Ah, Holi! – one of the most awaited festivals in India that is marked with rich tradition, culture, color, and joy. As this vibrant festival comes, the entire country witness excitement not just among the locals but foreigners as well. Out of numerous choices, yet only certain destinations stand out as unique, deserving, where a whole different vibe can be experienced.
In the quest for crazy and colorful adventure, let us explore some of the best places to celebrate Holi in India.
What Are the Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India
# Mathura
In the heart of Uttar Pradesh, Mathura attracts any number of visitors each year, especially for having Holi celebrations in a traditional way. As the birthplace of Lord Krishna, hard to doubt, this place has been garnering tourists for centuries for having its own mythological and cultural importance. Mathura’s holi is legendary, in many ways, where one can hardly stop themselves as the air gets vibrant with the “radhe radhe” chant and delicious sweets like gujiyas, thandai, and all.
# Vrindavan
Just a few steps away from Mathura, Vrindavan is another exciting destination for Holi celebration. It is said to be where Lord Krishna used to play with his friends, Radha, and other gopis. During Holi, though Vrindavan becomes more pleasing with non-stop music, colors, flowers, sweets, bhajans, and all. Not to mention, the Banke Bihari Temple is the main part of the festival where everyone gathers and participates in the evening’s aarti.
# Goa
While Goa may be famous for beaches and parties, however, it also offers a unique choice for Holi lovers. Tourists and others gather here and spend the whole day on the beach shores, throwing water, colors, playing, swimming, and more. In addition, drinks, cocktails, juices, seafood, etc., can be found within walking distance. Celebrating Holi in Goa thus doesn’t remain a mere festival, it turns into a hard-to-forget experience.
# Agra
Often referred to as the city of love and romance with the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra becomes even more enchanting during festivals like Holi. On this day, every street gets jammed with local and foreign crowds, hugging, playing, and serving mouth-watering sweets like petha, barfi, jalebi, etc. Any festival in Agra offers a unique blend of cultural and historical charm for the visitors. It truly is one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India, marked with nothing but love, joy, and laughter only.
# Barsana
In addition to Mathura and Vrindavan, Barsana is another renowned site in Uttar Pradesh for having a unique and playful Lathmar Holi celebration. Women, with sticks called “lathis,” playfully chase and beat their partners and other men. However, this is the symbol of playful teasing between the gopis and the Lord Krishna. Due to this, not only from India but visitors from all over the world come every year to take part in it.
# Delhi
With great love and enthusiasm, Delhiite hosts parties and celebrations on the day of Holi. However, from Old Delhi to Connaught Place, every corner of the city resonates with thumkas on Bollywood songs, drinks, and local dishes including gujiyas. No matter what one’s age, gender or religion is, all come together and forget their clashes on this day, making delhi one of the best places to celebrate holi in india.
# Udaipur
Known as the city of lakes and palaces, Udaipur comes among stunning destinations for festives such as Holi. Located in the marvelous state of Rajasthan, Udaipur holds a unique essence not just for locals but foreign visitors as well. Holi in Udaipur is not only about colors, rather it is a royal experience. Traditional dances, folk music, performances, and foods are another interesting aspect of this city, offering a vibrant and playful vibe to all who visit here during Holi.
# Karnataka
Even though Holi and other such festivals are not as popular in Karnataka, however, still there are many temples where locals gather and celebrate. In particular, Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Hampi are where you may see people taking part, throwing colors at each other, serving local foods, and sweets, and performing traditional dances.
# Mumbai
Unlike others, Holi turns into a more energetic and vibrant carnival in Mumbai. From the beaches of Juhu and Chowpatty to crowded spots like Dharavi, the entire city can be seen having joyous celebrations with colors, tikka, DJs, and local Marathi sweets. Not to mention, even many Bollywood celebrities like Amitabh Bachan take part in it. The whole of Mumbai turns into more of a canvas of colors, thanks to locals who show great enthusiasm on this particular day.
# Jaipur
Jaipur, the Pink City, is one of the remarkable places to celebrate Holi in India. Besides the magnificent forts, palaces, and haunted jungles, the city has made its name for having wonderful Holi celebrations too. Especially, the elephant festival in Jaipur is organized during Holi, adding a unique and traditional charm to the visitors and locals. With traditional folk dances and lavish parties, one can get a diverse range of experiences if they get a chance to visit here.
# Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
Being a holy place, though Holi in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab gets memorable with its unique blend of Sikh traditions and other festive arrangements. Famous for Sikh heritage, indeed the entire town becomes a hub of big and joyous celebrations in Holi. Holi is here marked by their popular event called “Hola Mohalla.” During this, however, Sikhs and others gather to show their martial arts skills and participate in battles. With local music, color, Punjabi foods, and sweets, Anandpur sahib holi is truly a special one.
Conclusion
Not just a festival, though Holi is more like a celebration of unity, diversity, love, triumph, and joy. With Mathura, Vrindavan, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Barsana, etc., fortunately, there are around eleven such that are referred to as the best places to celebrate Holi in India.
Depending on which one is close and convenient for you to visit, each one holds a unique essence and importance, offering an unforgettable experience.
