Where would you like to spend Holi this year?

What does Holi, one of the most colourful festivals of India, mean to you? Do you like to join the boisterous crowd or seek refuge from the noise? Would you prefer to be drenched in colours or would you prefer a gentle daub? Take your pick from our list of nine destinations that offer a wide choice in matters of celebration and character. 

This year Holi falls on March 28.

Mathura-Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

Mathura (where Krishna was born) and Vrindavan (where he spent his youth) start celebrations days before the actual festival. Temples and religious institutions are the main attractions for observing the rituals, especially Dwarkadheesh Temple of Mathura and Bankebihari Temple of Vrindavan. The various neighbourhoods hold their own celebrations, throwing coloured powder and water at each other.

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One the eve of Holi, a huge procession winds its way through Mathura. However, remember, the celebrations in Mathura-Vrindavan can be noisy and unruly. Imbibing ‘bhaang’ (cannabis) is part of the traditional ritual. Although the colourful scenes are a photographer’s delight, you have to take precautions to keep your gadgets safe from being drenched. Women have to be careful from rowdies and partaking of food or drinks offered by strangers (as these may be laced with bhaang).

Barsana-Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh

Located in Mathura district, these two towns are popular for their pre-Holi celebrations called Lathmar Holi. According to legends, Krishna, resided in Nandgaon with his foster parents and Radha was born and lived in Barsana. It is said that once Radha and her friends took offence at the advances made by Krishna and his friends. The women beat the men with sticks and chased them away. Even today, the incident is remembered with a ritualistic performance at the Radharani Temple in town.

Jaipur, Rajasthan

The state capital is one of the best places to enjoy Holi in Rajasthan. Locally knowns as Dhulandi, it is truly a people’s festival. The special celebration organised by the state tourism has been a popular attraction among foreigners. Apart from enjoying being daubed by coloured powders, they enjoy the folk performances too.

Anandpur Sahib, Punjab

Celebrated by the Sikhs, Hola Mohalla, which usually coincides with Holi, is a blend of the Spring festival and the martial prowess of the community. Started by Guru Govind Singh, it is best observed in Anandpur Sahib. Apart from the three-day fair, visitors flock to watch the procession where Nihangs in their traditional attire and others exhibit their martial skills.

Imphal, Manipur

The picturesque state capital can be your base to observe Yaoshang, largely celebrated by the Maitei people, and often equated with Holi. Just before the festival, the city’s main market, Khwairamband Keithal, turns into a hub of activities as people flock to buy new clothes and various kinds of special edible products. The five day long festival begins on the full moon day and is marked by various events, such as burning the Yaoshang (made of bamboo and straw) in the evening, ‘Nakatheng’, where small children dressed in traditional attire visit neighbourhood homes to collect donations, ‘Thabal Chongba’, a traditional folk dance where young boys and girls participate, offering prayers to the Vaishnava saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, celebrations at the GovindaJi Temple, etc.

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Amadpur, West Bengal

If you are looking for a quiet celebration sans the crowd, head to this small village (less than 100km from Kolkata) where rituals performed in the Radha-Madhav temple belonging to the erstwhile Chaudhuri zamindar family is the main attraction. Early in the morning, the idols from the temple are carried to the Dol Mancha in a procession, where more rituals are more performed. Throughout the day, people come to offer prayers and apply colours to the idols. Playing with colours are mostly limited to family members. In Amadpur, you may also stay at the restored family home of the Chaudhuris, now a beautiful heritage homestay.

Tepantar, West Bengal

Tucked inside a lightly wooded countryside, this experimental theatre village in Satkahaniya (about 175 km from Kolkata by road) is a perfect place to hide away from the noisy celebration. The organisation usually holds its own cultural programmes to celebrate the season of colours. The self-sustaining campus offers well-furnished rooms and dormitories. You may also combine this with a trip to Shantiniketan (23 km away) and Joydev-Kenduli.

Bolpur, West Bengal

Nobel Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore wanted the celebrations at Viswa Bharati (the university founded by him) to follow the seasonal calendar. Hence Dol or Holi became Vasantotsav (Spring Festival), to be celebrated through music and dance. He himself had penned scores of lyrics in honour of Spring. A celebration that was earlier limited to the students, staff and teachers, and their family members, gradually evolved into a public festivity. However, as the celebration gathered popularity, it became difficult to keep away the unsavoury elements who trickled in with an otherwise genteel crowd. Hence, restrictions had to be made from time to time. However, the celebration is still worth enjoying.

Nimdih, Jharkhand

Located in the shadow of the Dalma hills, the Nimdih Gandhi Ashram is perfect for enjoying Holi with a difference. Enjoy a splash of colours with the local tribal people who join who beat up a heady tempo with their drums. Usually, the place offers a three day package, which includes folk music programmes, workshops and a chance to try some organic farming. Accommodation is available on campus.

Note: Observations of public festivities and gatherings may be influenced by the ongoing pandemic situation. Therefore, do check if the local authorities have declared any kind of restrictions, before planning. Also, it is advisable to follow the safety and hygiene protocols and avoid crowds.