Holi Across India: How Different States and Union Territories Celebrate the Festival of Colors
Holi Celebrations Across India: Names, Stories, and Unique Traditions
Holi, the festival of colors, is one of India’s most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals. It marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. While the spirit of Holi remains the same, the way it is celebrated varies across different states and union territories of India. Let’s take a journey across the country to explore the diverse and unique Holi traditions.
1. North India: The Grand and Playful Celebrations
Uttar Pradesh – Lathmar Holi & Barsana Holi
In Mathura and Vrindavan, Holi is celebrated for over a week, with grand processions, temple rituals, and cultural performances. Barsana, the birthplace of Radha, celebrates Lathmar Holi, where women playfully hit men with sticks. In Mathura’s Dwarkadhish Temple, devotees gather to play Holi with natural colors.
Delhi – Rang, Dhol, and Bhang
The capital city sees massive Holi parties, DJ music, and community gatherings. People enjoy playing with colors, dancing to Bollywood songs, and drinking bhang thandai.
Punjab – Hola Mohalla
Sikhs celebrate Hola Mohalla a day after Holi. This tradition, started by Guru Gobind Singh, includes martial arts displays, horse riding, and poetry recitals at Anandpur Sahib.
Haryana – Dhulandi Holi
Here, the festival is famous for Bhabhi Devar Holi, where sisters-in-law playfully tease their brothers-in-law.
Uttarakhand – Baithaki and Khadi Holi
People dress in traditional kurta-pajamas and celebrate with Baithaki Holi (musical gatherings) and Khadi Holi (street processions) with folk songs and dances.
2. West India: Colors, Traditions, and Bonfires
Rajasthan – Royal and Cultural Holi
In cities like Jaipur and Udaipur, Holi is celebrated with grandeur, featuring Elephant Festivals and folk performances. The Mewar Royal Holi in Udaipur is marked by a spectacular palace procession and a massive bonfire.
Gujarat – Utsav of Colors and Dahi Handi
Ahmedabad’s Holi Festival includes grand fairs, community dancing, and the breaking of the Dahi Handi, similar to Janmashtami celebrations.
Maharashtra – Shimgotsav & Dhulivandan
In Maharashtra, Holi is known as Shimgotsav or Dhulivandan, celebrated with processions and folk dances. Mumbai hosts Holi parties at beaches and resorts.
Goa – Shigmo Festival
Here, Holi is called Shigmo, a festival with vibrant parades, folk dances, and theatrical performances.
3. South India: Holi with a Cultural Touch
Karnataka – Kamadahana
Holi is celebrated as Kamadahana, where people burn an effigy of Kama Deva to symbolize his sacrifice for love.
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana – Rangpanchami
Holi here is played with natural colors, and in some rural areas, Pidakala Samaram (cow dung fights) take place.
Tamil Nadu – Panguni Uthiram
Tamilians celebrate Panguni Uthiram, dedicated to Lord Murugan and marriages of deities, instead of traditional Holi.
Kerala – Manjal Kuli
In Thrissur and other parts of Kerala, Holi is called Manjal Kuli, where turmeric and yellow colors are used for celebrations.
4. East India: Devotional and Colorful Holi
West Bengal – Dol Jatra & Basant Utsav
Shantiniketan, founded by Rabindranath Tagore, celebrates Basant Utsav with cultural performances and a peaceful celebration of colors. Dol Jatra, the Bengali version of Holi, involves playing with colors and carrying Krishna idols in processions.
Bihar & Jharkhand – Phaguwa
Holi is called Phaguwa, where people indulge in folk music, Bhang, and traditional delicacies like Malpua and Gujiya.
Odisha – Dola Purnima
Holi is celebrated as Dola Purnima, where Lord Jagannath’s idols are carried in decorated palanquins while people sing devotional songs.
5. Northeast India: Tribal and Cultural Celebrations
Assam – Phakuwah & Deul
In Assam, Holi is called Phakuwah, similar to Dol Jatra, with a grand celebration in Barpeta. The Deul Festival also marks the occasion with cultural events.
Manipur – Yaoshang Festival
Holi merges with the five-day-long Yaoshang Festival, celebrated with folk music, sports, and dancing.
Tripura, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya & Sikkim
Holi celebrations are relatively smaller, but in urban areas and temples, devotees play colors and participate in traditional rituals.
6. Union Territories: Diverse and Enthusiastic Celebrations
Jammu & Kashmir – Holi in the Valley
Holi is mostly celebrated in Jammu and among the Kashmiri Pandit community, where bonfires and color play mark the festival.
Ladakh – Unique Snow Holi
Due to the cold climate, Holi in Ladakh is sometimes celebrated with snow instead of water!
Chandigarh – Bhangra & Gidda
Holi is an energetic festival with Bhangra and Gidda, along with throwing colors and dancing.
Lakshadweep & Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Holi is celebrated by local communities and tourists in resorts and beaches, making it a colorful coastal affair.
The Legend Behind Holi: Prahlad & Holika
Holi originates from the legend of Prahlad and Holika. King Hiranyakashipu, angered by his son Prahlad’s devotion to Lord Vishnu, asked his sister Holika to sit in a fire with Prahlad. However, Holika burned while Prahlad remained unharmed. This led to the tradition of Holika Dahan, where people light bonfires to symbolize the victory of good over evil.
Conclusion: A Festival That Unites India
Despite the cultural and regional variations, Holi remains a festival of joy, togetherness, and celebration. Whether through Lathmar Holi in Uttar Pradesh, Shigmo in Goa, or Yaoshang in Manipur, every state adds its unique charm to the festival. Holi is truly a time when India’s diversity blends into one colorful, harmonious celebration!
Also Read: How to Celebrate Safe Holi in 2025
Wishing you all a very Happy and Colorful Holi! 🌸🎨🎊
