Hate playing Holi? 8 smart ways to enjoy the day without colours!
Not everyone enjoys Holi¡¯s colours and chaos, and that¡¯s okay. If you prefer a peaceful, fun, or productive way to spend the holiday, here are 8 unique things to do instead. From quiet travel escapes to skill-building workshops, make the most of your day without stepping into a colour fight
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.
Take a trip to a non-Holi destination
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.
Go on a Holi food walk
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.
Read a book you¡¯ve been postponing
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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.
Try an online workshop
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.
Visit a spa or wellness retreat
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.
Volunteer for a cause
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.
Visit a monastery or an offbeat religious site
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.
Organise a Holi-free house party
Credit: Freepik
Nancy Jaiswal is a journalist who started her career in reporting and has covered both hard and soft news. From serious city news developments to lighthearted lifestyle pieces, she has written on almost everything hapenning in India (except maybe alien invasions¡ªyet!). For her, writing isn¡¯t just work; it¡¯s a passion, an obsession, and sometimes the reason she forgets to reply to texts.
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