Holi is coming to the town. Are you ready with your Holi celebration plans? If not, don’t worry as we bring to you the best places you can visit with your family to celebrate Holi this year. There are many hot spots in India for Holi observance but which one will suit you or is it your choice, is the question. That’s why we have selected the top 5 spots catering to almost all families. Get up and bounce, and make the best use of your Holi holidays to enjoy a never before Holi experience.
Summer holidays are in, so you can cash in with your kids or friends to celebrate Holi and also have a mini vacation. Since youngsters are full of energy and nostalgia, visiting unique places for Holi will ignite their passion and indulge them in extra-curricular activities. You can check some of the attractions below that will suit your summer holidays.
1) Mathura and Vrindavan’s Traditional Holi, Uttar Pradesh
Holi is a special occasion in Mathura and Vrindavan. It is a grand celebration here. People from all parts of the world come here to witness this majestic festival. Enjoy mouth-watering sweets which are a specialty here. Indulge in the sumptuous bhang and dance like never before with the awesome crowd here. People wear traditional clothes here so make sure you get one from the local attire market here.
Lathmar is a very popular tradition here. Many people just come to Barsana and Nandgaon to witness it. The process is such that women use a Lath(traditional pole) and playfully beat men who try to throw colors on them. It is celebrated a few days before the actual day of Holi. The men who are being beaten sing folk songs and have a shield to protect themselves. This event is celebrated by remembering Radha and Krishna as it originated from their story.
Other Attractions
- Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple- Treat for Godly humans.
- Iskcon Temple- Enjoy the darshan and delicious prasad.
- Potra Kund- Divine bath with great mythological history.
2) Warrior Style Holi at Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
Anandpur Sahib is a city in Punjab known for its Holi celebrations. Sikh volunteers perform various acts like the Hanuman Gada & Long Sword dance. My favorite is the one where the volunteer rides on two horses simultaneously at a good speed. It is spectacular to watch. You will witness horses, camels, and elephants here which are used to ride the Sikh members. They shower colors during their ride on the public which gives a beautiful feeling.
The Holi celebrations here are referred to as Hola Mohalla. It is honored with a tribute to the Sikh warriors. Members perform Gatka which is a form of martial arts. They use real swords for this activity and it seems that you are witnessing a live warrior match. Other activities include wrestling, acrobatics, and turban tying which showcases the potential of Sikh warriors. Catch Nihang warriors here. They lead the Hola Mohalla festival. You can enjoy vegetarian food in langars outside the gurdwara. Treat your family with amazing kirtan, poetry, Punjabi folk and Bollywood music.
Other Attractions
- Virasat-E-Khalsa Museum- An architectural and visual spectacle.
- Gurudwara Qila Anandgarh Sahib- A historical masterpiece.
- Jhajjar Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary- Delicacy for Adventure lovers.
3) Holi with Nature at Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi is one of the best destinations in India to celebrate Holi. Experience its heritage with immensely beautiful landscapes. The temples here are unique in their styles and presentation which is why many Indians and foreigners are attracted to them. Get the best of art and music during the Holi festival here.
A Bonfire is created to celebrate Holika Dahan, a day before Holi. It marks the beginning of the festival signifying the victory of good over evil aka Rama defeating Raavana. It is supported by light traditional music and dance. The place is lit up with diyas which make it visually pleasing. People with singing abilities spark the event with Holi songs.
Other Attractions
- Matanga Hills- Sunrise & Sunset view from mountains.
- Hampi Archeological Ruins- Excellent workmanship to witness.
- Hampi Coracle Ride- Unique boat ride in Tungabhadra River.
4) Cultural Holi @ Shantiniketan, West Bengal
The legend Rabindranath Tagore introduced Basanta Utsav i.e. spring festival in Shantiniketan. Students of Vishva Bharati University showcase their performance on Tagore’s musical excellence. It is a cultural program of huge grandeur. Students are dressed in spring colors which is a tribute to Tagore’s love for the spring season.
You will enjoy the traditional Holi process of playing with colors here along with dhol music. In recent years, Basanta Utsav has emerged as the top followed Bengali historical culture by international visitors.
Other Attractions
- Prakriti Bhavan- Into nature’s lap.
- Amar Kutir Road- Best of Bengali shopping.
- Uttarayana- Pleasant ambiance for mental peace.
5) Regal Holi in Udaipur, Rajasthan
Local people and tourists from all over the world enjoy Holi together. People in Udaipur play with colors and water balloons. The folk music and dance is a real catch here. You will be engraved in their tradition. Rajasthan is perfect for people enjoying cultural values and what better than Holi to visit this amazing land.
You will enjoy the celebration of royal families here. The Mewar Holika Dahan held in City Palace is a prestigious occasion for them. The King and his family burn the Holika and then greet visitors. The Gair dance by the local people is enthralling. The family then sets out for the march on streets on their ornate camels which will give you a royal feel.
Other Attractions
- Lake Pichola- Artificial freshwater lake with Island Palaces.
- SaheliyonKiBari- Garden with Royal feel.
- Monsoon Palace- Majestic hilltop palace with scenic views.
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