Ah! The most vibrant, colourful, and for some, the most joyous festival of the year is here. That’s right, Holi is here so this year too rang barse. Sure, the festival is predominantly celebrated in North India, but the other parts of the country have their own customs and traditions to celebrate too.
So come, let’s explore just how the festival of colour is celebrated across the length and breadth of this vibrant city.

Lathmar Holi in Uttar Pradesh

What sets Lathmar Holi apart is that the festival is celebrated a week before the actual Holi festival. Chances are, the people of Barsana and Nandgaon (where Lathmar Holi is primarily celebrated) are playing Holi as you’re reading this.

Dhulandi Holi

Dhulandi Holi, also known as Rangwali Holi or Phagwah, is the primary day of the Holi festival, celebrated on the day after the full moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually falls in late February or early March.
What’s special about Dhulandi Holi? People gather in public spaces and throw coloured powder and water on each other. This symbolizes their joy and colour of life. This tradition of throwing colour is believed to have originated from Lord Krishna.

Phoolon Ki Holi in Vrindavan

Perhaps the most famous Holi celebration in the world. Vrindavan comes alive during the festival and the Banke Bihari temple is decorated with flowers while the air is filled with the fragrance of flowers.
The festival attracts many tourists and devotees from all over the world. It is a unique and peaceful celebration that showcases the beauty and vibrancy of the Holi festival in a different way. One must experience Holi in Vrindavan at least once in their life.

Rangpanchami in Maharashtra

Rangpanchami falls on the fifth day after the full moon day in the month of Phalguna.
Celebrated primarily in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, on Rangpanchami, people play with colours and water, just like on Holi, but in a more subdued manner. The celebration is more community-oriented, and people come together to enjoy a day of fun and revelry. Children and adults alike participate in the festivities, and the atmosphere is one of joy and merriment.

Royal Holi in Jaipur

Also known as the Elephant Festival, Royal Holi is a unique celebration that takes place in the Pink City of Jaipur, Rajasthan. It is usually held on the day of the full moon in the month of Phalguna. The procession includes decorated elephants, horses, camels, and folk dancers, and it is a sight to behold.

Basant Utsav in West Bengal 

The land of writers and scholars sure does know how to celebrate Holi in style. Basant Utsav, is celebrated with colors, songs, dance, and chanting hymns at the University at Shantiniketan, Kolkata which was founded by Rabindra Nath Tagore. Unlike the rambunctious Holi celebration all over India, this celebration is a bit subdued and restrained. But the essence of festivity is fine-tuned. No wonder if you dread the rowdiness, Holi in Bengal can be an option for a moderate and graceful way of celebrating Holi.

Hola Mohalla in Anandpur, Punja

Hola Mohalla is a festival out of the ordinary. It is celebrated one day after Holi to give tribute to the mettle and valor of Sikh men. As part of the celebrations, you will witness martial arts, stunts, and mock fights followed by the usual tradition of playing with colors in the evening.
There is a massive arrangement for langar which is served in Gurudwaras through the day. The one-day spectacle is held in the open ground at a ford across the creek Charan Ganga, Hola Mohalla is the biggest festival of Anandpur Sahib, Punjab.

Phalgun Purnima in Bihar

Holi in Bihar is celebrated not just to mark the beginning of summer, but also to mark good harvests and fertility of the land. On the eve of Phalgun Purnima, bonfires are lit by putting cow dung cakes, grains from the fresh harvest, and wood of the Holika tree.
During Phalgun Purnima, people decorate their houses with colorful flowers and lights, and they gather together to sing and dance. One of the main rituals of the festival is the lighting of a bonfire, which symbolizes the burning of negativity and the triumph of good over evil.

Kaman Pandigai in Tamil Nadu

Kaman Pandigai, also known as Kamavilas, is a festival that is celebrated in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is a celebration of love and fertility and is usually observed in the month of Maasi, which falls in February or March.
The significance of Holi in Tamil Nadu differs as it is believed that it was on this auspicious day that their revered Lord Kaamdeva- the God of love was brought back to life by Lord Shiva.
Unlike the usual smearing of colours, the people of Tamil Nadu offer sandalwood to Kaamdeva,

Shigmo in Goa

Shigmo also known as Spring Utsav is one of the biggest festivals in Goa. To celebrate, people dress up in traditional attire and perform folk dances such as Fugdi, Goff, and Romta Mel. The celebrations also include people playing musical instruments such as the Ghumot and Dhol and singing traditional songs. If you’re in Goa during this period, you must check it out.