Get ready to move away from your busy life a little bit. Holi, the festival of colors, is almost here, and India is getting ready for the biggest colour party on Earth! With “Holika Dahan” – the ritual bonfire on March 24th, symbol of burning all ego and negativity that resides inside us, followed by the main color-throwing fun- Holi on March 25th, 2024. Lots of fun is waiting for you, just circle the dates in your calendars right now for these two days and get ready to drench yourself in the vibrant vibe of this season. Here is your guide on where to celebrate it in India and how to play it safe for an unforgettable experience!
Best Places in India to enjoy Holi 2024
1. Mathura & Vrindavan: This is the place where Lord Krishna spent his young years and Holi definitely gets wild here! People playfully chase each other with water guns filled with colored water, loud folk music playing at each corner of the city, people singing songs, getting all colourful and dancing like there’s no tomorrow, and also distributing sweets to each other. In Holi 2024 – this is the place to be, with amazing temple celebrations, and ceremonies so beautiful they’ll blow your mind.
How to get there: Both Mathura and Vrindavan are easy to reach by train from major cities like Delhi and Agra. You can also fly into Delhi or the nearest airport in Agra and take a taxi or bus to reach your destination.
2. Barsana: Visit and take part in the traditional Holi of Barsana, Uttar Pradesh, where the famous “Lathmar Holi” takes place. This place is not very far from the city of Mathura yet has a different way of enjoying this festival. Be there and watch the cheerful fight between men from Nandgaon and women from Barsana, where the women chase and beat the men with sticks, a symbol of the playful yet divine love between Lord Krishna and Radha. This place is highly recommended if you want to explore a unique flavour of Holi this year in 2024.
How to get there: Barsana is well-connected by road and train from major cities like Delhi and Mathura.2. Udaipur, Rajasthan: Come and experience the royal side of Holi in the “City of Lakes.” You’ll be amazed by the grand marches filled with elephants, colorful cultural performances, and the lively Holi celebrations of the Mewar Maharajas. Don’t forget to go on a boat ride on Lake Pichola for a truly unique view of all the festivities!
How to Get There: Udaipur has its very own airport that connects to major cities in India. If you prefer train travel, you can also catch a train from Delhi, Mumbai, or other cities to reach this amazing city.
3. Anandpur Sahib, Punjab: You can’t miss the one-of-a-kind “Hola Mohalla” festival in Anandpur Sahib! It’s an exciting showcase of Sikh martial arts skills, with mock battles and daring stunts that will leave you in awe. And guess what? This festival also coincides with Holi in 2024, so get ready for some bonus celebrations when you visit here!
Unique Places to enjoy Holi
4. Manipur: Also popular as ” Manipur’s Holi”, experience the Yaoshang festival related to Manipuri culture featuring local dances involving young boys and girls holding hands and dancing together, local music, and colorful attire. Fill your heart with the interesting traditions and embrace the joyful atmosphere here during the celebrations.
How to get there: Imphal, the capital of Manipur, has its own airport with connections to major Indian cities. You can also arrive by train from Guwahati or Dimapur.
5. Goa: Celebrate Holi 2024 in Goan style! Join the vibrant “Shigmotsav” street parade filled with floats, music, and crazy fun. Show off your excitement on the beach with colorful celebrations and enjoy the unique Goan seafood in this festival that goes up to 14 days in total. Enjoy the beauty of rural Goa while exploring this carnival-like Holi in southern India.
6. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Go beyond the vibrant hues of the traditional Holi and discover the unique and captivating Masaan Holi in Varanasi, India. This captivating festival will be celebrated on March 21st, 2024, offering a glimpse into the mystical aura of Varanasi, a city filled with history and spirituality. Watch Aghoris, sadhus, and Naga sadhus smear themselves with ashes, chant hymns, and perform rituals at the sacred Manikarnika Ghat, one of India’s oldest cremation grounds. Unlike the playful colors of Holi, Masaan Holi utilizes ashes as a powerful reminder of mortality and the cyclical nature of existence.
How to get there- Varanasi is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Varanasi has its own airport, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (LBS), located about 25 kilometers from the city center. Major airlines operate domestic and international flights to Varanasi. Varanasi Junction Railway Station is one of the major railway stations in India and is well-connected to all major cities. Varanasi is well-connected by national highways to major cities like Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, and Patna. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Varanasi. Once you reach Varanasi, you can take a taxi, rickshaw, or auto-rickshaw to reach Manikarnika Ghat, the venue of Masaan Holi.
- Go for organic colors like herbal gulal made from flowers and fruits to keep your skin safe from harsh chemicals while playing Holi this year.
- Remember to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, especially when you’re out in the sun, to keep your energy up and avoid dehydration.
- Don’t forget to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses and applying petroleum jelly around them to prevent irritation from the colors.
- Always ask before playing with someone to make sure they’re okay with it, and respect their wishes if they don’t want to participate.
- Lastly, be mindful of the environment by disposing of colors and waste properly to keep the festive spirit alive and protect our planet.
Conclusion
Holi isn’t just about splashing colors around; it’s also about spreading happiness, forgiving others, and coming together as a community. Don’t be shy, spend time with family and friends this Holi in 2024 and make unforgettable moments that will last a lifetime.
FAQs
1. What is the real date of Holi in 2024?
– Holi will be celebrated on March 25, 2024.
2. What is the purpose of Holi festival?
– Holi has many meanings for diverse regions, mainly it shows the victory of good over bad.
2. When is Hola Mohalla in 2024?
– It will start on 25 March and end on 27 March in 2024.
3. Is Holi color permanent?
– If you apply oil on your hair and visible body parts, colours get off in two to three days easily.
