One of India’s favourite and most loved festivals, Holi, is just around the corner, and everyone is so excited. India is a land of festivals, and every state has its own unique traditional way of celebrating every festival. Talking about Holi, though it is widely known as the festival of colours, it is celebrated in different ways in various states. So, here are five Holi celebrations across India that are truly unique and that you must experience.
5 Unique Holi Celebrations Across India
1. Lathmar Holi, Uttar Pradesh
Lathmar Holi is one of the most popular Holi celebrations in India. It is also known as the most interesting one because of its concept. Women are armed with lathis or canes and hit men playfully on this day. Men come prepared with shields to save themselves from it. If they are hit by women, they are dressed in female attire and asked to dance on the streets. All of these activities are done in a lighthearted and playful manner without offending anyone. The origins of this style of celebration can be found in mythology.
2. Dol Jatra, West Bengal
Holi in West Bengal is known as Dol Jatra or Basant Utsav. On this day, all the people get together, enjoy joyous moments, play with colours, and drink ‘bhang’. People celebrate the beginning of the spring season with full enthusiasm. According to a legend, Lord Krishna expressed his love for Radha by throwing gulaal at her on the swing. Swing is known as ‘dol’ and the sakhis celebrated this union by carrying the duo in a palanquin, known as a “jatra.” This gave rise to the name ‘Dol Jatra’.
3. Yaoshang, Manipur
Yaoshang is marked by singing, dancing, and a variety of other traditional performances. It symbolises the joyous celebration of love among children, adults, and people of all ages. The five-day celebration begins on the first day with the burning of a ‘yaoshang’ (a small thatch hut/straw hut) made of bamboo and straws. The Thabal Chongba, a traditional Manipuri folk dance in which boys and girls sing and dance in a circle, is the festival’s highlight.
4. Dola, Odisha
Holi, a popular festival commemorating the arrival of spring, is known as Dola Purnima in Odisha. However, the main highlight of Holi in Odisha is the celebration of Lord Jagannath, also known as Dolagobinda. Along with the traditional smearing of wet and dry colours, Lord Jagannath processions can be seen throughout the various cities and towns. It is a six-day long festival celebrated in the culture-rich state.
5. Hola Mohalla, Punjab
Hola Mohalla is the most important religious festival for Sikhs, and it is celebrated with zeal and devotion by the Sikh community worldwide. It is observed a day after Holi and is a commemoration of the bravery of Sikh warriors. The celebrations are celebrated by a religious sect known as the Nihang Sikhs. The celebrations include an amazing display of martial arts, followed by dance and music.
Also Read: Doing Something OnHoli 5 Ways To Spend The Perfect Holi This Year!
Have you ever been a part of any of these celebrations? Do let us know!
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia commons
First Published: March 02, 2023 8:15 PM