5 States That Redefine the Celebration
Holi, a colorful and joyful festival in India, is almost here!
This festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and marks the start of spring. Holi is famous for its vibrant colors and the unique ways it’s celebrated throughout India. Check out these 5 states that have their unique way of celebrating Holi.
1. Shimga or Rang Panchami – Maharashtra
In Western India, particularly in Maharashtra, Holi is colloquially known as Rang Panchami or Shimga. The celebrations include all the Holika Dahan, a common tradition which involves lighting a firewood pyre on the night before the actual celebrations. On the following morning, which is the Rang Panchami day, people celebrate Holi with wet and dry colours and water. The festivities here can go on for a week.
Highlights:
- Holika Dahan at Night
- All day long Holi Celebrations on the following day
- Week-long Holi Celebrations
2. Hola Mohalla – Punjab
As we go further up north to Sadda Punjab, an interesting fact comes up. Holi here is actually known as Holla Mohalla here. It is celebrated a day after Holi and is, in fact, a celebration commemorating the bravery of Sikh Warriors. The celebrations are characteristic of a particular sect, known as the Nihang Sikhs. The festivities include an extensive display of traditional martial arts which is later followed by music and dancing.
Highlights:
- Martial Arts Display
- Music and Dance Celebrations
3. Dol Jatra aka Basant Utsav – West Bengal
As we continue our journey of the different Indian states, we now take a stop at the land of roshagulla, West Bengal! Holi here is known as Basant Utsav or Dol Jatra. Basant essentially means spring in Bengali while Utsav means festival. Women here dress mainly in yellow, a colour that signifies abundance. If you want to get the best seats to watch the celebrations here, head to Shanti Niketan in a quaint location known as Bolpur. This little place is the epicentre of everything that depicts the rich Bengali culture. Holi celebrations here are unparalleled till date. In addition to the many colours that are always a part of Holi, there is also recitals of Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry and traditional song & dance programs.
The day after Holi is celebrated as Dol Jatra. On this day, a grand procession of Lord Krishna is taken through the streets of Bengal accompanied by singing and dancing revellers. This is often accompanied by the traditional smearing of colour on the faces of friends, family and at times even strangers who are celebrating!
Highlights:
- Traditional Bengali Holi Celebration at Bolpur
- Rabindranath Tagore’s Poetry Recitals
- Traditional Song and Dance Programs
- Grand Procession of Lord Krishna during Dol Jatra
4. Dola – Odisha
9th on our list of different Holi celebrations in India is Dola, celebrated in the northern state of Odisha. Holi celebrations here are quite similar to those in West Bengal. The main highlight, however, is that Holi in Odisha celebrates Lord Jagannath, also known as Dolagovinda. Along with the traditional smearing of wet and dry colours, there are processions of Lord Jagannath seen throughout the many different cities and towns.
Highlights:
- Processions of Lord Jagannath
5. Shigmo – Goa
We conclude our trip in Goa, the party capital of India. Shigmo, the local name for Holi in Goa is a massive celebration of spring. Street dances and traditional folk songs are performed by the local farmers. And like every celebration in Goa, tourists take part with equal fervour in the Shigmo festivities as well. There are also many traditional Shigmo Parades conducted in various parts of the state which are a sight for the sore eyes!
Highlights:
- Shigmo Parades
- Traditional Folk Performances by Farmers
