(By: Jatinder Paul Singh, Co-founder and CEO, Viacation)
Holi is a time of togetherness and festivity. The festival of colors brings people together as they throw colors at each other and dance to festive music. While Holi is known for fun and excitement, it also has a deeper meaning in some places. In India’s sacred cities, it is more than just a festival, it is a time for devotion and tradition. Here, Holi is a spiritual celebration that connects people to history, faith, and culture. The bright colors stand for love and unity, while rituals and prayers bring people closer to God.
Ujjain:
Ujjain, home to the sacred Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, celebrates Holi with deep devotion and excitement. The festival begins with prayers at the temple, where devotees seek Lord Shiva’s blessings before joining the colorful celebrations. Many believe that playing Holi in Ujjain brings spiritual renewal and divine blessings, making it a truly meaningful experience.
Barsana and Nandgaon:
From Mathura, the Holi celebrations continue in Barsana and Nandgaon, adding a playful touch to the festival. Barsana, Radha’s village, is famous for Lathmar Holi, where women playfully chase men with sticks (lathis). This tradition comes from an old story where Krishna and his friends from Nandgaon would visit Barsana to tease Radha and her friends, and the women would drive them away with sticks for fun.
Today, this has become a week-long cultural event with temple rituals, folk music, dance, and colorful processions. The Radha Rani Temple in Barsana is the main place of celebration, where devotees gather to sing devotional songs and enjoy the joyful spirit of Holi.
Vrindavan and Mathura:
Vrindavan and Mathura are the most famous places to celebrate Holi in India. The festival here is connected to the stories of Lord Krishna. According to legend, Krishna and his friends played Holi by throwing colors at Radha and her friends. This playful tradition continues even today.
In Vrindavan, the Banke Bihari Temple is the main place for celebrations. Thousands of people come together to sing, dance, and throw colors. The temple opens for a special Holi darshan of the deity, and the whole place is filled with devotion.
In Mathura, Krishna’s birthplace, Holi is even bigger. The Dwarkadhish Temple holds special prayers, and beautifully decorated idols of Krishna and Radha are carried through the streets in colorful processions. People sing, chant, and celebrate with great faith. Holi in these cities is not just about colors—it is a festival of love and devotion.
Varanasi:
In Varanasi, one of India’s oldest and holiest cities, Holi is a mix of faith and celebration. Along the Ganga River, people sing bhajans, offer prayers, and play with colors as a way to cleanse the soul and seek divine blessings.The Kashi Vishwanath Temple holds special rituals, making the festival even more meaningful. Temples like Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and Kal Bhairav Temple also hold big celebrations. As Holi spreads through the city's narrow streets, the air is filled with devotional songs, bright colors, and pure happiness.
Pushkar:
Pushkar, known for its sacred lake and the famous Brahma Temple, offers a special Holi experience. The day starts with a holy dip in the lake, which is believed to bring good luck. As the celebrations begin, the town fills with music and dance. The streets and the main square near the temple come alive with people playing drums, singing, and joyfully throwing colors in the air. At Varaha Ghat and Gau Ghat, locals and visitors come together in a celebration that beautifully blends tradition with festivity.