From Mathura to Punjab to Manipur, Holi showers each part of India with endless colours and an eternal cheer. Witness the glory of the most joyous festival through this stunning photo essay.
Every year in March, people of all ages and walks of life take to the streets to celebrate Holi, the festival of colours. Here’s a stunning photo essay of Holi celebrations across India, doused with enthusiasm, colour, love, and the joy of Spring!
Lath Maar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh
Traditional Lath Maar Holi, where the women of Barsana playfully strike the men of Nandgaon. It is celebrated across Braj, in the regions like Barsana, Nandgaon, Vrindavan, and Mathura. Image: Shutterstock/CRS PHOTO.Men sitting down with drums, drenched from tip to toe, and waiting to shield themselves from the playful beating. Image: Shutterstock/yogendrasingh.in.Barsana is also known for its laddoo Holi, in which laddoos are thrown around, drums are beaten, and devotional songs are sung. Image: Shutterstock/MindStorm.
Phoolonwali Holi in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
On contrary, devotees in Vrindavan play Holi with flowers! Image: Shutterstock/Tushar Narula.The famous Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is a sight to behold every Holi. At evening, the temple priests shower devotees with flowers and colours. Image: Shutterstock/Vyas Abhishek.Defying age-old customs and breaking years of social stigma, a large number of widows gather at Gopinath Temple to play with flowers and colours, getting drenched in devotion and merry-making. Image: Shutterstock/IndianFaces.
Dhulandi Holi in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Holi is celebrated with much fervour in Mathura, the birthplace of Krishna, the Hindu deity. Image: Shutterstock/Tushar Narula.Celebrations in Mathura usually take off in the late afternoon with a procession starting at Vishram Ghat, including people dressed as Krishna and Radha. Image: Shutterstock/nisargmediaproductions.
Hola Mohalla in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
A young Sikh man smeared in the colours of Holi, waiting for the Hola Mohalla festivities to begin at Anandpur Sahib! Image: Shutterstock/Verma Chetan.During Hola Mohalla, Nihang Sikhs display their valour and courage through traditional martial arts. Image: Shutterstock/Harjeet Singh Narang.Think daring feats including Gatka (mock fights with real weaponry) wrestling, sword fighting, bareback horse-riding, and more. Image: Shutterstock/Verma Chetan.
Dol Purnima in Shantiniketan, West Bengal
Popular as Dol Purnima or Basant Utsav, Holi festivities in West Bengal are more lyrical. IN Shantiniketan, people dress up in yellow and orange, play with yellow colour (mostly), and enjoy cultural programmes. Image: Shutterstock/Rudra Narayan Mitra.A little girl covered in abeer (dry powedered colour made from vegetables and fruits). Image: Courtesy SilverKris.
Yaoshang in Imphal, Manipur
The indigenous Yaoshang festival lasts for for five days. Devotees visit and worship at Govindagee Temple in Imphal. Image: Courtesy Instagram/Uchek Imphal.Going beyond playing with colours, the festivities include folk dances, musical performances, sporting events, and more. Children dress up and visit houses across towns, blessings of success and long and healthy life and receiving gifts in return. Image: Courtesy Instagram/devjeetsagolsem.
Holika Dahan in Udaipur, Rajasthan
For a regal experience, arrive at the City Palace in Udaipur for the Mewar Holika Dahan festivity. Image: Courtesy Eternal Mewar.Taking roots in roots in the mythological story of Prahlad and his demoness aunt Holika, the ceremony begins with the erstwhile maharaja of the former royal family of Udaipur performing a puja and lighting the ceremonial bonfire. Image: Courtesy Eternal Mewar.Holika Dahan ceremony is followed by Rajasthani folk dances and a royal procession on bedecked elephants, horses, and camels. Image: Courtesy Eternal Mewar.
Shigmo in Goa
Known as ‘Shigmo’ in Goa, the festival is marked by colourful parades, musical shows, and night-time fares. Image: Courtesy Shigmo Festival website.Farmers and local people from rural regions of the Sunny State perform traditional folk and street dances in huge processions. Image: Courtesy Shigmo Festival website.While locals celebrate Shigmo, guests from India and abroad get busy playing with colours, attending raves, and partying till dawn. Image: Shutterstock/alexnika.
