From Mathura to Manipur: Vibrant colors and celebration of Holi
Times Life March 14, 2025 10:39 PM
As we are very well aware about the grand celebration of Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan in its connection to Lord Krishna. The different forms of holi in different venues as temples like Banke Bihari,popularly known for phoolon wali holi where devotees are showered with colors and flower petals as they chant "Radhe Krishna.", people play Holi with flower petals instead of colored powder, creating a magical atmosphere. Another unique tradition is Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon, where women playfully hit men with lathis, inspired by Radha and Krishna’s love story. This joyful celebration, filled with music and laughter, attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Holi is not only celebrated in these areas whereas it is one of the most joyous festival all over India however their style of celebration might differ today we will explore the special holi celebration in different parts of the country.
1. Royal Holi - Rajasthan

royal holi celebration in rajasthan

In Rajasthan, Holi is celebrated with royal grandeur. In Jaipur, the royal family organizes grand events with elephant processions, folk dances, and cultural performances. In Udaipur, the Mewar royal family lights the Holika Dahan fire and leads a beautiful procession with decorated horses and elephants. The Holi celebrations in Rajasthan reflect the state’s rich history and traditions.
2. Shantiniketan Holi - West Bengal

Shantiniketan Holi

In West Bengal, Holi is known as Basanta Utsav or the Spring Festival. It was introduced by Rabindranath Tagore in Shantiniketan. Instead of the usual color-throwing, this festival is celebrated with poetry, music, and dance. Students dressed in yellow perform cultural programs, making this version of Holi artistic and elegant.
3. Holla Mohalla - Punjab

unique holi of Punjab

In Punjab, Holi is celebrated differently. Instead of just playing with colors, Sikhs celebrate Holla Mohalla, a festival of bravery and strength. It includes martial arts displays, sword fighting, and horse riding. Started by Guru Gobind Singh, this festival honors courage while still including music, poetry, and community langar's.
4. Dol Jatra – Odisha and West Bengal

Doljatra holi

In Odisha and West Bengal, Holi is called Dol Jatra. People carry idols of Lord Krishna on beautifully decorated palanquins in colorful processions. Devotees sing devotional songs and apply colors to each other while dancing to traditional beats. In Odisha, the focus is more on Radha and Krishna, adding a spiritual touch to the celebration.
5. Yaoshang – Manipur

festival yashong manipur

In Manipur, Holi is celebrated as Yaoshang. This five-day festival starts with burning a thatched hut, similar to Holika Dahan. A special highlight is the Thabal Chongba, a traditional Manipuri folk dance performed under the moonlight. Men and women hold hands and dance in circles, creating a joyful and harmonious celebration.
6. Kumaoni Holi – Uttarakhand

grand kumaoni celebration

Holi in Uttarakhand is different from the usual color-filled celebrations. It is celebrated as Baithaki Holi and Khadi Holi, where people gather to sing classical ragas and folk songs instead of throwing colors. The focus is on music and community bonding, making it a peaceful and spiritual experience.
7. Tribal Holi – Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

unique holi event

The tribal communities of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh celebrate Holi with traditional dances, bonfires, and folk songs. Their Holi celebrations are deeply connected to nature and their heritage. It is an important time for passing down cultural traditions to younger generations.
8. Eco-Friendly Holi – Gujarat

use of organic colours

Gujarat celebrates Holi with enthusiasm, especially in Dwarka, where grand religious processions take place. Recently, eco-friendly Holi has become popular in Gujarat. Instead of using chemical-based colors, people use herbal colors and flowers, making the festival safer for both people and the environment.
Holi: A Festival That Brings People TogetherEven though Holi is celebrated in different ways across India, the spirit of the festival remains the same—it is a time for joy, love, and togetherness. Holi unites people from different backgrounds, bringing them together under a sky filled with colors. Whether it is the royal celebrations of Rajasthan, the spiritual Holi of Mathura, or the artistic Basanta Utsav of Bengal, every style of Holi adds to India's rich culture.
Holi teaches us that while our traditions may be different, we all share the same happiness in celebrating together. As colors fill the air, they also spread a message of unity, love, and harmony, making Holi a truly special festival that brings India together as one.


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