- Thursday, March 13, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm across India. While the common tradition involves throwing colors and dancing, different regions have their own unique ways of celebrating this festival.
One of the most fascinating Holi traditions is Lathmar Holi, where women playfully beat their husbands with sticks! Apart from Lathmar Holi, there are several other regional variations that add cultural richness to this vibrant festival.
1. Lathmar Holi (Barsana & Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh) – Beat Your Husbands with Sticks!
Lathmar Holi is one of the most famous and funniest Holi traditions celebrated in Barsana and Nandgaon. According to legend, Lord Krishna and his friends from Nandgaon would visit Barsana to tease Radha and her friends (Gopis). In response, the women would chase them away using lathis (sticks).
This tradition continues today, where men from Nandgaon visit Barsana and are playfully beaten with sticks by women. A few days later, the men from Barsana return the favor in Nandgaon. The festival is filled with colors, folk songs, and energetic dances, making it a must-visit Holi celebration.
2. Phoolon Wali Holi (Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh) – Holi with Flowers
Celebrated at the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, Phoolon Wali Holi is played using flowers instead of colors. The temple priests shower devotees with flower petals, creating a mesmerizing and divine experience. It takes place a few days before the main Holi festival.
3. Huranga Holi (Dauji, Uttar Pradesh) – Women Strip Men of Their Clothes!
Huranga Holi, celebrated in Dauji Temple near Mathura, is another playful and wild Holi tradition. Here, women tear off the clothes of men and splash them with colors. This event is full of laughter and fun and showcases the power dynamics of women during Holi.
4. Holla Mohalla (Punjab) – A Warrior’s Holi
In Punjab, Holi is celebrated with a martial spirit. Holla Mohalla, celebrated by Sikhs at Anandpur Sahib, showcases mock battles, sword fighting, and horse-riding stunts. The festival honors the bravery and strength of Sikh warriors. It is followed by music, dance, and color play.
5. Dol Jatra (West Bengal, Odisha, Assam) – Holi with Deity Processions
In West Bengal and Odisha, Holi is known as Dol Jatra or Dol Purnima. The celebration involves processions of Lord Krishna’s idols on beautifully decorated palanquins. Devotees sing bhajans, dance, and play with colors, making it a spiritual yet colorful festival.
6. Yaosang (Manipur) – Holi with Thabal Chongba Dance
In Manipur, Holi is merged with the Yaosang festival and lasts for six days. The highlight of this celebration is Thabal Chongba, a traditional Manipuri dance performed under the moonlight. The festival blends Hindu and tribal traditions.
7. Rang Panchami (Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh) – Holi with Processions and Music
In Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, Holi is celebrated as Rang Panchami, which takes place five days after Holi. People gather in large processions with drums and music, playing with colors in a grand spectacle.
8. Shigmo (Goa) – Holi with Folk Dances
Shigmo is Goa’s version of Holi, celebrated with cultural parades, folk dances, and music. Tourists and locals come together to enjoy the vibrant celebrations filled with colors and joy.
9. Royal Holi (Rajasthan) – Holi Celebrated by Royals
In Rajasthan, Holi is celebrated with royal grandeur, especially in Udaipur and Jaipur. The Mewar royal family participates in traditional processions of decorated elephants, horses, and camels, followed by cultural performances and a grand bonfire.
10. Basanta Utsav (West Bengal) – Holi Celebrated Poetically
Inspired by Rabindranath Tagore, Basanta Utsav (Spring Festival) is celebrated at Shantiniketan with music, poetry, and dance. Students dress in yellow and welcome spring with graceful performances.
Holi in India is not just about colors—it is a celebration of culture, history, and unique traditions. Whether you want to be playfully beaten in Lathmar Holi, dance under flower showers, or witness warrior stunts, India has a Holi for everyone!
