Holi, the festival of colours, is a splash of everything that’s fun, colourful and joyous, and is celebrated with unique traditions across India. While some regions of the country celebrate with playful chaos, others honour the festival with deep-rooted rituals. From flower showers to lathis, Holi takes on diverse forms that come from heritage, devotion, and celebration. Let’s explore how different parts of India bring their own flair to this festival of joy.

1. Barsana and Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh- Lathmar Holi

Imagine a Holi celebration where women are playfully chasing men with sticks (lathis) while the men shield themselves with padded shields! This is Lathmar Holi, a tradition in Barsana and Nandgaon, the birthplace of Radha and Krishna. According to legend, Krishna would visit Radha’s village to tease her and her friends, only to be chased away with sticks. Today, the ritual continues, drawing thousands who revel in the spirited play and the burst of colours.

2. Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh- The Spiritual Holi

There are hardly any places celebrate Holi with as much devotion and enthusiasm as Mathura and Vrindavan, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood years. The festivities and celebrations begin weeks in advance at temples like Banke Bihari and Dwarkadhish with clouds of colour filling the air. The most bewitching sight is the Phoolon Ki Holi at Vrindavan’s Banke Bihari Temple, where instead of colours, the priests shower devotees with flower petals, creating a surreal and fragrant environment.

3. Shantiniketan, West Bengal- Basanta Utsav

In West Bengal, Holi is celebrated as Basanta Utsav, a celebration for the start of spring inspired by Rabindranath Tagore. At Shantiniketan, students and artists are all dressed up in bright yellow and sing, dance, and recite poetry, making it a cultural spectacle for any literary enthusiast. The air is filled with Tagore’s poetry and songs, blending art with festivities in a way that’s uniquely elegant and immersive.

4. Anandpur Sahib, Punjab- Hola Mohalla

Holi is celebrated as Hola Mohalla in the Sikh Community. This tradition that was started by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Instead of colour play, this festival is marked by grand processions, martial arts display, horse riding, and mock battles. The energy is electric as Nihang warriors demonstrate their strength and agility, honouring the spirit of valour and brotherhood.

5. Udaipur, Rajasthan- Royal Holi

Like any other festival here, Holi in Udaipur is celebrated as a royal affair. The celebrations kick off with a grand Holika Dahan at the City Palace and a ceremonial pyre is lit, followed by a magnificent procession of elephants, horses, and royal guards. The next day, the city erupts in a festivity of colours along the lakeside adding a slight touch of fairytale setting.  

6. Manipur- Yaoshang Holi

In Manipur, Holi falls with the traditional festival of Yaoshang. Celebrated over five days, it includes dance, music, and cultural performances. The highlight is Thabal Chongba, a folk dance where men and women dance in circles under the moonlight, making it one of the most unique celebrations of Holi in the country.

7. Gujarat- Holi with Dahi Handi

Gujarat brings a twist of its own to Holi with Dahi Handi, inspired by Lord Krishna’s love for butter. Young men form human pyramids to break pots filled with buttermilk, recreating Krishna’s adorably mischievous childhood adventures. The energy is contagious with crowds gathered to witness the thrill of breaking dahi handi, cheering and colours flying in every direction.

8. Goa- Shigmo Festival

Holi in Goa coincides with Shigmo, a traditional spring festival that is celebrated with processions, folk performances, and street celebrations. Dancers dressed as mythological characters parade through the streets filling people with feelings of carnival.

9. Tamil Nadu- Holi of the Pandhuga Style

In some parts of Tamil Nadu, Holi is celebrated as Kama Dahanam, where bonfires symbolise the burning of desire, inspired by the legend of Lord Shiva and Kamadeva. Unlike the colour play of the North, this is a more ritualistic observance, marked by prayers and traditional rituals.

Holi in India is one of the most fun festivals of the country with each region adding its own brushstroke to its celebration. Whether you find yourself drenched in colours in Mathura, amidst poetic elegance in Shantiniketan, or in the thrilling chaos of Lathmar Holi, one thing is certain that Holi unites, excites, and mesmerises people all over the country. So, where will you be celebrating this year?

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