From Lathmar Holi in Barsana to Shigmo in Goa, India paints a vibrant picture of the festival of colors. The traditions followed for the festival vary a little and at times a lot as one moves from one state to another, studying various facets of the festival. Be it the musical celebrations from Uttarakhand, cultural programs from West Bengal, or the playful traditions of Uttar Pradesh, Holi contributes to the beauty of India's multicultural richness and depicts the bond of happiness and unity...
Holi being played at Radha Rani Mandir in Barsana, Uttar Pradesh. (Photo courtesy: X@IndiaTales7)
Northern India - riot of colors
Holi is celebrated with so much charm and enthusiasm as in Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana and Nandgaon - the places associated with the birth and childhood of Lord Krishna. At Barsana, Holi assumes the name of Lathmaar Holi. Here, women of Barsana beat the men of Nandgaon with sticks as they come to play Holi with them - all in good spirits.
The Uttar Pradesh government said it will attempt to create a Guinness world record this year by organizing Holi with over 2,000 widows in Vrindavan. (Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)
Subverting traditions that otherwise expect them to lead austere and reclusive lives, the widows of Vrindavan add colors to their lives on Holi. Holi for widows was first played in 2013, attempting to end the stigma associated with being a widow in India.
This year, Phoolwali Holi will be celebrated on March 20 in Vrindavan. During Phoolwali Holi, devotees play the festival with flowers and colors made from the natural dye of flowers. Devotees gather at the Banke Bihari Temple of Vrindavan, where a priest representing Lord Krishna showers colourful flowers on the devotees.
In Haryana too, women get an upper hand on the day as they get a social sanction to beat men and take a sweet revenge for all the mischiefs they have played on them. This revengeful tradition is called the Dulandi Holi.
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Hola Mohalla is a lively celebration of Sikh cultural heritage, community spirit, and martial traditions. (Photo courtesy: X@mssirsa)
In Punjab, Holi calls for the display of their physical strength and military prowess as they gather at Anandpur Sahib a day after Holi to celebrate Hola Mohalla. The tradition was started by the tenth and last guru of the Sikh religion, Guru Gobind Singh, and is being religiously carried forward.
In Bihar, Phaguwa/Phalgunotsava is observed with a lot of fervor. People welcome the spring and the harvest season during Phaguwa and sing folk songs. The festivities begin with the usual Holi celebrations, including Holika Dahan, followed by Holi the next day.
In Uttarakhand, Kumaoni Holi is celebrated, which is more of a musical affair than a color-themed celebration as in other states. It heralds the start of the sowing season for the farming community. They light the Holika pyre, often called 'cheer'.
A Matki Phod celebration underway in Mumbai, Maharashtra. (Photo courtesy: [email protected])
Western India - From human pyramids to fold dances
Matki phod - the tradition of breaking the pot of buttermilk is celebrated with much fanfare in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. The pot is hung high on the streets. Men form a huge human pyramid and one on the top breaks the pot with his head. All this while women keep singing Holi folk songs and throwing buckets and buckets of water. The tradition has its roots in the mischievous nature of Lord Krishna who was so fond of buttermilk that he used to steal it from every house in the village.
Goa holds Shigmo, a spring festival noted for its folk dances and bright decorations.
