Best Places in India to Celebrate Holi, The Festival of Colors

Explosion of colors, cheerful vibes and jubilation – this is exactly what comes into mind when we think of the most awaited festival of India, ‘Holi’. The fun and vigor displayed in this festival compel everyone to be a part of it regardless of one’s religion or nationality. Much of the attention this festival receives is because of its origins in mythology. As per legends, the festival got its name from Holika, who along with her brother had plotted to kill her nephew Prahalad.

But owing to his unfailing devotion towards Lord Vishnu, he returned unharmed from the fire flames which were prepared to kill him. On the contrary, it was Holika who got burnt in the flames despite her invincible powers. That is why this festival is also known as ‘Holika Dehan‘. Yet another legend describes Holi as a favorite festival of Lord Krishna. According to this legend, Lord Krishna loved to splash color on Radha to express his love for her.

The festival also marks the arrival of spring season which is another reason people all over India celebrate it with great fervor. Seeing the surge in tourist influx observed during the Holi festival, the festival is now celebrated on a large scale at many different places in India. The India Holi Tour is the best way to get acquainted with the traditions, legends, and rituals pertaining to the festival.

With such an impressive range of options, celebrating Holi in India becomes mandatory to gauge its cultural setup. Take a look at these handpicked destinations featuring in Festival Tours India for witnessing the grand celebrations that take place every year in India on Holi :-

1. Mathura

Holi in Mathura

Holi in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna is a grand affair that is appreciated by people of all ages and ethnicities. This city is best known for the mythological grandeur exuding from a series of temples dotting the city. It brings to the fore the history of the festival through a range of rituals and ceremonies conducted at the temples. The most brilliant celebrations are seen at Dwarkadheesh Temple where the day starts by offering prayers, and splashing colors and enjoying the festival. The temple draws many visitors on this day.

Dauji temple is also a “must-visit” to take part in singing and dancing and to gain complete knowledge about the festival in Mathura.

Suggested Tour: Holi in Braj Festival tour –( 8Days/7Nights)

Also Read: Holi Festival Tour – Best Way to Experience the Festival of Colours at Braj

2. Vrindavan

Holi in Vrindavan

Vrindavan is a favored getaway to indulge in Holi festivities especially for stout believers of Lord Krishna. This place is famous for organizing a ‘Special Flower Holi’ or Phulon ki Holi in which people shower each other with flower petals, “natural colors” at Banke Bihari Temple. There is no use of colors anywhere around the temple in this ritual. Gulal Kund is another place where the festivities are seen in full glory. Here, you get to watch the locals present a mythological play where Lord Krishna is seen enjoying a sprinkling of colors.

Suggested Tour: Holi in Braj Festival tour –( 8Days/7Nights)

3. Barsana

lathmar-Holi, Barsana

Celebrating Holi in Barsana, the birthplace of Goddess Radha helps you get in touch with its origins and the rituals observed in yesteryears. This place is specifically noted for ‘Lathmar Holi’ where women in the village gather with huge bamboo sticks to prevent the men belonging to other villages from exerting control over Shri Radhikaji temple. The men splash colors on the women as an act of defense which lightens up the atmosphere. Later, both men and women are seen enjoying the festival dancing and singing. Special viewing facilities are set up on the outskirts of Barsana to let the tourists sight the endless celebration by villagers.

Suggested Tour: Holi in Braj Festival tour –( 8Days/7Nights)

4. Jaipur

Holi in Jaipur

There can’t be a better place to be pampered by the sheer fun and brightness of colors observed on Holi than the royal land itself. Jaipur is an excellent destination for travelers to understand the intricacies related to the festival. The best part about celebrating Holi in Jaipur is its vibrant culture which blends perfectly with the medley of colors presented in the Holi festival. The whole city comes alive with a blast of vivid hues on this day which is why it is regarded as an important destination in India Holi Tour.

Amer Fort and City Palace are the best venues to observe the grand celebrations that go on for three days. Elephant parades through the city are the highlight of the Holi festival in Jaipur. The lip-smacking snacks and sweets being served on every turn of the city is a must.

