Holi, the joyous festival of colours, is a massive celebration, where people engage in endless fun and merriment. It is not just about the vibrant shades on the outside; Holi paints happiness in every heart. The beauty of Holi Travel Packages lies in its diversity, with celebrations spanning from the eastern to the western, and from the northern to the southern corners of India.
India welcomes numerous tourists from around the globe, all eager to witness the grandeur and excitement. From the spirited play with gulaal (coloured powder) to witnessing the ceremonial Holika Dahan (bonfire), from savouring the delicious gujiyas (sweet pastries) and thandai (flavoured drink) to fun-filled house parties with loved ones – Holi unites people. Each part of India has its customs; it is a festival that wears many colourful hats. With our Holi Travel Packages, experience this enchanting journey of colours.
Here are the six Best Places to Experience the joy of Holi Travel Packages:
1. Mathura and Vrindavan
This lively festival finds special passion in Mathura and Vrindavan. These sacred cities, believed to be the birthplaces of Lord Krishna, hold deep religious importance for Hindus. During Holi, these cities burst into life with jubilant celebrations. Devotees come to temples and sacred sites to offer their prayers and engage in religious customs.
A unique Holi tradition here is the Lathmar Holi, celebrated a few days before the main event. Women from the nearby village of Barsana playfully strike men from Mathura with sticks, who in turn try to shield themselves. This playful exchange, full of good-natured banter, adds to the festive charm of the occasion. Mathura Vrindavan Gokul Barsana Tour gives an authentic experience of Holi festival in India.
2. Barsana
Barsana, a small town in Uttar Pradesh is famous for its unique Holi festivities. Unlike other regions, where people join in the revelry, Barsana places women at the heart of the celebration. Days before Holi, the town comes alive with the Lathmar Holi. Here, women from Barsana playfully wield sticks and engage in a friendly battle with men from Mathura, who defend themselves with shields.
On this day, women gather at the Radha Rani temple, decorated in vibrant attire and armed with sticks. They perform the Lathmar Holi dance on the rhythm of drums played by men. The air resonates with devotional songs, and visitors are warmly welcomed to join in the celebrations.
Barsana is not only renowned for its unique Holi traditions but also for its worship of Lord Krishna and Radha. Devotees gather at the Radha Rani temple on Holi to offer prayers and sing devotional songs. A special puja, adorned with flowers and other offerings, adds a sacred touch to the festivities.
3. Jaipur
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is a tapestry of rich cultural heritage and vivid traditions. The city celebrates Holi with boundless enthusiasm and joy. On the day of the festival, the public spaces, from parks to squares, come alive with people revelling in the festivities. Colourful powders and water balloons take flight and paint the streets and faces of the celebrants in shades of joy. Among the cherished locations for Holi fun is the City Palace, the grandest palace complex in the state. Here, visitors are welcomed into a world of tradition, where Rajasthani folk dances and melodies fill the air. Local snacks and drinks tantalize the taste buds, while the palace itself glows under the enchanting spell of vibrant lights and decorations. Enjoy holi in Rajasthan with a Trip to Jaipur and Pushkar from Delhi.
Yet, the City Palace is just one star in the Holi constellation of Pink City. The iconic Hawa Mahal, the serene Jal Mahal, and the famous Albert Hall Museum also play host to special Holi events. Here, cultural activities unfurl, and the aroma of traditional Rajasthani dishes mingles with the jubilant spirit of the festival.
4. Anandpur Sahib
Anandpur Sahib, a city in the Rupnagar district of Punjab, is a revered Sikh stronghold. This holy city resonates with the passion of Holi. The faithful gather at Gurudwara Sahib, the sanctum sanctorum of the Sikh religion. The Gurudwara infuses the air with an aura of joy and celebration. A unique side of Holi in this city is the Hola Mohalla festival, which is celebrated a few days after the main Holi event.
Organized by the Sikh community, Hola Mohalla is a spectacle of skill. The exhibitions of swordsmanship, horse riding, and various martial arts captivate the visitors. Amidst these plays, devotees engage in soul-stirring kirtans (devotional songs). On Holi, Gurudwara Sahib organizes a special langar (community meal). Here, both devotees and visitors, regardless of their beliefs or social standing, enjoy the flavours of traditional Punjabi cuisine.
