Holi- Celebrating the Festival of Colors in India’s Holy Cities

The calm embrace of spring marks its arrival in India with Holi – the festival of colours. The day when the streets and the faces of crores of Indians will be smeared and smattered with coloured water and powders, marching on the roads, dancing with abandon.  Even though the festival is a flagship holding multiple symbols, The vibrance of Holi signifies the victory of good over evil, of Prahalada over Holika.

Hiranyakashyap was a demon king who became a narcissist after conquering Earth. He demanded that only he be worshipped and banished everybody who worshipped gods against his will. Unfortunately, his own son was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu and refused to worship him.

When the demon king’s attempts to kill his son Prahalad were futile, he insisted that his sister, Holika, who had a boon not to be killed by fire, coax Prahalad and enter the fire with him. The plan backfired as Holika wasn’t aware that the boon would work only when she entered the fire alone and was burnt to death.

When Prahalad, chanting Lord Vishnu’s name came out unharmed, the demon king wanted to challenge Lord Vishnu himself and called him out. Vishnu took the Avatar of Ugra Narasimha- a half-man, half-lion form and split the demon’s stomach open, and killed him.

Even today, bonfires are lit in some parts of India, and cow dung is thrown into the fire along with curses hurled at the fire as if it were Holika.

Enliven the experience of celebration. Here are some places you could visit to enjoy the vibrance of Holi:

 1. Jaipur:

Jaipur, also called the Pink City, during Holi becomes a bouquet, adorned with flowers and decorated with rangoli. Papdi, Gujiya, and sweet Shakarpara are some of the dishes they make on this occasion. Holi is a two-day celebration, with the first day called the Holika Dahan, where they worship the bonfire, and the second day called Dhulandi, where they joyfully smear colours with each other. There are even temples like the Govind Dev ji temple where the celebration is grand.

2. Delhi:

Holi celebrations in the capital state of India, begin with a Tilak, a mark of colour drawn on a person’s forehead, symbolising honour, and confidence. People also greet each other with garlands before commencing the celebrations.

Delhi celebrates Holi with endless music. In Delhi, numerous parties are held during Holi to celebrate the festival of colours.

Thandai, a drink made of milk fat, sugar, almonds, and more is in constant demand during the festival. Gujiya, a sweet dry fruit dumpling, and ladoos are some of the dishes famous in Delhi during this occasion.

3. Varanasi:

In Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in India, the celebrations are vibrant and enthusiastic. The night before Holi, is the Holika Dahan, where bonfires are lit.

The main day of celebrations is called the Rangbhari Ekadashi, where people visit temples first and offer prayers to Lord Krishna and then get on with the colours.

Cultural programs are also held where you can hear the melodies of traditional folk music ringing your ears and enchanting dance performances making this place full of energy and joy.

If you’re planning to experience the vibrant Holi celebrations in Varanasi, SaiShishir Tours offers customised Varanasi tour packages to ensure you immerse yourself fully in the colourful festivities and cultural richness of this holy city

4. Indore:

In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, tourists can witness the Gair Procession. Also called the Faag Yathra, the origin of this procession goes back to the time when the royals of the Holkar Dynasty would join the commoners and enjoy this auspicious day breaking barriers of caste and class. Bullock carts filled with flowers would be on standby for people to celebrate.

Times have also changed the way Gair is celebrated. Now a huge Vehicle carries flowers. Water tanks and pumps are used to smear colours on each other. It doesn’t end there.

Savory treats like Kachories, Khopra patties and sweet jalebis are a must-try in Indore especially during Holi.

Explore our Indore holiday packages and experience a delightful Holi celebration.

5. Udaipur:

Udaipur in Rajasthan celebrates Holi in a distinct fashion. During the two-day celebration, the royal family of Mewar will do the honours by lighting the bonfire while the locals perform Gair, a folk dance around the Bonfire

This is followed by a vibrant procession with the royal family’s active participation, majestically riding on camels, horses, and elephants ending with magnificent fireworks.

On the second day, people celebrate by smearing colours on each other and exchanging sweets and other delicacies. Even hotels and resorts in Udaipur arrange celebrations with colours and refreshments. 

Conclusion: 

Holi is a profound festival that breaks all the barricades that separate us from each other, stripping us of all of our Status, Identity, and ego in fact, drawing us all together, embracing us as just humans.

On this joyous occasion, that excels in bringing even people from all around the world together, let there be light, joy, and harmony in all our lives.