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It’s officially that time of the year. When the winter season begins to draw its last few breaths, and the spell of spring is noticeably on the horizon. When the harsh cold begins to retreat, and the smell of freshly blooming flowers gets dispersed through the air. And when frolic-filled thoughts of the festival of Holi occupy every last brain cell you’re left with!
Let us state it outright. We are not here to help you stay focused, or divert your thoughts. Instead, we are here with more fodder for your Holi-fueled mind! If you spend 364 days a year, looking forward to the festival of colours, here’s a little treat for you. Read on to discover 6 unique places with the most unconventional Holi 2024 celebrations in India. Let’s get scrolling?
Top 10 Best Places To Celebrate Holi In India In 2024
1. Holi in Mathura & Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
If you've been residing in India for a while, not having heard anything at all about the grand Holi celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan is a distant possibility. Both the famous temple towns begin with their celebration of the festival on Vasant Panchami, a Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring. With grand shows orchestrated in temples, colours and flowers thrown around in joy, and bhang being prepared at every nook, this is one Holi destination in India everyone needs to visit at least once.
Image Courtesy - Pinterest
2. Shanti Niketan, West Bengal
First initiated by none other than Rabindranath Tagore, the celebration of Holi in Shantiniketan, West Bengal isn't your usual rowdy affair. Basanta Utsav is the name given to the magnificent celebrations that transpire in and around Shantiniketan in the month of March, and its roots can be traced back to Vishva Bharati University where it was first introduced. This festival is all about rejoicing in the richness of our culture, and have fun welcoming the happy season of Spring.
Image Courtesy - Pinterest
3. Holi in Barsana, Uttar Pradesh
Referred to as "Lathmar Holi", the festival of colours is celebrated in this UP town exactly how the name suggests it is! According to mythology, Barsana is the birthplace of Radha where Krishna paid a visit with expectations of playing Holi with the gopis, but was instead greeted by sticks. Now, this has taken the form of an age-old tradition wherein men from Nandgaon visit Barsana every year, to be met with sticks being hurled by the women. Both the parties sing Holi songs, chant Sri Radhey or Sri Krishna, and party like its 3228 BC!
Image Courtesy - Sid The Wanderer
4. Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
Think about the craziest Holi celebration you've been a part of till date, or even just heard of and multiply that by times 100. That's how the festival of colours in Anandpur Sahib looks like. Taking the form of a three-day Sikh festival known by the name of Holla Mohalla, this occasion is celebrated to pay tribute to warriors from the past with a vibrant procession.
Image Courtesy - Mantra Times
5. Udaipur, Rajasthan
From the Mewar Holika Dahan which is celebrated with a bonfire on the grounds of the City Palace, to the famous vibrant rally brimming with literal royalty, the two-day festival of Holi in Udaipur is one worth including in your bucket list. During this time of the year, all nooks and crannies of the city come alive with festive fervour and colourful merrymaking.
Image Courtesy - YouTube
6. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Holi in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is a vibrant and colorful celebration that transforms the Pink City into a rainbow. The festivities include gala celebrations in the palace hosted by the royal family to support local charities. At the old Khasa Kothi Hotel, functions are organized with support from the local tourism office, featuring Rajasthani folk music, dance, and gulal play. The Govind Dev Ji Temple in the City Palace creates a devotional atmosphere with offerings of marigold flowers to idols of Krishna and Radha, accompanied by bhajans or hymns.
Image Courtesy: Hotels Dekho
7. Hampi, Karnataka
Holi in Hampi, a unique South Indian celebration, is a vibrant and colorful event that breaks the common notion that Holi is only celebrated in North India. Hampi's festivities resonate with the spirit of Holi, with temples and venues filled with joyous celebrations. The festivities kick off with the traditional Holika Dahan bonfire, accompanied by songs and dance. The following day, the atmosphere is filled with delightful colors and cheer, as drumbeats echo throughout, infusing dynamism into the festive fervor.
Image Courtesy: India Times
8. Delhi
Holi in Delhi is a lively celebration that turns the city into a colorful spectacle. Streets are filled with colored water balloons, pichkaris spraying colors, and clouds of gulal painting the city in vibrant hues. For those looking to join the festivities, the Holi Moo Festival (formerly known as the Holi Cow Festival) is a must-visit event featuring performances by Indian and international artists. Various locations in Delhi, such as Frenzy Adventure, the Garden of Five Senses, Janmashtami Park, Maharana Pratap ISBT, Gamesforest, and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, host exciting Holi parties.
Image Courtesy: Slosh Out
9. Mumbai, Maharashtra
Mumbai, the city of dreams, hosts some of the most unique Holi celebrations in India. The city is known for its vibrant and colorful Holi parties, with top-notch resorts, clubs, and grounds hosting pulsating Holi parties. The city oozes with Holi cheer, offering a variety of unique Holi events for tourists to choose from. Every year, the Holi celebrations in Mumbai become more vivid, offering a memorable trip for festival celebrations to tourists.
Image Courtesy: Bhatakna
10. Purulia, West Bengal
Holi in Purulia, West Bengal, is a unique celebration known as Dol festival. This traditional event takes place three days before Holi around the Bandhar Deul temple, dating back to the 8th century. The festivities in Purulia are filled with cultural richness, featuring Chau dance, Natua dance, Darbari Jhumur, and performances by Baul musicians. These traditional dances and music add a special touch to the colorful festival, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique Holi experience.
Image Courtesy: Indiator
So this Holi 2024, we urge you to drag yourself out of your bed instead of burrowing under the covers, and get splashed by the colours of India! Happy Holi!