5. Shantiniketan
In the small town of Bolpur, near Kolkata in West Bengal, Holi transforms into a charming celebration known as Basanta Utsav, a cultural spectacle that resonates with grandeur. Inspired by the lively shades of Holi, Shantiniketan, home to Rabindra Bharati University, paints a unique picture of this festival.
The Basanta Utsav was inaugurated by the esteemed Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore himself. During this festival, locals and university students cover themselves in saffron garments to fully immerse themselves in the spirit of the music of Tagore. After the playful splashing of colours, melodies fill the air as they sing and dance. Gulaal, a powder, decorates everyone and creates a kaleidoscope of hues. Amidst the festivities, there is a corner for savouring sweets. This enchanting celebration draws in thousands of tourists from across India and the globe.
6. Purulia
Purulia, a hidden gem in West Bengal, celebrates Holi in a captivating way. Nestled amidst lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and dense forests, Purulia paints Holi in vibrant hues and sets itself apart from the rest.
In this serene town, Holi unfolds three days before the official festival, known as the Dol Festival. Centred around the ancient 8th-century temple, Bandhar Deul, the celebrations here are a sight to behold. Folk performances, featuring Chau and Natua dances, grace the festivities on the melodious tunes of Darbari Jhumur and soul-stirring Baul music.
The crown jewel of Holi in this town is the Ayodhya Pahar, bathed in a mesmerizing red hue during the spring season. This natural marvel occurs when the vibrant Palash flowers bloom and cover the entire region in a breathtaking carpet of red.
5 Activities to Enhance Holi Celebration
Almost all games and crafts during Holi involve the use of coloured powder, which can be applied dry or mixed with water. While you have the option to buy pre-made powders or use coloured bath bombs, it is possible to create them yourself.
Holi Hand
Collect different coloured tempera paints and a handful of paintbrushes. Encourage your kids to dip their hands in the paint and make handprints on white paper or poster board. Once they are done, these vibrant handprints can be a fantastic Holi decoration, ideal for a memorable photo opportunity.
Straw Paint Holi Card
Blow painting is a simple and enjoyable activity suitable for kids of all ages. All you need is white construction paper, plastic straws, and liquid watercolour paints. Blob a bit of paint onto the paper and use a straw to blow air over it, which will result in beautiful patterns. A helpful tip: cut the straws in half to enhance the blowing effect. Repeat the process with various colours for a stunning artistic creation.
Toothbrush Painting
To try this creative project, gather white construction paper, a couple of old toothbrushes, and some paint (water mixed with food colouring works too). Pour the paint onto a paper plate and dip the toothbrush in it. Hold the toothbrush with your thumb and forefinger, then flick the paint onto the paper. Repeat the process with various colours, and voila, you will have your unique art piece.
Tie-dye a Holi Shirt
Pick up a plain white t-shirt and a tie-dying kit either from your local craft store or online to create original shirts for your Holi celebration. The key to intricate designs lies in how much of the shirt you tie up with rubber bands. Do not hesitate to experiment with multiple colours for a vibrant and dynamic result!
Disappearing Colors
For curious minds, this simple colour-based science project is both fun and educational. Begin by filling a glass halfway with water and adding food colouring. Stir it until the water is coloured. Next, add just one drop of bleach into the glass and give it a stir. Witness the magic as the colour disappears. This will leave young scientists fascinated with the wonders of science.
Conclusion
Holi, a beloved festival in India, is celebrated with immense enthusiasm. If you are planning a trip during Holi in India, there are numerous destinations that promise a vibrant and memorable experience. Book a Luxury Tour Package in India to enjoy the vibes of festival and lavish stay in Royal Palaces in Rajasthan. Well, the above-mentioned locations cater to various preferences – whether you seek a traditional celebration, the tranquillity of a hill station, or an adventure-filled vacation – each place has something unique to offer to ensure a fun-filled Holi celebration for everyone.