We might be divided by race, class, caste, religion, region, and political ideologies but every single one of us is united by our love for Holi, one of the most colourful and festive occasions in India marking the victory of good over evil and celebration of the joy of life. So, however, you want to enjoy your day whether with a splash of colours, water or flowers, we’re here with a list of the top 10 places that you should visit to have the best experience of Holi celebration in India.
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Here are some amazing Holi celebrations in India that you must not miss
1. Mumbai, Maharashtra
The Holi celebration in Mumbai is like a Bollywood blockbuster movie coming to life! Imagine the sunny beaches of Juhu and Versova transformed into a landscape painted by a fresh palette of colours. The buzzes of laughter, as dhol beats in sync with the latest techno remixes. Beachside dance parties, water balloon battles, and gujhiya eating competitions, the people of Mumbai don't hold back. Here’s a mental picture of the Holi celebration in India, cheeks smeared with gulal, grooving under the open sky, while the Arabian Sea winks in approval. It’s a package of joy, where strangers become friends, and the city pulsates with infectious energy. Holi celebration in Mumbai is not just a festival; it’s a blockbuster fiesta that no one can ever forget!
2. Jaipur, Rajasthan
The pink city of Jaipur, a city with a dedicated colour in its name, got to have an epic Holi celebration. Known for its majestic processions, cultural programs, and open-air celebrations, at the Holi celebration in Jaipur, you can witness the beauty of Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Amber Fort in all their glory with colours, and enjoy the traditional folk music and dance.
Not just limited to the monuments but the Holi celebration in Jaipur is also famous for its Elephant Festival, where elephants are decorated with colours, jewels, and fabrics, and participate in races, polo, and tug-of-war. Holi celebration in Jaipur will be a rich experience with a touch of the royal.
3. Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
We’ve all grown up with stories of Lord Krishna and his leela, from our grandparents in the summer holidays. Hence, what better place for Holi celebration in India than the birthplace and childhood home of Lord Krishna himself, the main deity associated with Holi. These towns are famous for their week-long celebrations, which include various events such as Lathmar Holi, where women beat men with sticks, Phoolon wali Holi, where flowers are thrown instead of colours, and Holi at Banke Bihari Temple, where devotees play with colours and sing devotional songs. Mathura and Vrindavan will be a great spot to visit if you want to witness the best Holi celebration in India with the traditional and spiritual side of the festival.
4. Bangalore, Karnataka
Bangalore, otherwise known as the IT hub of India, is no less than any other city in terms of Holi celebration and functions as a hub of Holi for people of different cultures and backgrounds who come together to enjoy this day. The Holi celebration in Bangalore is mostly known for its eco-friendly, organic Holi parties, and its grand Holi parties with DJs and Bands to entertain the crowd. These Holi parties usually have an entry charge but it's very minimal and you’d meet amazing people in these Holi celebrations in Bangalore to share the happiness with, since mostly this city is an abode to a crowd who are away from their hometowns.
5. Pune, Maharashtra
Another cultural capital of India, Pune, is a place where people of different communities and religions celebrate this day with enthusiasm and Holi parties in Pune are not seen so often. The festival is celebrated as Shimga or Rang Panchami festival here. At these Holi parties in Pune people play with colours for five days, and enjoy the traditional folk dance of Dhol-Tasha. Pune is also known for its Osho Ashram, where Holi is celebrated with meditation, music, and dance, in a peaceful and serene atmosphere. So, this is another place to check out this Holi.
6. Kumaon, Uttarakhand
Taking it up a notch in its own unique ways is the Kumaoni Holi. They have not one, not two but three different types of Holis starting from Basant Panchmi known as Baithki Holi or Nirvan ki Holi, Khari Holi and the Mahila Holi that together last for over a month in the region. The Holi celebration in India’s this part of the region is celebrated as a serious musical affair where the locals wear traditional clothes like white Churidar pyjamas with Nokdaar Topi and sing songs based on religion and classical ragas and the music is played by traditional Dhol and Hurka.
7. Shantiniketan, West Bengal
Shantiniketan is the best place not just to visit but also especially visit during the Holi celebration in India. Rabindranath Tagore himself promoted this place for its grace and elegance towards art and culture. He started it as an event to celebrate the start of spring but later on, the day was merged with Holi and is now celebrated as Basant Utsav or Spring Festival. The festival is marked by cultural performances, songs, and dances, by the students and teachers of Visva-Bharati University and is one of the best places to visit for Holi celebration in India with an artistic and aesthetic experience.
8. Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
Known for its Hola Mohalla festival which coincides with Holi and showcases the martial arts and skills of the Sikh warriors, Holi is celebrated in a very unique style here. This 3-day Holi celebration in India was founded by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru is marked by mock battles, swordsmanship displays, and traditional music, by the Nihang Sikhs, who wear blue robes and turbans. Holi in Anandpira Sahib is not just a festival of colours and fun but will take you to the brave and bold side of the festival.
9. Goa
We’ve all had at least one cancelled Goa trip with our friends in our lifetimes but this time around you might have a better excuse to take this trip out of the group chat and that is Holi. The otherwise party destination of India, Goa, is another unusual place to experience the Holi celebration in India which is celebrated as Shigmo there from the 11th Moon day till the 15th Moon day and on the final day of this festival also known as ‘Rang Panchami’ is actually where people smear each other with gulal. It’s sure to make you fall in love with Goa even more.
Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead.