Festival of colours: Different types of Holi celebrations across India

March10,2024

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This playful battle of the sexes is a major highlight of Holi celebrations in these towns near Mathura. Women playfully chase men with sticks (lathis) while the men defend themselves with shields and colors.

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Lathmar Holi, Uttar Pradesh

In Shantiniketan, the birthplace of Rabindranath Tagore, Holi is a more restrained affair known as Basanta Utsav (Spring Festival). Here, people dress in white dhotis and kurtas and celebrate with Tagore's songs and poems. 

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Basanta Utsav, West Bengal

Odisha's Holi is centered around the divine love story of Radha and Krishna. Celebrated as Dola Jatra or Dol Purnima,  elaborately decorated chariots carrying idols of Radha and Krishna are taken in a colorful procession. 

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Dol Jatra in Odisha

Celebrated a day after Holi, Hola Mohalla is a vibrant display of Sikh martial arts prowess. Nihang Sikhs showcase their skills in swordsmanship, horsemanship, and acrobatics, creating a spectacular sight.

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Hola Mohalla in Punjab

Also known as Shimga, Rang Panchami is observed on the fifth day after Holi. People come together in a vibrant display of colors, with music, dance, and community gatherings. 

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Rang Panchami in Maharashtra

Phaguwa is the Maithili name for Holi, celebrated in Bihar with great enthusiasm. Here, the focus is on feasting, singing traditional folk songs, and playing with colors.

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Phaguwa in Bihar

Goa's vibrant Holi celebrations are known as Shigmo. People dress up in colorful costumes and masks, perform folk dances like the Mandovi River cruise, and participate in street parades.

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Shigmo in Goa

Kerala's unique Holi celebration is called Manjal Kuli. Here, people apply a paste made of sandalwood and turmeric on each other's faces, symbolizing blessings and good health.

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Manjal Kuli in Kerala

Yaosang is the Manipuri festival of colors, observed with traditional dances like the Thabal Chongba and folk music.  People throw colored powder and water balloons at each other in a joyous celebration.

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Yaosang in Manipur

In Uttarakhand, Holi is known as Baithaki Holi or Khadi Holi. Here, the celebrations revolve around singing and dancing in gatherings called "Tolis." 

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Baithaki Holi in Uttarakhand