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The festival of colours is around the corner and like always, the country is ready to celebrate it in a grand way. It is the time of the year when the youngsters and old, family and friends come together to rub earthly colours on each other. But did you know? This gala festival is celebrated in different styles in diverse parts of India. 
 
Yes, that is true. Each state in the country enjoys the heavenly hues in a different manner. Today, let us have a look at how different parts of India celebrate this fun and colourful festival. 
 
Gujarat 
Hundreds of young boys make a human pyramid and try to reach an earthen matki full of butter hung on a high rope while the girls throw water at them. This is the classic scene that you would encounter anywhere in Gujarat on the day of <keyword id="6355460" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Holi">Holi</keyword>. Known to be the sheer devotees of <keyword id="3198" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Lord-Krishna">Lord Krishna</keyword>, Gujaratis have this special way of celebrating the festival of colours, called <keyword id="2122162" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Dhulendi">Dhulendi</keyword>, which also marks the beginning of a new season. 
 
West Bengal 
Known as 'Dol Jatra' or 'Dol Purnima', the festival begins with men placing the idols of Lords Krishna and Radha in a decorated palanquin and then take it around the streets. Another beautiful ritual during Holi in West Bengal is that the head of the family keeps a fast praying for his family’s well being. After the processions and offering to the idols, the bhog or prashad is distributed amongst family and friends. 
 
Delhi 
Being the capital of India and the cultural hub, Holi is always a grand celebration for people of Delhi. Kids and youngsters form Tolis and move from one street to another, playing Holi with friends and strangers alike. Food and snacks are also a big part of the celebrations here. One can find everything from <keyword id="2122163" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Gujiya">Gujiya</keyword> (an Indian dessert) to <keyword id="590917" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Thandai">Thandai</keyword> (an Indian shake) during the day. Dancing to the tunes of Bollywood and some folk songs, the festival is celebrated till Lunch after which people relax and enjoy some family time. 
 
Goa 
The ultimate partying hub of India, Goa also has its own way of celebrating Holi, which is known as Shigmo in Goa. In the traditional Goan style, the people of Goa celebrate Shigmo with fanfare and parades, followed by applying Abeer and Neel on loved ones. Several temples in and around Panaji have special arrangements for the festival. 
 
Barsana 
It is a town in Mathura, where this festival is also known as the Lathmaar Holi and it marks the classic tug of war between men and women. Holi is a week-long celebration here and at first the men from Nandgaon, the village of Lord Krishna try to get atop the temple of Radhaji, which is in Barsana. The women of Barsana try to stop these men from entering and beat them with sticks. Don’t worry, the men are heavily padded and rarely get hurt. Next day, the men of Barsana go to Nandgaon to play Holi with the women there, who again use sticks to save themselves. This mock battle is surely a treat to watch and attracts many tourists, making it a double treat of celebration and worship. 
 The traditions might be different but the festive spirit remains the same, which is reverence to the gods and welcoming the new season. Holi is one of the best and most recognised <keyword id="31692" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="festivals-of-India">festivals of India</keyword> and many gather from all around the world to witness the wonderful colours. 
 
Image courtesy: Thinkstock

This Is How India Celebrates Holi

<ul><li>Holi celebration in India lasts for two days including pujas, social gatherings, feasts and the spray of colours. </li><li>The tradition of doing Holi Pujan at home is an ancient one in the country and is believed to bring good luck, health, wealth and prosperity into the family. </li><li>Following the right Muhurat (auspicious time) prescribed by the Pundits is important to get the most out of <keyword id="1619102" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Holi-puja">Holi puja</keyword> and rituals. </li></ul>Holi celebrations are planned on two days around the Phagun Purnima (Full Moon day in March – April). In 2021, Holi is observed on 28th and 29th of March. Following Basant Panchami, Holi arrives as the festival of colours to mark the arrival of the spring season. After a harsh winter, people eagerly welcome the pleasant spring by staging the Holi celebrations that suggest the beginning of new life, nature at its best colours and a bountiful harvest. Holi puja can be done in every home as it follows a simple procedure inviting the participation of the entire family. Holi Puja timings in 2021 Holika Dahan date: Sunday, March 28, 2021 Holi festival date: Monday, March 29, 2021 Holi celebrations overview The first day of Holi (Sunday, 28 March 2021) is also known as Choti Holi when the popular ritual known as Holika Dahan is staged. On this day, people lit bonfires after the sunset governed by elaborate ritualistic procedures. People dance around the Holika to the tunes of folk songs. The second day of Holi (Monday, 29 March 2021) is also known as Rangwali Holi or Dhulendi. This day starts with the people playing with soil, mud and wet colours. After exchanging the spray of colours, people take baths and eat the special dishes made for the event. Sweets and special dishes are shared among families and friends. Visiting the homes of dear ones is a popular tradition on the day of Holi. In the evening, people go for the second round of playing with colours. This time, dry colours known as Gulal are sprayed on people and everyone joins the dance on Holi folk songs. Holika Dahan on Sunday, 28 March 2021 Holika Dahan ritual is centered on an interesting mythological story that depicts the triumph of good over evil. Once, the demon king named Hiranyakashipu had issued strict orders that none of his subjects must worship Lord Vishnu or even utter any of Vishnu’s names. However, he was taken aback when his little son Prahlad was seen constantly chanting the name of Vishnu. In utter dismay, the demon King ordered the death of his son which could not come through as the Lord protected the little boy from all dangers. Finally, Hiranyakashipu asked his sister Holika to carry Prahlad into fire so that the child could be burnt alive. Earlier, Holika had secured a boon that fire would not burn her. To everyone’s surprise, the fire burnt Holika and spared Prahlad due to his deep rooted devotion and virtuous nature. Holika Dahan ritual stages this mythological scene to depict the victory of good over evil. People pile up woods and combustible materials creating Holika. After a puja involving the offering of water and special dishes, the Holika is set on fire and people go around it dancing to the tunes of folk songs. During their dances, people throw materials like sugar candies, nine types of cereals, raw mango, coconut and other sweets. Holi puja procedure on Monday, 29 March 2021 The entire household takes a ritualistic bath in the morning and prepares the puja altar with the idols of Krishna and Radha. Gulal is applied on the feet of Radha Krishna. The puja involves offering sandal paste, incense sticks, earthen lamp and Tulsi to the gods and goddesses in the home puja room. Special dishes and sweets are offered to the deities. At the end of the puja, Gangajal is sprinkled on all the participants and all over the home. Sweets and dishes are shared among the family members and friends as Prasad.

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This Is How India Celebrates Holi

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