Holi 2023: Unique Indian traditions followed in different cities that celebrate the festival of colour

Feb 27, 2023By: Debosmita Ghosh

Holi 2023

Holi is a festival that is celebrated across India with a lot of splendour and pomp. Celebrated across the country, Holi is a festival which is celebrated on Purnima or the full moon in the month of Phalguna. The festival of colour also marks the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring. Credit: iStock

Holika Dahan and Holi

Holi is a two-day festival with the first day being celebrated as Holika Dahan and the following day being celebrated as Holi. On Holika Dahan, people lot bonfires to mark the win of good over evil. The following day is celebrated as Holi when people play with colours and water. Credit: iStock

Barsana, Uttar Pradesh

Lathmar Holi is a tradition native to Barsana where men are playfully beaten with sticks by women. However, Lathmar Holi does not happen on the day of Holi, instead, it occurs a week before Holi. One could also take part in Ladoo Holi where laddoos are distributed to the visitors. Credit: iStock

Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

Mathura is a town in Uttar Pradesh and is one of the two most famous places where Holi is celebrated with a lot of grandeur. Mathura is where Lord Krishna was born and therefore, the festival is a feast to the eye. Credit: iStock

Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

Vrindavan, a town in Uttar Pradesh is where Lord Krishna spent his childhood days. Vrindavan and Mathura are two of the most famous places to witness Holi celebrations. Phoolon wali Holi which essentially means Holi with Flowers is a tradition of Vrindavan. People use flowers and colours to celebrate the festival. Credit: iStock

Shantiniketan, West Bengal

Shantiniketan has a very cultural way of celebrating the festival and it is known as Basanta Utsav. Basanta Utsav was first celebrated by Rabindranath Tagore at the Rabindra Bharati University situated in Shantiniketan. People from all across the state and country visit Shantiniketan during Holi to take part in the celebrations. People celebrate the festival by applying dry colours and singing and dancing to the songs of Tagore. Credit: iStock

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Holika Dahan is a ritual that is celebrated in a grand way in this city of Rajasthan. A bonfire is lit to get rid of the evil spirits. One can join the Udaipur’s Mewar royal family to celebrate Holika Dahan. Credit: iStock

Anandpur Sahib, Punjab

Hola Mohalla, which was started by Guru Gobind Singh is a festival celebrated during Holi. During this festival, people show their physical agility and martial art skills. There are several events that take place during Hola Mohalla such as poetry, weapon exhibitions and others. Credit: iStock