India is the land of festivals and among all festivals, the festival of colors, Holi, has a special place in Indian society. The festival of Holi is celebrated with great pomp in every part of India. On this day, people wish each other, play with colors in the afternoon, and enjoy different types of dishes at each other’s house in the evening. Although common in zeal, the festival is celebrated in a slightly different way in many parts of the country. As Holi is coming, we thought that we must share with you the special regional flavor added to this festival in different nooks of the country.
There are some places in India where a different form and style of Holi can be enjoyed. Many domestic and foreign tourists also come to these places to celebrate the festival of Holi. Today in this article we are going to tell you about some such places, where a different style of Holi is seen, where you can also go and enjoy Holi.
Hampi:
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Indeed, Holi is not celebrated with much enthusiasm in South India as compared to North India. But, the city of Hampi in Karnataka is one such exception where Holi has a completely different style. Here the festival of Holi is celebrated for two days. It is said that the day of Holi begins with colors and everyone takes a bath in the Tungabhadra river and its tributaries. Together with drums, people roam from street to street and play colors with each other. The place sees a heavy influx of foreign tourists on the day of Holi.
Punjab:
The festival of Holi is celebrated in a very different name and style. Holi is known as Hola Mohalla in Punjab. Hola Mohalla is organized in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab. It is said that here things like sword fighting, horse riding etc. are organized with colors. On this day, popular Indian delicacies like halwa, gujiya and malpua are also served to the people in the langar. Holi is celebrated here for 6 days and tourists across India visit to see special Holi.
Goa:
Goa is already known for its free spirit and the festival Holi is just a cheery on that cake. The festival of Holi is also celebrated with great pomp in Goa. It is said that here Holi is known as Shimgo-Utsav and a colorful cultural event is organized on the day of Holi. On the last day of Holi in Goa, all the beaches in Goa are decorated with colors where foreign tourists, as well as domestic tourists, come to play Holi. For the best experience, one can visit places like Vasco and Margao in Goa on the day of Holi.
Manipur:
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Manipuri Holi is also very popular and is one of the top choices of tourists. In Manipur, Holi is known as Yosang Tyohar and this festival lasts for five days. In these five days, many events are organized with great fervor. A day before Holi, the local people and children go from house to house to collect money and on the day of Holi, a huge feast is organized with this money.
Mathura:
Holiin Mathura’s Barsane and Nandgaon is the most famous Holi. The 10-day long celebration does not only make headlines but also attract international attention. People from all over the country and abroad come to see the famous Lathmar Holi of Barsane and Nandgaon. Lathmar Holi is mainly attended by men from Nandgaon and women from Barsane. Also, special care is taken here regarding the colors. The natural colors are prepared from the flower of the Palash tree. Rasiya folk songs are played during Holi. During the celebration, women beat men with sticks. Men have to avoid these sticks as well as through colors on women. For protection men use shields.