Holi festival is one of the most joyful celebrations celebrated not only in India but within Hindu communities all over the world. Excitement for Holi is on another level every year, especially among kids who just want to enjoy the day painting every other person’s face with Holi colour powders.
The significance of Holi is much higher. It’s not only about having fun and eating gujiyas, but it’s an auspicious occasion that reminds us about the ultimate victory of good over evil and dharma over adharma. This day makes us remember the history of Holi and Holika Dahan where Lord Vishnu saved his biggest devotee Prahlad from the Asura King, Hiranyakashyap.
As for the Holi festival in 2024, every state in India has its different style of celebrating. However, if you want to enjoy the true traditional Holi festival in India then you must visit these palaces.
Different Ways in Which Holi is Celebrated Across India in 2024
1. Basant Utsav, West Bengal
In West Bengal, Holi, the day celebrating Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s birth anniversary, holds particular significance. In Kolkata’s Shantiniketan University, founded by the famous Rabindra Nath Tagore, authors and scholars celebrate the festival of colours with music, dances, and hymn chanting.
2. Hola Mohalla in Anandpur, Punjab
Hola Mohalla, which is lionized by Sikh Guru Gobind Singh, is a unique occasion held one day after Holi. It is celebrated as an event that showcases martial arts, acrobatics, and mock disputes, paying tribute to the bravery and determination of Sikh men.
The evening ritual of playing with colours continues. The Gurudwara has a large setup for langar, or food, which is provided all day long. The largest event in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, takes place over one day in the open space at a crossing of the Charan Ganga Creek in Hola Mohalla.
3. Phalgun Purnima, Bihar
In Bihar, Holi, the springtime harbinger, is observed to celebrate the fertility of the land, rich crops, and the mythical story of Prahlad defeating Holika. On the eve of Phalgun Purnima, bonfires are set using wood from the Holika tree, grains from the newest harvest, and cakes made from cow dung.
In Bihar, Holi is celebrated as the start of the new year, therefore people clean their homes to welcome happiness and wealth into their lives. In addition to spreading colours, people in Bihar also use mud, and loud traditional songs performed to the beat of the dholak fill the air.
4. Kaman Pandigai, Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu celebrates Holi differently because it is said that on this auspicious day, Lord Shiva revived their beloved Lord Kaamdeva, the God of love. Unlike the traditional colour-spreading practice, the people here donate sandalwood to Kaamdeva in the hope that it will relieve his sorrow. Songs are sung to express Rati, Kaamdev’s wife,’s grief after seeing her husband turned to ashes by Lord Shiva’s anger.
5. Manjul Kuli, Kerala
Holi, the calm festival in Kerala, is known as Manjul Kuli. On the first day, people visit the Konkani temple at Gosripuram Thiruma, whereas, on the day before, they play Holi without using any colour at all by using water and turmeric. Singing beautiful, peaceful traditional folk songs is one way to enjoy the festival of colours. This delicate style of playing Holi is unique in its way.
6. Shigmo, Goa
Goa is a lively state that constantly leads the way in celebrations. A grand parade through the streets of Panjim marks the celebration of Holi, also known as Shigmo. These include the dance groups’ performances and the artists’ short plays that represent mythical stories from their culture. The vibrant Goan people decorate their boats with mythical designs to enhance the attraction of this vibrant celebration.
7. Yosang, Manipur
Yosang is a Holi festival in Manipur that is as unique as its name. The five-day festival opens with an offering to Pakhangba, the God. After the sun goes down, people gather to burn the huts, and the village children go around collecting money from the neighbours.
On the second and third days, regional performers perform at temples, while females collect funding. The next two days are spent playing with colours and water, leaving beautiful marks in people’s hearts.
8. Lathmar Holi, Uttar Pradesh
The practice of playing Holi with Radha and her friends has been observed in Uttar Pradesh since Lord Krishna’s visit to Barsana with his friends in the past. Krishna enjoyed spreading colours and teasing Gopis. Gopis, angered by the disturbance caused by these youngsters, used to choose bamboo sticks to attack Krishna and his gang.
The primary objective was to terrify them into leaving their village. Men from Nandgaon continue to visit Barsana to play Holi with women, yet in good spirits. To celebrate Holi in India, join these natives in their electrifying frenzy.
9. Dhulandi Holi, Haryana
Dhulandi, which is a major festival in Haryana, celebrates the relationship between Bhabhi (sister-in-law) and Devar (brother-in-law). This link between partners in crime is exactly like the friendship that results from playing practical jokes and aggravating each other. On this wonderful day, Bhabhis get the opportunity to drag their Devars in fake anger. This is how they pay for the pranks they commit.
10. Phoolon Ki Holi, Vrindavan
Phoolon ki Holi celebrated on Ekadashi during Holi week, is played with excitement by Krishna believers in Banke Bihari temple, Vrindavan. The exquisiteness lives in the environment, which is full of fragrance and flowers, and the beautiful scene transports you to another world.
Unlike the traditional Holi festival, which is performed with colours and water, Phoolon ki Holi focuses on connecting with the God of Love and Joy by showering him with flowers.
11. Rangpanchami, Maharashtra
Rangpanchami, famous in Maharashtra, is yet another excellent style of celebrating the festival of Holi. Celebrated on the fifth day before Phalgun Purnima, the festivities appear to never end. Lord Krishna used to steal butter from the area, and women would hide it in the higher levels of their houses to keep it safe from these butter thieves. Since then, the custom has been carried on in Mumbai and many other places in Maharashtra under the name Krishna Leela.
Every year, pandals break pots to relive the antics. The pots are hung from massive heights, and young people in large numbers create pyramids. Trained guys climb on top of them, while women stop them from reaching the pot by sprinkling water and colors.
12. Royal Holi, Jaipur
Every year, the royals of Jaipur’s City Palace host a beautiful event at their condominium. This increases the enthusiasm for Holi among both locals and international tourists. Every year, Jaipur has an increase in foot traffic during this event, which allows people to smear the royal family with colours. The frolicsome magnificent celebration of the Holi Festival in Jaipur creates unforgettable memories in the minds of tourists.
