When the month of Phalgun arrives – the 12th lunar month in the Hindu calendar – the beginning of spring often coincides with the celebration of Holi in India. The festival is celebrated for two days to celebrate Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi, when bonfires are lit to ward off evil (a day before the full moon) and is followed by national celebrations, which include gulal-drenched revelry. Fun is had. With more people looking to go local and combine their Holi celebrations with cultural travel to places that have a rich history associated with the festival, domestic tourism is set to increase as compared to 2023. “The data indicates growth not only from metros and mini-metros but also in our regional Tier 2 and 3 cities,” confirmed Daniel D’Souza, President and Country Head, SOTC Travel.
On March 25 this year, here’s how these places with rich heritage and Holi charm are getting ready to drench in colours, reviving history through traditions, and a mini-guide for those visitors Those who are planning to travel for this much-awaited festival. Of colors.
Barsana and Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh
In Barsana, the scene of women beating men with sticks is a cultural attraction. According to a tradition based on folklore, the historical town of Barsana is considered to be the hometown of Radha, where she and other gopis came together to engage in a fun fight to ward off Krishna and his companions coming from Nandgaon. Aim to join the parade fun early and then plan temple visits to Maan Mandir Ghat, Shreeji Mandir, Gahwar Van and other places to enjoy the culture. Rajeev Kale, President and Country Head, Thomas, says, “Places like Barsana, Nandgaon, Mathura, Gokul and Dau-ji are witnessing a strong growth in spiritual journeys with growing interest in celebrating festivals centered on the life and times of Lord Krishna. Is.” Cook (India) Limited.
Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Located at a distance of 15 kilometers from each other, the twin holy cities of Uttar Pradesh are popular for their week-long ‘Braj ki Holi’ (named after the region). In Vrindavan, a ritualistic celebration around the Banke Bihari Temple takes center stage with the celebration of Flowery Holi, which is punctuated by the showering of flowers on devotees by the priest in the evening. Another practice recently introduced is Widows’ Holi where widows celebrated the festival at the Gopinath temple last year by wearing white clothes – a symbol of defiance against the taboo. In Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, places like Dwarkadhish Temple, Vishram Ghat and Holi Gate attract the most crowds and a grand process connecting these places is underway.
Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
In Punjab, the regional event of Hola Mohalla will be held from March 25 to March 27, 2024, coinciding with the festival of Holi. People gather at the Charan Ganga Stadium in Anandpur Sahib to celebrate brotherhood, community and valor, especially of the Nihang Sikhs. Khalsa warrior, eighth descendant of a Sikh warrior order. The tenth Sikh leader, Guru Gobind Singh, laid the foundation for the current phenomenon in the 17th century. The three-day event is a platform for Sikhs to showcase their martial skills in mock battles. Akash Garg Singh says, “Visitors can participate in morning prayers, enjoy the taste of traditional food at the community langar and participate in performing ‘seva’ at the local gurudwara to immerse themselves in the spirit of the festival. “
Where: Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur
Shantiniketan, West Bengal
Basant Utsav – a special occasion started by the polymath Rabindranath Tagore – is a local rendition of Holi that celebrates the arrival of spring and the last festival of the year according to the Bengali calendar. At the Visva Bharati University of Santiniketan near Bolpur town, the festival comes alive with the presentation of Rabindra Sangeet and dramatic performances of Tagore and Abir plays as a part of the cultural programmes. People from across the country and abroad come to join the locals and wear Basanti (a shade of yellow) colored clothes and participate in the festivities. Visit Visva Bharati University, Amar Kutir, Tagore’s Ashram, Kala on a guided tour before heading to local eateries like Banalakshmi and Ghare Baire to enjoy special dishes during the festive season like the classic maach, mangsho with bhaat or mutton ghughni. Visit Bhavan, Chhatimatla and Path Bhavan. And coconut gujiya.
Kumaoni Holi, Uttarakhand
Spread over the eastern part of the state, the Kuman region is a cultural hotspot beyond the day of Holi. Denoting the end of the cold months as well as the victory of greatness over evil, Kumaoni Holi has three different forms of celebration, Baithaki Holi (also known as Holi of Nirvana), Khadi Holi and Mahila Holi. The “meeting” is marked by the women singing ragas along with the men participating in the show. In Khadi Holi, which literally means ‘standing Holi’, groups of men wearing traditional white pointed caps and kurta-pajama sing and dance to the tune of dhol and hurka. It is believed that ‘Khari’ tunes are more Kumaoni in comparison to Baithaki ragas. Women’s Holi is a post-spring celebration where women go with their friends to sing and dance, signifying the rich harvest season ahead. Opt for a homestay in Almora or Bageshwar and explore the cave of Patal Bhuvaneshwar and the famous temples of Jageshwar, Bageshwar and Almora, where you will find the local community celebrating Holi in the Kumaoni spirit.
