In parts of India, like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, Holi offers a different experience...
Eastern and Northeastern India: Cultural and artistic festivities
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Traditional song and dance performances are witnessed during Basant Utsav in West Bengal. (Photo courtesy: santiniketan.in)
Holi in Eastern India is celebrated with a combination of art and culture. In West Bengal, it is called Dol Purnima or Basant Utsav when people wear yellow, sing and dance gracefully. In some parts of the state, Holi is celebrated as Dol Yatra where the idols of Radha and Krishna are placed on a decorated palanquin and taken out in a procession.
People play with colors as they carry the palanquin of Lord Krishna and Radha during Dola Jatra in Odisha. (Photo courtesy: X@JagannathaDhaam)
Dola Jatra is one of the most popular festivals in Orissa. It coincides with the Holi festival but is celebrated for six days. The idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are carried to all the homes in the villages. People carrying the idols and those following them are smeared with colors. The idols are taken on a decorated palanquin, Vimana, and singers and musicians accompany the procession. In each house, the deity is offered Bhog – sweets made from the recent harvest and fruits. In return, the deity distributes different powdered colors for the Holi festival.
In Assam, people mark the occasion with the Satras of Barpeta, which involves carrying the image of Lord Krishna seven times around the holy fire. Multiple processions are seen across both the states celebrating the deity who is also known as Dolagobinda.
People in Manipur mark the day of Holi with colors, music and dance. (Photo courtesy: X@aaryan_vikash)
On Holi, Manipuris celebrate the centuries-old Yaosang Festival for five continuous days. The celebration is a blend of Hindu and Manipuri traditions,
specifically those of the Meitei group. People mark the day of Holi with colors, music, and dance, but what sets Yaosang apart is the integration of a traditional dance form known as Thabal Chongba, where men and women dance together in circles. This is observed along with other practices that take place during the five days leading up to Holi. A number of sports competitions also form a part of it, with the young and old participating in tug of war, soccer and other activities.
Southern India: A fascinating blend of traditions
Melodious music, dance and playing with turmeric mark the day of Holi in Kerala (Photo courtesy: Instagram@InaMinute)
In the southern region of India, if one is looking to celebrate Holi, then experiencing Ukuli or Manjal Kuli (turmeric bath) in Kerala is a must. This version of the festivities is primarily celebrated by the Kudumbi and Konkani communities. Melodious music, dance and natural colors such as turmeric mark this auspicious day, where people chant and sing praises of Lord Krishna. The well-known boat races are organized, creating excitement and anticipation among the people of the communities.
In Andhra Pradesh, Holi is celebrated as 'Meduru Holi'. People take part in processions in which colored powder is thrown at each other, along with traditional music and dance. Another notable custom is the singing of devotional hymns to Lord Krishna. In Telangana, religious communities participate in folk song traditions about Lord Krishna, while the ritual burning of the demonic figure Holika takes place at a few villages during the ceremonies.
In Tamil Nadu, the festival of Holi is known as Kaman Pandigai. It celebrates love, particularly the tale of Kamadeva, the god of love. According to the story, after the passing of his wife Sati, Lord Shiva became detached. To get his love, Parvati needed assistance to break his meditation. The gods chose Kamadeva, who shot Shiva with a love arrow, awakening him and restoring his affection for Parvati.