5. Delhi

Holi festival in Delhi

Delhi is speculated to be one of the finest places to capture the varied hues of the Holi festival. One can be a witness to the transformation of the city into a kaleidoscope of colors. The energy and enthusiasm displayed by the individuals participating in this festival is at its best. Foreigners are seen participating actively in the festivities which are replete with fun, music, games, dance and appetizing food. Bhang drinking sessions add a mischievous twist to the festival. To view the magnanimity of Holi celebrations in Delhi, Connaught Place and Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium are ideal options. For those seeking to celebrate this festival away from the public glare, farmhouses are perfect alternatives.

6. Bharatpur

Holi Festival in Bharatpur

This lesser-known city of Rajasthan takes pride in hosting ‘Brij Mahotsav’ to mark the Holi festival in the Brij region. It’s one lively event that offers a peek into the glorious rituals practiced during this festival. The main attraction of Brij Mahotsav is the Raslila dance where couples can be seen dancing and splashing colors on each other with water guns. The whole atmosphere comes alive with folk music and exuberance of locals and foreigners who ensure no one is left without getting their share of color splashed on them. This festival helps initiate friendships and connect with locals.

7. Agra

Holi Festival in Agra

The land of the Taj Mahal, Agra is the most fascinating place to celebrate the festival of colors. Being a highly visited tourist attraction, the irrevocable beauty of the Taj Mahal makes Agra an ideal destination to travel to during the Holi festival. The mighty Mughal monuments located in Agra coupled with the jolly natured locals are best captured amid the frolic atmosphere of the Holi festival. It’s a treat for the tourists to view the locals celebrate the festival throwing colors at each other. Strolling through the buzzing markets, tasting delectable Mughlai dishes of Agra and getting to know about the customs associated with the festival leaves you in awe of the city.

8. Goa

Holi Festival in Goa

Shigmotsav, Goa

Goa serves as an ideal location for those looking to celebrate the festival with a difference. The beaches of Goa are great places to enjoy this festival to the hilt. ‘Shigmotsav’, a famous spring festival celebrated on the same day gives you another reason to travel to Goa during the Holi festival. On this day, special dances and parades are organized in Colva and Panaji signifying the city’s rich culture. The jovial atmosphere created during the festival is liked by all irrespective of age or nationality. One can also be a part of Holi parties hosted at several places to view the modern version of the festival.

9. Anandpur Sahib

Hola Mohalla

Date:- 9^th – 10^th March 2020

The festival of colors is observed by Sikhs as ‘Hola Mohalla’ at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab. It celebrates the bravery and martial arts skills practiced by Nihangs, a section of the Sikh community. This event portrays the fine elements of Sikh culture, attracting many admirers from across the globe. Mock fights are presented on the occasion and poetry sessions continue for the most part of the day. The sprinkling of colors you get to observe in this festival has no relevance with the origin of Hola Mohalla. This ritual is observed as a way to welcome the spring season. Local folks dressed elegantly at the fair venue infuse a rustic feel to the festivities.

Suggested Tour: Holi and Hola Mohalla Tour – 10Days/9Nights

Also Read: Welcome to a Splash of Colors Holi and Hola Mohalla Festival 2020

10. Hampi

Holi Festival in Hampi

The ‘City of Ruins’, Hampi in Karnataka comes to life on the Holi festival with a generous display of coolers and pomp. The ancient character this city puts forth is well maintained by the locals in the way they observe the festival. A huge crowd can be seen on the streets throwing colors at each other. This infuses the air with fun and excitement which is enjoyed by all. At every turn of the city, you are welcomed by a burst of colors.

11. Ahmedabad

Holi Festival in Ahmedabad

One more place that follows a unique ritual at the Holi festival in Gujarat. It is mainly celebrated as a harvest festival and the most glorious version of the festivities is observed in Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat. The locals here still observe the age-old rituals started by their forefathers to preserve the beautiful culture of Gujarat. People make generous offerings at the local temples and the whole day is spent joyously singing, dancing and throwing colors at each other enjoying the India Holi Tour.

Also Read:

• Top Festival Tours Of India For A Peek Into Its Distinct Culture
• Experience an India Holi Tour and Get Driven Through the Festival of Colors
• Experience India Holi Tour& Feel Colorful All Over
• India Holi Tour – A Joyous Celebration of Colours, Mythology and Indian Traditions
• Go Splashy by Knowing It all About the Holi Festival in India