath Temple, around noon, sees the custom of Widows’ Holi, where widows play with powdered colours and bhajans take over the day.
Barsana, Uttar Pradesh
This place is famous for Lathmar Holi, which is one of the most sought-after celebrations of Holi in India. Barsana is an hour’s drive from Mathura and is believed to be Radha’s hometown. According to folklore, Radha and the other gopis playfully fought off Krishna who used to visit this place from Nandgaon with his friends to play Holi. Today, in a recreation, women charge lathis or sticks on men who shield themselves from the playful beatings of the females.
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Not just for the Taj Mahal, Agra is also famous for its Holi celebrations. People chug down glass after glass of bhang with delight as they play with colours thrown in every direction. People then sing folk songs, all in festive spirit.
Udaipur, Rajasthan
With a regal touch, Holi in Udaipur is known for its involvement of the former royal family. The erstwhile maharaja lights the ceremonial bonfire, known as Mewar HolikaDahan, at the City Palace. It is then followed by folk dances and a royal procession is carried out on elephants, horses and camels.
Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
In Punjab, the festival of Holi is celebrated as Hola Mohalla, a tradition under the guidance of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth guru of the Sikhs. Under this celebration, Nihang Sikhs display their bravery by performing martial arts.
