Dhuleti (or Holi as it is commonly called) brings to mind
the images of colours, water, water guns, water balloons, and buckets filled
with water. It is considered the most colourful festival of India. However,
looking deep into the culture of India, Holi is not only the festival of
colours for people throughout the country. The festival is full of a multitude
activities taking place in different states of India. These range from age-old
traditions to unique customs to modern dance and music. Depending on the kind
of experience you would like to have this Holi, you can decide on where you
would like to travel this year.
Lathmaar Holi in Barsaana
Barsaana, a town near Mathura, celebrates Holi in a very
interesting way. It is believed in Hindu mythology that Radha lived in Barsaana
and Krishna in Nandgaon. This is why there is an age old tradition being
followed in the town of Barsaana, where men from Nandgaon come to the town to
play Holi. But, instead of playing with gulaal,
the women of Barsaana are armed with sticks to playfully beat the men. This is
the reason the festival is more popularly known as ‘Lathmaar Holi’ here. This
tradition has been followed for centuries and is best witnessed at the Ladliji
temple, where play of colour, sweets, thandai
and spiritual songs of Radha-Krishna add to the fun.
Traditional Holi in Mathura
and Vrindavan
If you want to really play with colours and water, and want
to relive the mischievous times of Lord Krishna and the gopis, Mathura and
Vrindavan are the places you should be. The cities of Mathura (the birthplace
of Lord Krishna) and Vrindavan (where he spent his childhood) are the best
during the festival of Holi. A colourful and musical procession takes place
from the temples to the rivers and then to the Holi Gate. Banke Bihari and Dwarkadhish
temples are those that you must not miss out visiting.
Folk Holi in West Bengal
If you are looking for a flavor of tribal and folk this
Holi, then the Purulia district in West Bengal is the place for you. Known as
the ‘Basanta Utsav’ the festival is organized by the villagers and is
celebrated for three days. This has been the culture of the state since the
times of Rabindranath Tagore. This Utsav is an occasion presenting the wide
variety of unique folk dance and music. What you must not miss are the Chau
dance, Darbari Jhurmur, Natua dance, and the songs of West Bengal’s Baul
musicians. Experience Holi in complete carnival style!
Warrior Holi in Punjab
Celebrate Holi in warrior style at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab!
Instead of colours, you will get to see a demonstration of Sikh military
expertise by the blue clothed Nihangs here. The occasion known as Hola Mohalla
demonstrates the Sikh men involving in martial arts, mock sword fights,
acrobatic military exercises, turban tying, and ‘gathka’ – the traditional form of martial art. This kind of
celebration dates back to 1701 when it was started by Guru Gobind Singh Ji as a
protest to the rising intolerance of the Mughals.
Simple Holi in Karnataka
Holi is generally said to be a North India festival, so you
would not consider the southern states to be involved in these festivities.
However, Hampi in Karnataka is an exception. If you are looking to play Holi
somewhere in the South, you must definitely go to Hampi to experience a simple
yet fun-filled two-day Holi festival. You will see the entire town playing Holi
in the morning accompanied by drumming and dancing against the backdrop of the
ruins of the grand Vijayanagar Empire. And then, in the evening, you can see
them enjoying in the waters of the River Tungabhadra.
So, what is your pick on Holi this year? Looking forward to
a traditional, folk, energetic or simple Holi? If you are willing to travel
somewhere to enjoy this exciting festival, choose your place and plan up soon
because you don’t have much time left. And for those, who are willing to stay
home and celebrate a festival with complete rituals and prayers, don’t forget
to involve yourself in the Holika Dahan observed a night before the festival of
colours begins. You can get in touch with MakeMyPuja Pandits to help you with
any kind of assistance needed for conducting any Puja in the most rightful
manner.
Website: https://www.makemypuja.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment