It’s officially that time of the year. When the winter season begins to draw its last few breaths, and the spell of spring is noticeably on the horizon. When the harsh cold begins to retreat, and the smell of freshly blooming flowers gets dispersed through the air. And when frolic-filled thoughts of the festival of Holi occupy every last brain cell you’re left with!
Let us state it outright. We are not here to help you stay focused, or divert your thoughts. Instead, we are here with more fodder for your Holi-fueled mind! If you spend 364 days a year, looking forward to the festival of colours, here’s a little treat for you. Read on to discover 6 unique places with the most unconventional Holi celebrations in India. Let’s get scrolling?
Mathura & Vrindavan
If you've been residing in India for a while, not having heard anything at all about the grand Holi celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan is a distant possibility. Both the famous temple towns begin with their celebration of the festival on Vasant Panchami, a Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring. With grand shows orchestrated in temples, colours and flowers thrown around in joy, and bhang being prepared at every nook, this is one Holi destination in India everyone needs to visit at least once.
Image Courtesy - Pinterest
Shanti Niketan
First initiated by none other than Rabindranath Tagore, the celebration of Holi in Shantiniketan, West Bengal isn't your usual rowdy affair. Basanta Utsav is the name given to the magnificent celebrations that transpire in and around Shantiniketan in the month of March, and its roots can be traced back to Vishva Bharati University where it was first introduced. This festival is all about rejoicing in the richness of our culture, and have fun welcoming the happy season of Spring.
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Barsana
Referred to as "Lathmar Holi", the festival of colours is celebrated in this UP town exactly how the name suggests it is! According to mythology, Barsana is the birthplace of Radha where Krishna paid a visit with expectations of playing Holi with the gopis, but was instead greeted by sticks. Now, this has taken the form of an age-old tradition wherein men from Nandgaon visit Barsana every year, to be met with sticks being hurled by the women. Both the parties sing Holi songs, chant Sri Radhey or Sri Krishna, and party like its 3228 BC!
Image Courtesy - Sid The Wanderer
Anandpur Sahib
Think about the craziest Holi celebration you've been a part of till date, or even just heard of and multiply that by times 100. That's how the festival of colours in Anandpur Sahib looks like. Taking the form of a three-day Sikh festival known by the name of Holla Mohalla, this occasion is celebrated to pay tribute to warriors from the past with a vibrant procession. 
Image Courtesy - Mantra Times
Udaipur
From the Mewar Holika Dahan which is celebrated with a bonfire on the grounds of the City Palace, to the famous vibrant rally brimming with literal royalty, the two-day festival of Holi in Udaipur is one worth including in your bucket list. During this time of the year, all nooks and crannies of the city come alive with festive fervour and colourful merrymaking.
Image Courtesy - YouTube
So this Holi 2020, we urge you to drag yourself out of your bed instead of burrowing under the covers, and get splashed by the colours of India! Happy Holi!
