10 Places In India To Celebrate Holi Like A Local

Nidhi Kadere

Vrindavan, UP

Lord Krishna spent his childhood and played Holi with his beloved Radha here. Witness the Phoolon wali Holi, where flowers are thrown instead of colours, and the Widow’s Holi, where widows break the social norms and join the festivities.

Phoolon wali Holi | Shutterstock

Shantiniketan, West Bengal

This is where the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore started the Basant Utsav, a cultural and musical celebration of Holi. Students dress up in colourful clothes and perform songs, dances, and dramas for the visitors.

Basant Utsav | Shutterstock

Mathura, UP

The birthplace of Lord Krishna and the epicentre of Holi celebrations, you can see the procession from Vishram Ghat to Holi Gate and the throwing of colours at Dwarkadheesh Temple.

Throwing of colours at Dwarkadheesh Temple | Shutterstock

Delhi

The capital city of India has a lot of Holi events, from traditional temple rituals to modern parties with DJs, bhang, and organic colours.

Holi in Delhi | Shutterstock

Manipur

Manipur celebrates Holi as Yaosang, a six-day festival that combines Hindu and indigenous traditions. You can see the Thabal Chongba, a moonlight dance where men and women hold hands and circle around a bonfire.

Burning of small thatch hut to mark the beginning of Holi festival in Manipur | Shutterstock

Barsana, UP

This is where Radha was born and where the famous Lathmar Holi takes place. In this tradition, women beat men with sticks as they try to smear them with colours.

Lathmar Holi celebrations | Shutterstock

Anandpur Sahib, Punjab

Punjab celebrates Holi as Hola Mohalla, a display of martial arts and bravery by the Sikh community. Watch the Nihang warriors perform sword fighting, horse riding, and tent pegging.

Hola Mohalla | Shutterstock

Hampi, Karnataka

This ancient city in Karnataka is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that comes alive with Holi celebrations. You can join the locals and tourists in splashing colours, dancing, and drumming along the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Holi in Hampi | Shutterstock

Udaipur, Rajasthan

This city in Rajasthan is known for its royal and regal Holi celebrations. You can witness the Holika Dahan, and the Udaipur Holi Fest, where you can enjoy live music, food, and drinks.

Holi in Udaipur | Shutterstock

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