Among the many festivals of India, the celebration of colors Holi is one of the most popular Hindu festivals celebrated in different parts of India. It is celebrated in many different ways in various parts of India. Each form of Holi is unique and has its own history. Let’s have a look at how Holi is celebrated across India.
Lath Maar Holi of Barsana
Lathmar Holi of Mathura and Vrindavan is one of the oldest forms of Holi. The reason for its uniqueness is that it is played with lathis. The women chase the men with lathis and try to hit them. Whereas men try to protect themselves with dhal. All this is done in a playful manner, obviously.
You read more about Lathmaar Holi check the following article.
Khadi Holi of Kumaon
The next type of Holi on the list is the Khadi Holi celebrated in Kumaon, Uttarakhand. It is also known as Baithika Holi and Mahila Holi. It is celebrated by wearing traditional clothes and singing Khari songs and dancing to them in groups.
Basant Utsav in West Bengal
Basant (spring) Utsav (festival) is celebrated in West Bengal. It also marks the beginning of the Basant. It is celebrated by men and women by wearing yellow clothes, playing with colors, and dancing to traditional songs. This tradition of playing Holi was started by the late Rabindranath Tagore.
Phaguwa in Bihar
Holi celebrated in Bihar is called Phaguwa. It begins with Holika Dahan which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The next day, after Holika Dahan, people celebrate Holi by throwing colors at each other and dancing to Holi songs.
Shigmo Festival in Goa
Shigmo is the form of Holi celebrated in Goa. It is a festival of colors, dance, and music. It is celebrated in the month of March for fourteen days. Shigmo also marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of spring. This festival was celebrated for the first time in Goa to honor and welcome back the warriors who left their homes to fight the invaders.
Hola Mohalla of Punjab
Hola Mohalla is a festival that is celebrated in Punjab. It begins on the next day of Holi. The Sikh celebrates the festival for three days with performing arts like horse riding, gatka, and tent pegging.
Manjal Kuli in Kerala
The next Holi tradition on the list is Manjal Kuli celebrated in Kerala. It is not celebrated on a large scale but is celebrated by a few communities in Kerala through colors, and dancing to songs. It is mainly celebrated by the Kudumbi in Kerala for a period of four days.
Rang Panchami in Maharashtra
Rang Panchami is celebrated in Maharashtra after five days of Holi. It is celebrated in Maharashtra on Panchami. People celebrate Rang Panchami by throwing Gulal and colored water at each other.
Yaosang in Manipur
Another type of Holi on the list is Yaosang Holi celebrated in Manipur. It is celebrated for one week in Manipur. It begins with Holika Dahan and is celebrated by playing with colors, praying to Lord Krishna, and folk dance performances across the cities.
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