This Is How India Celebrates Holi

The festival of colours is around the corner and like always, the country is ready to celebrate it in a grand way. It is the time of the year when the youngsters and old, family and friends come together to rub earthly colours on each other. But did you know? This gala festival is celebrated in different styles in diverse parts of India.

Yes, that is true. Each state in the country enjoys the heavenly hues in a different manner. Today, let us have a look at how different parts of India celebrate this fun and colourful festival.

Gujarat
Hundreds of young boys make a human pyramid and try to reach an earthen matki full of butter hung on a high rope while the girls throw water at them. This is the classic scene that you would encounter anywhere in Gujarat on the day of Holi. Known to be the sheer devotees of Lord Krishna, Gujaratis have this special way of celebrating the festival of colours, called Dhulendi, which also marks the beginning of a new season.

West Bengal
Known as 'Dol Jatra' or 'Dol Purnima', the festival begins with men placing the idols of Lords Krishna and Radha in a decorated palanquin and then take it around the streets. Another beautiful ritual during Holi in West Bengal is that the head of the family keeps a fast praying for his family’s well being. After the processions and offering to the idols, the bhog or prashad is distributed amongst family and friends.

Delhi
Being the capital of India and the cultural hub, Holi is always a grand celebration for people of Delhi. Kids and youngsters form Tolis and move from one street to another, playing Holi with friends and strangers alike. Food and snacks are also a big part of the celebrations here. One can find everything from Gujiya (an Indian dessert) to Thandai (an Indian shake) during the day. Dancing to the tunes of Bollywood and some folk songs, the festival is celebrated till Lunch after which people relax and enjoy some family time.

Goa
The ultimate partying hub of India, Goa also has its own way of celebrating Holi, which is known as Shigmo in Goa. In the traditional Goan style, the people of Goa celebrate Shigmo with fanfare and parades, followed by applying Abeer and Neel on loved ones. Several temples in and around Panaji have special arrangements for the festival.

Barsana
It is a town in Mathura, where this festival is also known as the Lathmaar Holi and it marks the classic tug of war between men and women. Holi is a week-long celebration here and at first the men from Nandgaon, the village of Lord Krishna try to get atop the temple of Radhaji, which is in Barsana. The women of Barsana try to stop these men from entering and beat them with sticks. Don’t worry, the men are heavily padded and rarely get hurt. Next day, the men of Barsana go to Nandgaon to play Holi with the women there, who again use sticks to save themselves. This mock battle is surely a treat to watch and attracts many tourists, making it a double treat of celebration and worship.

The traditions might be different but the festive spirit remains the same, which is reverence to the gods and welcoming the new season. Holi is one of the best and most recognised festivals of India and many gather from all around the world to witness the wonderful colours.

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