Are you all set to celebrate the craziest Holi of the year? Then why not do it at the most happening places specifically hyped for Holi celebrations. Play with colors, throw water balloons, get drenched in colored water, enjoy bhang, devour finger-licking food, and dance on your favorite Holi tracks in the most happening Holi destinations.
However, selecting a destination depends on what type of activity you want to participate like from traditional temple rituals to modern parties with DJs. Depending upon the usual interests of the people, we have curated some of the major destinations with totally different Holi celebrations. Check out the ones that appeal to you the most.
1. Barsana & Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh
A perfect combination of colors, age-old traditions, and unrestrained fun can be seen in Barsana and Nandgaon. This place is widely known for Lathmar Holi celebrations. Under this unique concept that happens just before the main day of Holi, the local women beat men with sticks and this crazy Holi celebration of Barsana and Nandgaon makes this festival a lot more special. You can also experience the Laddoo Holi festivities conducted at Shriji Temple a couple of days before Lathmar Holi.
2. Mathura & Vrindavan
Thousand years of history and numerous mythical legends are attached to these two amazing places, Mathura and Vrindavan. Celebrating Holi on these holy lands is a dream of many people. So, hit the road and join the craziest Holi celebrations of these two legendary places this year. Lord Krishna was born in Mathura and he spent his childhood in Vrindavan as we all know. A week before Holi, Mathura holds a well-known show in Sri Krishna Janmasthan temple. Also, you would love to be a part of the week-long celebrations at Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan. The celebrations start with the throwing of flowers (Phoolon Wali Holi) leading to the craziest Holi you have ever witnessed. Places of interest: Vishram Ghat, Holi Gate, Dwarkadheesh Temple, and Banke-Bihari Temple.
3. Goa
If you are in a mood to enjoy this year’s Holi in a modern style then make plans for Goa. It’s an interesting fact that this festival is called as Shigmostav in Goa. You should not miss the amazing parades that take place in the last five days of the festival. The parades include the performances of troupes in the form of cultural dramas which are known as the highlight of this festival. On the fifth day, the festivity reaches the peak as gulal is used to color everyone.
4. Jaipur and Udaipur, Rajasthan
Do you wish to celebrate Holi royally? Then, visit Jaipur and Udaipur. Holi in Rajasthan is spent royally that gets extended for two days. The first day is celebrated with Holika Dahan at the City Palace in Udaipur. The custom of lighting the Holika is traditionally performed by the current custodian of the Mewar dynasty. Witness this amazing sight and celebrate the day. The next morning, the Holi celebrations take place in the streets of Jaipur and Udaipur. Every year, the Holi festival starts with the elephant festival in which the elephants, camels, horses, and even folk dancers are elaborately decorated and parade on the streets. You can also enjoy elephant races, elephant polo, and the tug-of-war between elephants.
5. Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
The celebration of Holi in Punjab has its own style, especially in Anandpur Sahib, where this festival is known as Hola Mohalla. This is an annual fair that is celebrated after the Hindu festival of Holi. The vibrant Holi festival is known for sparkling colors, Hola Mohalla involves demonstration of the martial skills in simulated battles. This is a 3-day grand festival that includes exhibitions, mock battles, Gatka, exhibitions, bareback horse-riding, kirtan, music, and various others. You will definitely enjoy this interesting Holi festival.
