Holi is considered to be one of the most important festivals of India, and is known worldwide as the festival of colours and happiness. It is celebrated by Indians, each year during the months of February to March as a symbol of the victory of good over evil, which is inspired through the Hindu mythology and stories. This year, the holi celebrations will start from Wednesday the 20th of March, and will end on Thursday the 21st of March. Of course for a country like India, where different types of people live with different tastes and cultures, the celebration of the holy festival too is bound to be different. People have their own ways and their own joys in celebrating the festival of colours. Different styles are celebrated in different ways, and the festival can go on for almost a week.
The different types of holi in India.
India is a land of different cultures; it is exciting to know about how different people celebrate Holi differently across the country. A few famous types of Holi in India are Lathmar Holi, Dol Jatra, Phaguwa, Rang Panchmi/Shigmo, Yaosang, Baithaki/Khadi, Manjal Kuli/Ukuli, Basant Utsav and Dola. If you are thinking of celebrating Holi in 2019 in India then you must because it is a brilliant idea as it will be a lifetime experience to cherish.
It is obvious to get confused by so many different types of Holi celebrations in India. So, if you are confused and in doubt about which one to choose from the list, then let us help you decide. Below are some quick choices on a different style of Holi celebration in India to ease out your search.
Lathmar Holi
Lathmar Holi Festival is one of the exclusive and well-known ways of Holi festivity in Uttar Pradesh region in India. Lathmar Holi of Barsana is first and foremost celebrated in the native place of Lord Krishna. All natives of the area of Vrindavan, Mathura, Nandgoan, and Barsana come together to celebrate Holi with Lathis (Sticks) and colors made up of Kesudo and Palash flowers. As per the tradition, Gops (men) of Barsana try to invade Nandgaon to play Holi with the Gopis (women). In reciprocation, Gopis beat the Gops (men) with the sticks to prevent themselves to get colored. Is that not fun to watch and take part in in! People from all over the world come to witness Lathmar Holi in Mathura every year.
Dola
Dola Holi is celebrated in the middle of the coastal region of Odisha province of India. Dola Holi Celebration lasts for about five to seven days, unlike two days, in the rest of India. Dola celebration commences on Falgun Dashmi when all the people take out a religious gathering (Yatra) of their deities (especially Lord Krishna) and offer them Bhog (sweets) and Abira (colored powder). This yatra goes on for the next four days and ends on Falgun Purnima by playing Holi.
Phagunwa
Phagunwa is the celebration of Holi in local vernacular Bhojpuri of Bihar province of India. Phagunwa Holi is celebrated with the folk songs, Thandai and Gunjiyas and boundless fun with family and friends.
Basant Utsav
Basant Utsav is the celebration of Holi in the region of West Bengal in India. People welcome Basant Ritu with open arms in West Bengal. They dress in yellow clothes during Basant Utsav and play Holi with Gulaal for the entire day. Also, the Dola is a momentous part of the Holi celebration in Bengal. Dola Yatra is taken out on the main day where people play colors with squirt and Abira (colored powder) along with the procession. It is a sight full of delight, enjoyment, and happiness.
Shigmo
Shigmo Holi is a type of Holi celebration in the Indian state of Goa. It is one of the major festivals of farmers as they welcome spring agreeably. Shigmo Utsava is celebrated for fourteen days with magnificence each year. Shigmo is one of the traditional festivals of Goa, which is entirely different from the other local carnivals of Goa. Just imagine the fun of Holi on the beaches of Goa. It is an experience, worth giving a shot
Holi, being the festival of colours is very important for the Indian people. And it is necessary to enjoy this festival top the fullest, while learning of the traditional ways of celebrating it in the different ways it is celebrated throughout the country. A happier Holi is the one spent the right way.
