Holi 2024: From Mathura To Rajasthan, How Is Holi Celebrated Across India; Check Details Here
Happy Holi 2024: The Holi festival, also known as the festival of colours, is celebrated in the Hindu calendar month of Phalgun, which typically falls between February and March. On this day, people come together to play with colours, water, flowers, and more. Children and adults alike enjoy smearing gulal on each other, and it's a time when people seek the blessings of their elders. It's also a time for visiting friends and relatives and enjoying special Holi delicacies like gujiya and thandai after the playful festivities.
This year, in 2024, Holi will be celebrated on Monday, March 25th in India. The festivities of this Hindu festival will begin on the night of Sunday, March 24th with Holika Dahan, a ritual where a bonfire is lit to symbolise the victory of good over evil. It's a time of joy and togetherness, where people come together to celebrate the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil.
While the essence of the festival remains the same, the customs and traditions associated with Holi can vary from one state to another. Here's a glimpse of how Holi is celebrated in different states of India:
How is Holi Celebrated in Uttar Pradesh:
In the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura, and Vrindavan, Holi is celebrated with immense zeal and grandeur. The festivities start weeks in advance with colourful processions, music, and dance. The main attraction is the 'Lathmar Holi' in Barsana, where women playfully beat men with sticks, symbolising the playful teasing between Lord Krishna and Radha. In Mathura, the 'Phoolon wali Holi' is celebrated with flowers.
How is Holi Celebrated in Punjab:
In Punjab, Holi is known as 'Hola Mohalla' and is celebrated with a martial arts display called 'Gatka.' It is also a time for Sikhs to gather and commemorate the valor of their tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.
How is Holi Celebrated in?West Bengal:
In West Bengal, Holi is known as 'Dol Jatra' or 'Dol Purnima.' It is celebrated with the worship of Lord Krishna and Radha. Devotees take out processions with the idols of Krishna and Radha on a decorated palanquin.
How is Holi Celebrated in?Assam:
In Assam, Holi is celebrated as 'Doul Utsav.' It is a time for cultural performances, traditional songs, and dances. The festival is marked by the burning of 'Holika,' the bonfire that symbolises the victory of good over evil.
How is Holi Celebrated in?Rajasthan:
In Rajasthan, Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm. People gather at public places and smear each other with colours. The festival is also marked by music, dance, and traditional Rajasthani delicacies.
How is Holi Celebrated in Maharashtra:
In Maharashtra, Holi is celebrated as 'Rang Panchami.' People play with colours and water, and special dishes like 'Puran Poli' are prepared.
How is Holi Celebrated in Bihar:
In Bihar, Holi is celebrated as 'Phaguwa' or 'Phagwah.' The festival is marked by the traditional 'Holika Dahan' and the playing with colours.
How is Holi Celebrated in Tamil Nadu:
In Tamil Nadu, Holi is known as 'Kamavilas.' It is celebrated with the worship of Kamadeva, the god of love, and his consort Rati. People also play with colours and water.
How is Holi Celebrated in?Kerala:
In Kerala, the festival of Holi is locally referred to as Manjul Kuli and is celebrated at the Gosripuram Thiruma's Konkani Temple. On the first day, devotees visit the temple to offer their prayers. The second day is marked by people spraying coloured water containing turmeric on each other and dancing to traditional folk songs.
How is Holi Celebrated in Gujarat:
In Gujarat, Holi is celebrated with the traditional 'Holika Dahan' and playing with colours. People also prepare special dishes like 'Gujia' and 'Thandai.'
These are just a few examples of how Holi is celebrated in different states of India. The festival brings people together, irrespective of their differences, to celebrate the joy of life and the victory of good over evil.
