Different forms of Holi that are celebrated around India
The different kinds of Holi that are celebrated in India.
- Lathmar Holi - Barsana village, Uttar Pradesh
Lathmar Holi
According to myths, Holi began in the Barsana region of India, which includes Vrindavan, Mathura, Nandgaon and Barsana. Interestingly, the festival here is celebrated with not just colors, but with lathis. As per tradition, women chase away the men with lathis. But it’s not a beating session - it’s a crazy one, and the men come prepared too.
- Khadi Holi - Kumaon region, Uttarakhand
Khadi holi is played in the Kumaon region that includes mainly towns in Uttrakhand. As a part of the celebration, the locals wear traditional clothes, sing khari songs and dance in groups. They move in tolis, and greet the people they pass by. In this region, Holi is usually a musical gathering in different versions known as Baithika Holi, Khadi Holi and Mahila Holi.
- Hola Mohalla - Punjab
Hola Mohalla, known as the warrior Holi, is celebrated in Punjab. This festival is observed by Nihang Sikhs. They exhibit martial arts, and sing their hearts out on this day, that is usually celebrated a day before Holi.
- Basant Utsav and Dol Jatra- West Bengal
The Basant Utsav is a way to welcome the spring season. On this day, there is a special celebration at Shantiniketan. Boys and girls dress up in saffron coloured clothes, sing and dance to celebrate this festival. On the other hand, Dol Jatra is a part of the main Holi festivities. On Dol Purnima, idols of Radha and Krishna are taken to the streets in a procession. To add to the fun, men spray water and colours at this procession.
- Shigmo - Goa
Shigmo festival is a massive spring celebration in Goa. It is one of the major festivals of Hindus. Here, traditional folk and street dances are done by farmers. Even tourists at Goa celebrate this festival with a lot of excitement.
- Yaosang - Manipur
In Manipur, Holi or Yaosang is celebrated for six days. It starts on the day of the full moon and combines Hindu and indigenous traditions. The highlight of the festival is the Thabal chongba, a Manipuri folk dance that is performed during. To add to the traditions and maintain uniformity, the Hindus of Manipur play this festival with colours too.
- Manjal Kuli - Kerala
Down south, Holi isn’t as popular as it is in North India. However, some communities in the southern part of the country celebrate Holi, but with distinct traditions and names. In Kerala, Holi is called Manjal Kuli and is celebrated in the Konkani temple of Gosripuram Thirumala.
- Phaguwa - Bihar
Bihar and Holi go hand in hand. The festival is known as Phaguwa in the local Bhojpuri dialect. However, in Bihar, it’s important to light the Holika pyre before playing Holi. After that, Holi is played with folk songs, water and powdered colors derived from natural sources. Consumption of Bhang is also a part of the holi celebrations in the state.
- Phakuwah - Assam
Phagwah is Assam’s name for Holi. It is similar to Bengal’s ‘Dol Jatra’. However, here the festival is celebrated over two days. On the 1st day, clay huts are burnt signifying the legend of Holika dahan. On the 2nd day, the locals celebrate it with colours just like everyone else!
- Rang Panchami - Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra celebrates Holi in the most fun way possible. Colour celebrations take place on the 5th day after Holika dahan and is known as Ranga Panchami.
- Royal Holi - Udaipur, Rajasthan
On the eve of Holi, locals light bonfires to mark the occasion and get rid of evil spirits in the holika dahan. This celebration is done at a grand level by Udaipur's Mewar royal family. The fancy procession includes decorated horses and the royal band. Later, the traditional sacred fire is lit and an effigy of Holika is burnt.