Holi, the festival of colors, is one of the most anticipated celebrations in India. While the essence of Holi remains the same—spreading joy, love, and unity—the way it is celebrated varies across different regions. From the traditional Lathmar Holi in Uttar Pradesh to the grandeur of Shigmo in Goa, every state has its own unique way of embracing the festival. In 2025, Holi falls on March 14, with Holika Dahan on March 13. This article explores the diverse and vibrant ways Holi is celebrated across India.
1. Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh – The Land of Krishna’s Holi
The most iconic Holi celebrations take place in Mathura and Vrindavan, the birthplace and childhood home of Lord Krishna. Here, Holi is celebrated with unparalleled grandeur.
Lathmar Holi (Barsana & Nandgaon)
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Celebrated a few days before Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon, this unique festival sees women playfully beating men with sticks, recreating the playful teasing between Krishna and Radha.
Phoolon Ki Holi (Vrindavan)
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The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan hosts Phoolon Ki Holi, where instead of colors, devotees play with flower petals.
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The celebrations begin a week before Holi and draw thousands of devotees and tourists.
Widow’s Holi (Vrindavan)
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Breaking a centuries-old taboo, widows in Vrindavan now participate in Holi by playing with colors, symbolizing empowerment and joy.
2. Barsana, Uttar Pradesh – The Famous Lathmar Holi
Barsana’s Lathmar Holi is one of the most unique and playful Holi traditions. According to legend, Krishna and his friends would visit Radha’s village, Barsana, to tease the women. In response, the women would chase them away with sticks. Today, men from Nandgaon visit Barsana and get playfully beaten with sticks as a part of this fun-filled tradition.
3. Rajasthan – The Royal Holi of Jaipur and Udaipur
Rajasthan celebrates Holi with a regal touch, particularly in Jaipur and Udaipur.
Jaipur Holi – Elephant Festival
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The Elephant Festival is a grand event where elephants are decorated with vibrant colors and participate in processions.
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Traditional dance performances and music enhance the festive spirit.
Udaipur – Holi at the City Palace
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The Mewar royal family hosts Holika Dahan at the City Palace, where a grand bonfire is lit, followed by cultural performances and a royal procession.
4. West Bengal – Basanta Utsav and Dol Jatra
In West Bengal, Holi is known as Dol Jatra and is celebrated with a cultural twist.
Basanta Utsav (Santiniketan)
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Started by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, Basanta Utsav is a cultural festival at Visva-Bharati University, where students dress in yellow and perform traditional dances.
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Unlike conventional Holi, Basanta Utsav focuses on art, poetry, and music.
Dol Jatra (Kolkata and Bengal)
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Idols of Krishna and Radha are taken out in procession as people apply colors to each other while singing devotional songs.
5. Punjab – Hola Mohalla: The Warrior Holi
In Punjab, Holi coincides with Hola Mohalla, a festival celebrated by the Sikh community.
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Founded by Guru Gobind Singh, this festival showcases mock battles, martial arts, and horse-riding displays.
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Held at Anandpur Sahib, it highlights Sikh valor and heritage.
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Unlike traditional Holi, colors are not used extensively; instead, processions, music, and poetry are the highlights.
6. Maharashtra – Rang Panchami and the Spirit of Mumbai
Maharashtra celebrates Holi with enthusiasm, especially in Mumbai and Pune.
Dahi Handi (Mumbai & Pune)
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Though more popular during Janmashtami, Dahi Handi is also associated with Holi, where human pyramids attempt to break pots filled with curd.
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Inspired by Krishna’s childhood antics, this event is a major attraction in Maharashtra.
Rang Panchami
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Celebrated five days after Holi, Rang Panchami is when people engage in color play in many parts of Maharashtra.
7. Goa – Shigmo Festival: The Goan Holi
In Goa, Holi is celebrated as Shigmo, a festival of colors and processions.
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The festival marks the harvest season and is celebrated with folk dances, street parades, and music.
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Shigmo lasts for over two weeks, attracting locals and tourists alike.
8. Kerala – Manjal Kuli: The Yellow Holi
In the southern state of Kerala, Holi is known as Manjal Kuli and is celebrated mainly by the Konkan and Kudumbi communities.
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Unlike the north, where multiple colors are used, turmeric (manjal) mixed with water is splashed on each other.
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The festival includes traditional music and dance performances.
9. Bihar – Holi with Bhang and Bhojpuri Folk Songs
Holi in Bihar is known for its enthusiastic celebrations, bhang (a cannabis-based drink), and Bhojpuri folk songs.
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People gather to sing traditional Holi geet (folk songs) accompanied by dhol and other musical instruments.
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Consumption of bhang and thandai is a common tradition.
10. Uttarakhand – Kumaoni Holi: A Musical Celebration
Holi in Kumaon, Uttarakhand is celebrated with three unique traditions:
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Baithaki Holi – People gather in temples and homes to sing classical songs.
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Khadi Holi – Participants dress in traditional attire and dance in groups.
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Mahila Holi – A special celebration where women play Holi separately, creating a unique space for festivities.
Conclusion
Holi 2025 will be celebrated in diverse and colorful ways across India. Whether it’s the spiritual fervor of Mathura and Vrindavan, the royal elegance of Rajasthan, or the warrior spirit of Punjab’s Hola Mohalla, each region adds its own flavor to the festival. While Holi is a time for joy, love, and togetherness, it is also a celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.
As we gear up for Holi 2025, let’s embrace the festival’s true spirit and enjoy the colors, music, and traditions that make it one of India’s most cherished celebrations.
Wishing everyone a safe, joyous, and colorful Holi 2025! Holi Hai!
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