Holi is the most colorful and lively festival celebrated by Indians. The perky display of color-drenched Indians is a treat to behold. People come together, soak each other with colors, sing, dance, eat, and soak in all the merrymaking.
But Mathura, Vrindavan, and Jaipur are too mainstream places for big Holi events, so this time, step into some offbeat destinations that do Holi in style differently. Here are the top 10 offbeat places to visit in 2024 for Holi celebration that I found while searching for places to visit in whitefield:
1. Barsana, Uttar Pradesh
One of the villages, near Mathura, is Barsana. This village is well-known for its peculiar Lathmar Holi, wherein women beat up men with sticks (lathis) in fun while the men try to save themselves by covering their faces and entire bodies. There is an atmosphere full of fun, laughter, songs, and colors. So, basically, visiting Barsana during Holi encapsulates the local customs and ways through which all of this has been imbibed as a part of the festival.
Highlights
Lathmar Holi
Folk Songs and Dances
Local sweets and Snacks
2. Shantiniketan, West Bengal
The festival of Holi, also known as ‘Basanta Utsav’ is celebrated in a unique flavour in Shantiniketan. Some of the intrinsic celebrations associated with this festival in this place include some cultural programs with the right kind of folk dances, musical tunes, and poems. Indeed, it becomes a very picturesque scenario when every street is jam-packed with students and locals in new, vibrant outfits. They pamper themselves even more in the fragrant perfume of gorgeous spring flowers. This Basanta Utsav of Cultural Shantiniketan is the perfect blend of culture with celebration.
Salient Features
Cultural Performances
Traditional dance and music
-Beautiful spring flowers
3. Udaipur, Rajasthan
People celebrate Holi in Udaipur with a royal touch. It initiates with Holika Dahan, through a bonfire that symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The very next day, the city seems to relive with people playing colours, accompanied by traditional music and dance in every nook and corner. The incredible palaces and lakes present in the city, enhance the overall charm of the festival.
Highlights
Holika Dahan
Traditional music and dance
Scenic views of lakes and palaces
4. Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
At Anandpur Sahib, it's not 'Holi.' Instead, the place celebrates this festival as Hola Mohalla by Sikhs. It's just that over here, the celebration has been studded with Sikh martial arts and horsemanship along with mock battles. Colorful processions and traditional music and beats do accompany the festival amidst the recitals of poetry. The loudest and most beautiful show of Holi.
Highlights
- Sikh martial arts
- Spectacular processions
5. Hampi, Karnataka
The 'City of Ruins' or Hampi presents a different feel to the ancient ruins and temples. Playing colors with harmonious music and dance performances is a part of the proceedings on this day. It would definitely form a wonderful sight to see these vibrant colors being played against the historic setting of Hampi.
Highly Recommended
– Ancient ruins and temples
– Traditional music and dance
– Picturesque landscapes
6. Purulia, West Bengal
Purulia is special in its own way for celebrating Holi with its Basanta Utsav festival. Here the celebration takes place with Chau dance, Darbari Jhumur, Natua dance, and songs performed by local artists. The rustic charm of Purulia blended with its rich cultural heritage makes it an interesting destination to celebrate Holi.
Highlights
- Chau dance
- Darbari Jhumur
- Folk songs and dances
7. Agra, Uttar Pradesh
At the time of Holi, Agra comes to life as people break into fun and laughter, as they run about the streets playing with colors! Moreover, many even indulge in songs and dances out in the streets to make the most of the festival. Special programs are conducted at various places, including the great Taj Mahal, which tourists will be taken to relish with the festive spirit. Holi in Agra offers a lovely blend of cultural heritage and festivity.
Highlights
- Celebrations around the Taj Mahal
- Street performances
- Traditional music and dance
8. Pushkar, Rajasthan
Pushkar, with its sacred lake and camel fair, is supremely the full-throttle kind of place to celebrate Holi in Rajasthan. Colorful is the festival that starts, with a massive bonfire on Holika Dahan night, and the play—a fraction of the entire day, that is—continuous with colors, music, and dancing all day long. The market streets of Pushkar flood with colours and garlands, adding to the right kind of vibe.
Highlights
- Holika Dahan bonfire
- Colourful Market Streets
- Traditional music and dance
9. Manipur
Yaoshang is a Manipuri form of Holi that continues for six days. People start the festival by burning a hut, calling it Holika Dahan. Cultural programs and sports events, sprinkling colors on each other, and Thabal Chongba—a traditional Manipuri dance of this region which is performed under the moonlight—are the integral parts of the celebration.
Highlights
- Traditional dance Thabal Chongba
- Cultural programs and sports events
10. Kumaon, Uttarakhand
In Kumaon, Holi is celebrated with musical get-togethers called Baithki Holi, Khari Holi, and Mahila Holi. Musical programs consisting of traditional songs, dances, and playing with colors constitute such meetings. The serene landscapes of Kumaon and the swelling spirit of festivity make it an ideal destination for a Holi unique in experience.
Highlights
- Baithki Holi gatherings
- Traditional songs and dances
- Serene landscapes
Conclusion
While other popular destinations have their big and immense celebrations, these lesser-visited places let you feel something different and even more enchanting. No two places can be alike. They carry their unique charm and traditions that make Holi 2024 ever memorable. Be it only the cultural performances, the scenic places, or indeed the traditional rituals you are interested in—there is every perfect destination in India to revel in Holi!
