The Different Hues of Holi Celebrations in India

Holi Celebrations in India

Holi in India is boisterous, loud, absorbing, in-your-face and, most importantly, memorable. There are no half measures to celebrating Holi – you’re either in or out. Especially if you’re visiting from abroad, expect a lot of eyeballs, prolonged stares and curious approaches. But, don’t let unwanted attention bog you down and take away from the spirit of Holi. This post is a brief description of the most popular Holi celebrations around India.

     1 -  Uttar Pradesh – Barsana, Mathura, Nandgaon and Vrindavan

Being the birthplace of Lord Krishna, who is believed to have been a huge Holi patronizer himself, Holi is at its whackiest best here. Drums of colored water are poured on the processions of hundreds dancing in the streets as the ladies take to mock-beating men with lathis (bamboo sticks). A word of caution – it’s relatively safer to enjoy the celebrations from a distance. Bring your SLR to good use. 

Lathmar Holi Barsana

      2 -  Udaipur, Rajsthan  -  Shiv Niwas Palace

The royal family of Udaipur throws open the gates of the majestic Shiv Niwas Palace on Holi every year. Holi is celebrated in the manicured lawns of the palace as people drown each other in huge tanks of colored water. Water canons throw jets of water in different colors as people engage in spirited revelry, inebriated under the influence of cannabis-laden bhang.

Grand Holika Dahan Festival in Shiv Niwas Palace Udaipur, Rajsthan

3 - Goa

If it’s a celebration, Goa is already doing it. The colorful Holi festival goes by the name of Shigmo in Goa. The Shigmo Festival is the festival of spring and is celebrated over a week amid much pomp and fanfare. Gulal and Neel are the most widely used colors and thumping drums roaring choruses make for the music. Local troupes enact the story behind the festival and parades are organized at Panaji, Mapusa, Vasco da Gama and Margao.

The Shigmo Festival in Goa

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