It’s that time of the year again. It’s officially spring time, there’s an electric vibe in the atmosphere, it’s colours everywhere, and almost everybody is in perpetual party mode- yes, it’s time for HOLI! It’s probably the only festival in our country which is celebrated all across with such immense enthusiasm and gusto. What also sets this festival apart is the fact that it is celebrated in such a diverse way in different parts of the country. Yup, it is! Here’s a quick look at how Holi is celebrated differently in different parts of the country.
1. Phoolon Wali Holi – Vrindavan
Do you know what is Phoolon Wali Holi? On the Ekadashi day (17th March), Banke Bihari temple at Vrindavan celebrates Holi with flowers. It’s a short affair of about 15-20 minutes in which flowers are thrown at the devotees by the priests. During this day, the idol of Krishna is dressed up in white clothes and is brought in between the devotees to play Holi.
2. Lathmar Holi – Barsana and Nandgaon
The people of Barsana and Nandgaon celebrate Holi in a pretty unique way. Women chase men and beat them up with lathis (sticks)! We’re sure you’d have heard of this concept before. Do you know the story behind the festival? Lord Krishna visited Barsana to meet Radha for Holi and teased her and her friends. To teach Krishna a lesson they decided to beat him with sticks. Sounds interesting, right!
3. Basatan Utsav – West Bengal
In the land of Rosogullas, West Bengal, people celebrate this festival with full enthusiasm. People usually dress up in yellow to play with Gulaal for the whole day. Dol Jatra is performed on the very next day of Holi celebrations. It is a grand procession of Lord Krishna being taken through the streets of Bengal accompanied with folk performances including dance and music followed by playing with colours.
4. Hola Mohalla – Punjab
Probably the most unique celebration out of the lot has got to be that in Punjab. Their Holi celebration is called Hola Mohalla, which is celebrated a day after Holi and commemorates the bravery of Sikh warriors. The celebration is also called as Nihang Sikhs. An extensive display of traditional martial arts followed by music and dancing are the major attractions of the festival.
5. Yaosang – Manipur
Northeastern Gem-Manipur celebrates Holi which lasts for six days! The entire valley is decorated with bamboo huts on the roadside called ‘Yaosang’. Lord Chaitanya’s idol is placed in the huts and elaborate prayers take place. On the sixth day of the celebration, which is Holi, the huts are set on fire with the chanting of ‘Hari Bola’ and ‘He Hari’. The major highlight of their is the Thabal Chongba, a traditional Manipuri folk dance.
Date: 20th March- 25th March
6. Khadi Holi or Baithki Holi or Mahila Holi – Uttarakhand
For their Holi celebrations, people dress up in white clothes. They sing special songs and ragas inside the temples. Baithaki Holi and Mahila Holi are usually celebrated in cities. Women
Date: 20th March-21st March
7. Shigmo – Goa
Planning to visit Goa in March? The right time to hit the place is during the celebrations of Holi which is called Shigmo. The festival is celebrated for 14 days every year! It is one of the major festivals of farmers and they welcome the spring season in this duration. Of course, it won’t harm to check out the raging Holi parties while you are in Goa!
8. Ukuli or Manjal Kuli – Kerala
Kudumbi and Konkani communities of Kerala celebrate Holi in their own traditional manner which shouldn’t be missed at all! Kerala is also known as God’s own country play Manjal Kulli with turmeric.
9. Royal Holika Dahan- Udaipur
The festival of colours spells class and imperiality with all rituals and celebrations in the city of lakes- Udaipur. At City Palace, Holika Dahan marks the beginning of the festival followed with fireworks. This annual tradition of the royal family of the Mewar dynasty is being kept alive till date!
(Featured Image Source: hoteldekho.com)
