Holi, known as the festival of colours, is one of the most celebrated festivals of India. People celebrate this festival with lots of joy and enthusiasm despite caste, creed, gender, age, and more. This festival is a mixture of plenty of things including food, drinks, music, sparks, happiness, and more that make this festival more memorable.
When it comes to the Holi celebration, people celebrate it in their own way at various places. India is a country of diversity that makes the celebration of every festival unique. In several regions, people celebrate Holi in different ways and by visiting these places during this time, you will enjoy this festival to the fullest. Let us learn about mesmerizing and extraordinary places to visit for the Holi celebration in India.
Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Known as the Janambhoomi of Lord Krishna, this place is one of the most significant and popular place for Holi celebration. Devotees have a very special place for this place as it holds some miraculous evidence of Krishna’s presence. In Mathura, people celebrate Holi at very wider pace using colours, water, flowers, and more, which make it mesmerizing as you see many colours and vibrant environment.
During the time of Holi, people decorate every temple and Ghats at a greater extent. The major celebrations occur at the Dwarkadheesh Temple, where devotees gather in the Holi afternoon and play Holi with gulaal. Some other places that person visit in Mathura are Shree Krishna Janambhoomi, Vishram Ghat, and more. Therefore, a short trip to Mathura during this time assists you in celebrating Holi with zeal and fun.
Best Time to visit Mathura: From October to March
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi, known as the Shiv ki Nagri, which is situated in Uttar Pradesh has its unique way to celebrate Holi. People all over India, play Holi with colors, Gulal, and water. Nevertheless, in Varanasi devotees celebrate Holi with ashes, which make it more significant. Devotees celebrate this Holi at Manikarnika Ghat, also known as the Burning Ghat.
Just like Lord Shiva, devotees play Holi with ash instead of Gulaal to establish the renunciation and detachment from worldly affairs. Bhasma Holi is celebrated on Rangbhari Ekadashi every year, which comes after Mahashivratri. This year, Bhasma Holi will be celebrated on 21 March 2024. It is the tradition of locals in Kashi to symbolize purification and devotion to Lord Shiva.
Best Time to visit Varanasi: From October to February
Barsana, Uttar Pradesh
Barsana, the birthplace of Radha Rani, celebrates Holi in a unique way. The celebrations start here from a week prior from the day of Holi, from 17 March to 25 March 2024. Here, people play “Lathmar Holi,” in which men have to protect themselves from women. Devotees from the suburbs of Mathura, namely, Barsana and Nandgaon play Lathmar Holi.
Among the colors, they play this beautiful game to understand the Nok-Jhok between Shree Krishna and Radha Rani. In addition to that, devotees also play Laddoo Holi at Shriji Temple on 08 March 2024. This Holi brings sweetness in the suburbs of Mathura. Thousands of people go to Barsana and Nandgaon to play Lathmar Holi to witness the love and fun of this celebration.
Best Time to visit Barsana: From October to March
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur, the pink city, has its own culture and tradition, which attracts many travelers. However, during the time of Holi celebration, the pink city turns into a rainbow with lots of colors and happiness. Every year, thousands of people travel to Jaipur on the occasion of Holi to enjoy Rajasthani Folk music and dance in the essence of Gulal.
People also visit Govind Dev Ji Temple at City Palace and play a traditional Holi with marigold flowers in front of the ideals of Krishna and Radha. In Jaipur, one of the most significant ways to play Holi is by using Gulaal Gotas and Water Cannon Bowls. Playing Holi in Jaipur will help you to be surrounded by Bhajans, hymn echos and soulful environment.
Best Time to visit Jaipur: November to March
Udaipur, Rajasthan
If you want to celebrate the festival of colours in a royal way, do visit Udaipur for your next Holi celebration. Udaipur is a place where you will get the chance to celebrate Holi in a very traditional and royal way. One night before the Holi, there is a glorious procession of horses, which takes the Royal Mewar Family to Udaipur for the celebration.
One day before Holi, the royal family performs the ritual of Holika Dahan, in which Maharaja lights the ceremonial bonfire and the locals perform the folk dance, Gair. People in Udaipur celebrate Holi in royal way with their folk dance and songs full of happiness and joy. In addition, the royal family serves their guests with traditional food and cocktail.
Best Time to visit Udaipur: From September to March
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