Agoda survey reveals Art and Culture is one of the top three motivations to travel for Indians
Holi, the much-anticipated festival of colors, is approaching! After spending two years isolated and socially separating from India’s unique culture and traditions, now is the ideal moment to walk out and witness the grandeur of this celebration.
According to Agoda’s recent ‘India-genous Travel’ poll, 68 percent of Indians want to travel inside their own country in 2022. Landscape and cuisine, art, and culture are one of the top three reasons for Indians to travel, according to the report.
So, have a look at our Agoda-curated list of places to visit to celebrate Holi in the most unique way possible.
Holi, which commemorates the triumph of good over evil, draws family and friends together to play with color and eat great cuisine. And now that limitations are starting to loosen, what better way to begin traveling than by appreciating our own country’s rich heritage? While the celebrations take place all throughout India, many regions have their own unique local traditions, which is a sight to behold.
Enjoy the magical shower of flowers in Uttar Pradesh with Phoolon hi Holi
Uttar Pradesh is the place to be if you want to get into the Holi mood. The festival, aptly named Phoolon ki Holi, lasts for a week, beginning on Ekadashi at Vrindavan’s Banke Bihari Temple, where only flowers are used to play Holi.
Flowers are strewn about the temple with the intention of connecting with Lord Krishna and bringing him joy. Widows Holi is held after this event. Widows are traditionally advised to wear only white following their husband’s death.
On this day, however, the widows join together to play Holi and disregard the previous tradition’s regulations. In keeping with the festivities, children dress up as Radha and Krishna, while residents of Vrindavan and Mathura take to the streets to paint rainbows on the streets, temples, and ghats.
In the Uttar Pradesh cities of Barsana and Nandgaon, the famed Lathmar Holi is also celebrated, in which women playfully beat males with lathis (wooden sticks).
Bring out the fearless warrior in you with Hola Mohalla celebrations in Punjab
Holi is known as Hola Mohalla or Hola in Punjab to honor the courage of a particular group of Sikh soldiers known as the ‘Nihang Sikhs.’ The celebration features a powerful demonstration of martial arts, horseback riding, and poetry recitation.
Participants engage in dangerous exploits such as Gatka (mock battles with actual weapons), tent pegging, bareback horseback riding, standing erect on two racing horses, and other bravery challenges. Music, dancing, and color are then introduced. The festival lasts three days and culminates in a large military-style march on Hola Day.
Bond with the local community in Uttarakhand with Kumaoni Holi
Kumaoni Holi, which is celebrated in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon area, not only marks the triumph of good over evil, but also the beginning of the planting season for the agricultural community.
In this location, the celebrations are more about music than colors. There are three types of Holi celebrations, which begin on Basant Panchami and run roughly two months, and are centered on musical gatherings of Holiyars (Holi singers).
Baithaki Holi — Two-month-long seated gatherings in which holidays sing traditional classical melodies to the accompaniment of harmoniums and tablas, influenced heavily by Kumaoni folk music traditions.
Khadi Holi – People wear white nokdaar topis, churidar pajamas, and kurtas and sing, play instruments such as the dhol, joda (metal instrument), and Hurka, and dance in groups.
Mahila Holi – Similar to Baithaki Holi, they are special parties for women.
Enjoy enthralling performances in West Bengal with Basant Utsav
At Shantiniketan, Rabindranath Tagore established the Basant Utsav custom to commemorate the commencement of the spring season. The three-day folk festival is held in the Purulia area of West Bengal and has become an important component of Bengali culture.
Folk singing and one-of-a-kind folk art shows are among the festivities. Chau, Darbari Jhumur, and Natua are some of the most popular folk dance performances. The event attracts tourists from all around the world due to its unique dignity.
Drum up your Holi celebrations this year in Manipur with Yaoshang
At Shantiniketan, Rabindranath Tagore established the Basant Utsav custom to commemorate the commencement of the spring season. The three-day folk festival is held in the Purulia area of West Bengal and has become an important component of Bengali culture.
Folk singing and one-of-a-kind folk art shows are among the festivities. Chau, Darbari Jhumur, and Natua are some of the most popular folk dance performances. The event attracts tourists from all around the world due to its unique dignity.
Try your hand at traditional folk dance Gair in Rajasthan during Royal Holi
Holi is a royal occasion in Udaipur, Rajasthan, and the city is known for its elaborate celebrations. The royal family plays an active role in all of the festivities, which take place over two days. Expect to be charmed by the lovely celebrations if you visit Udaipur at this time of year.
The bonfire, known as Mewar Holika Dahan, is held on the grounds of City Palace and is followed by the traditional folk dance Gair. The royal family members ride beautiful camels, elephants, and horses in a rally, which is followed by cocktails and dinner at the royal palace. Tourists and locals alike celebrate the next day by playing Holi across the city.
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