Holi is one of India¡¯s most vibrant festivals, but not everyone enjoys getting drenched in colors and water. Some people prefer a peaceful day, and that¡¯s perfectly fine. If you don¡¯t like playing Holi, you don¡¯t have to spend the day feeling left out. There are plenty of interesting ways to enjoy the holiday without stepping into a colour fight. Whether it¡¯s traveling to a quiet destination, indulging in self-care, or learning something new, there are many options to make the day fun and meaningful.?
You can explore an offbeat place where Holi isn¡¯t celebrated loudly, take an online workshop to upgrade your skills, or even organise a house party with like-minded friends. The idea is to do something you enjoy instead of simply avoiding the festival.?
If you¡¯re wondering how to spend the day, here are 8 unique things to do instead of playing Holi.
While cities like Mathura and Varanasi are famous for their Holi festivities, places like Pondicherry, Mawlynnong in Meghalaya, or Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu offer a peaceful holiday. If you prefer the mountains, head to Spiti Valley or Tawang, where you can enjoy breathtaking landscapes without worrying about colors.?
If you love the food that comes with Holi but not the colours, why not go on a Holi food walk? Many restaurants offer special Holi menus with gujiyas, thandai, and other festive treats. Markets like Delhi¡¯s Paranthe Wali Gali, Kolkata¡¯s New Market, or Indore¡¯s Chappan Dukaan are great places to indulge in delicious food without worrying about getting smeared in colors.?
Whether it¡¯s a thriller, a self-help book, or even poetry, reading can be a great way to unwind. If you need recommendations, The Silent Patient is a gripping thriller, The Palace of Illusions offers a fresh take on the Mahabharata, and Atomic Habits can help you build better routines.?
Online workshops are a great way to upgrade your skills while staying indoors. Students can take a creative writing or coding workshop on platforms like Udemy or Coursera. Working professionals can explore personal branding courses on LinkedIn Learning. If you enjoy art, try a digital painting workshop on Domestika or an Indian classical music session on YouTube.
Holi is loud and chaotic, but spas and wellness centers usually remain calm. Book a relaxing massage, try a meditation session, or simply enjoy aromatherapy. If you want a deeper experience, visit a wellness retreat like Ananda in the Himalayas or SwaSwara in Karnataka. It¡¯s a great way to spend the day feeling refreshed instead of exhausted from colors and water.
Festivals can be a lonely time for some people, and Holi is no exception. Instead of avoiding the celebrations, you can spend the day making someone else¡¯s better. Volunteer at an animal shelter, an orphanage, or a food distribution drive. Many NGOs organize community lunches and donation drives during festivals. A small effort on your part can make someone¡¯s day a lot brighter.
If you¡¯re looking for peace, monasteries and offbeat religious sites can be a great escape. While temples in cities might be crowded, places like Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim or Key Monastery in Spiti offer silence and spiritual calm. Even lesser-known churches and gurudwaras can provide a serene experience away from the noise of Holi celebrations.