Sinchita Mitra

The stunning festival of colors is almost here, and India is already getting ready with all its colors. The mesmerizing and captivating festival of Holi is a pan India festival that brings out joy, love, and happiness. On this one day, everybody forgets their worries, their pains, and their differences and paint the streets in a rainbow of colors.

Holi is one of the most celebrated and famous festivals of India that not only garners a lot of tourists but also shows the myriad colors of India. There is perhaps no better way of vacationing in India other than by celebrating Holi. Not only will this festival enthrall and captivate you, but also make your memories even more colorful. Each state in India has its way of celebrating Holi and its own culture.

Here are some of the best places in India to celebrate Holi 2020 at:

Mathura and Vrindavan

If you are looking to celebrate the most authentic and ethnic Holi, then you must go back to the epicenter of this festival. The Holi celebrated in Mathura and Vrindavan is so popular that people from all over the world come here just to get a glimpse of the mania.

Lord Krishna was born in Mathura, while in Vrindavan he spent most of this childhood. As per legends, the idea of playing with colors on the day of Holi was inspired by the Raas Leela of Krishna and Radha. There is a mesmerizing show held every year in Mathura just before Holi that depicts the timeless love story of Radha and Krishna. A procession also goes around the different temples and eventually stops at the Holi Gate, which is where the festival is celebrated.

In Vrindavan, you need to head to the famous Banks Bihari temple to feel the aura of Holi. The temple keeps its door open and anyone and everyone can play Holi. It is not just a sight to behold as thousands of colors just fly through the air, but also a fun experience.

Jaipur and Udaipur

The Holi at Rajasthan is quite a royal affair. It is celebrated with great pomp and fare with even the royal families taking part in it.

Holi is celebrated over two days at Rajasthan. On the first day, the effigy of Holika is burnt in the City Palace of Udaipur. The entire palace is covered with lights and the atmosphere is wonderful.

The effigy is then brunt by the current holder of the Mewar dynasty, and up goes the flame.

The next day the streets of Jaipur are filled with people with colors in their hands, as they flock the streets and wish each other. It is so beautiful as stunningly adorned elephants, horses and even camels parade the street with fervor.

The Holi in Pushkar is celebrated with flowers much like in Vrindavan.

Hampi

The town of Hampi comes alive during the festival of Holi. The festival of colours marks the end of winter and the start of summer in Hampi.

The celebrations at Hampi are filled with love, colour and a lovely sense of joy that grips the whole town. Everywhere you look you will find colours flying through the air and people dancing with happiness. You can also take a chilling dip in the river. Hampi is also a very safe place for tourists to play Holi, and you will surely have a gala time here.

Shantiniketan

Also known as the Basanta Utsav ( Spring Festival), Holi in Shantiniketan is quite a wondrous affair. If you are looking to spend your Holi 2020 with a cultural fiesta then Shantiniketan is the place to be at.

Located at West Bengal, Shantiniketan was founded by Rabindranath Tagore. The festival is held annually at the famous Vishwa Bharati University.

You will witness mesmerizing folk dances, foot-tapping folk songs, and other various cultural programs. All the students dress up in hello colored dresses that glisten with the rays of the sun.

The celebrations commence a day before Holi, and you will find it brimming with tourists, waiting to watch the cultural extravaganza unfold.

Barsana

If you wish to see something fascinating and unique this Holi, then head off to the town of Barsana. Here, Holi is celebrated with a twist. According to folklore, Barsana was placed where Krishna would tease Radha and her friends, by taking their clothes. After this event, the women of Barsana took offense and chased Krishna out of the place. Inspired by this, women of Barsana celebrate- Lath mar Holi. Essentially the women chase men and hit them with sticks to drive them away. Men can use proactive gears to shield themselves, but the ritual is unique and surprising to watch.

It takes place in the Ladliji Temple, which is devoted to Radha. It is a two days affair. On the second day, women of Barsana head off to Nandgaon to celebrate Holi with the men of Nandgaon.

Braj

The wonderful festival of Holi gets a beautiful rendition in the city of Braj. Located in Uttar Pradesh, Braj celebrated this festival of colors like there is no tomorrow. The moment you reach Braj you will realize the fervor that grips this town during Holi. Everywhere you look you will be splashed with a million colors, as aromatic sweets are being prepared in every house. Here, people get about eight days of holiday for Holi, which is unheard of in India.

The festival here is so popular that it is celebrated for 50 days! From devious snacks to folk songs and dances, Braj will capture your heart and show you the real happiness that Holi brings for the locals here.

Anandpur Sahib

If you wish to celebrate Holi 2020 is an exciting and thrilling way, then trust the Punjabis to help you. The Sikhs celebrate their Holi at the iconic Anandpur Sahib. A festival called Hola Mohalla is organized, just a day after the main Holi event.

Hola Mohalla is quite different from the main Holi, wherein you throw colors and spread joy. Hola Mohalla is also about showing the masculine side. People here take part in demonstrating martial skills and showcase weapons. Few staged battles are also performed, as music and poetry free flow in the air. It is more like witnessing adventure in the form of a festival. You will find people taking part in daring activities, or standing on two horses or anything that show courage and bravery.

It is quite a revelation to witness the main physical talents of people, and Hola Mohalla does a great job of bringing it to the forefront.

Manipur

Holi at Manipur is marked by the famous Yaoshang festival. This cultural festival will make your Holi 2020 even more authentic and different. It is dotted with folk dancers, musicians, and plays that will enthrall you. The streets of Manipur is resplendent with neon lamps and raging bonfires as people splash colors on each other. It is quite a wonderful take on the festival of colors, and you will witness something much more than rubbing colors on each other.

As you wash and watch as the streets all colorful and wonderful, you cannot help but wait to come back and do it all again next year. This wonderful festival of Holi is made even more alluring by the way it is celebrated in different parts of India. Each region gives it its flavor and culture, making it even more magical. So, choose your pick and celebrate Holi 2020 in the country of colors.