Cutting Chai with Bhawana Somaaya - Day 304

5 Of The Best Places To Visit For Holi In India 

17.03.14

1). Lath Maar Holi Of Barsana, Uttar Pradesh

The most badass Holi is celebrated in the town of Barsana, Uttar Pradesh. It is the time of the year where women get a chance to show that men do not rule the roost. The women of Barsana near Mathura beat up men from neighboring Nandgaon village with sticks, in what is known as ‘Lathmar Holi Celebration’. Lath meaning Stick!

2). Mathura And Vrindavan For The Traditional Holi

Mathura and Vrindavan are the places where Krishna was born and raised respectively. So it’s fair to expect Holi on a very grand scale here. Both these places are situated approximately 180-190kms from Delhi and you can easily find travel agents giving special packages during Holi celebrations.

 

3). Delhi And Mumbai For The Modern Holi

If partying and getting drunk is your cup of tea, head straight to one of these metropolitan cities. All you need to do is buy tickets to one of the many private Holi parties and you are set for the day. These parties are complete with food, bhang, music… All of it!

4). Jaipur For Holi And Elephants 

The elephant festival kicks off the Holi celebrations in Jaipur each year. You can expect events like Elephant parades; elephant beauty contests (yes), folk dances and tug-of-war between elephants! However, due to pressure from the animal rights groups, these events have been replaced this year. Hopefully they might start again.

5). Shantiniketan, West Bengal For The Cultural Holi

The Holi celebrations in Shantiniketan, West Bengal was started by Nobel Laureate Sir Rabindranath Tagore. He introduced an annual event in the Vishwa Bharti University where students dress in spring colors and put on a huge cultural event for the visitors.

Bhawana Somaaya/ @bhawanasomaaya