India, the land of diverse cultures, flavors and ethnicities, celebrates the fervor of Holi festival in many vibrant colours. Here we bring you the most stunning Holi of the nation, for you to choose amongst and plan the upcoming Holi celebrations for friends and family.

Holi!

The very mention of this festival evokes in the mind a visual of bursting colors, exuberant faces and such vibrant ambiance. Effervescent and vivacious, this festival transcends one back into the times of Radha and Krishna - with all the genial flirtations, playful pranks, humor, a whiff of love and a hint of romance. Even Bollywood has dedicated a great number of songs, capturing the essence of this festival. So much so that no other festival has been sung about more than Holi!
Guess what’s better than celebrating Holi? Celebrating it at one of the top five places  where Holi is celebrated the best. Move over Holi with only water and colors, and enjoy it in many different shades, each bringing out the essence of Holi with its own exceptional touch.
Chalk out your plans for the next five Holis as you take a pick between Barsana, Vrindavan, Jaipur, Udaipur, Purulia.

Let us paint a colorful picture of what Holi is like, in these wonderful cities.

Barsana

Ask any Indian to name one city with the wackiest Holi celebration, and they’ll name Barsana right from the top of their head. This town located in Mathura is famous for the Lath Mar Holi. Being home to the only temple dedicated to Radha, legend has it that Lord Krishna visited Radha at the very place where the temple stands today. Krishna would be chased out by Radha and her friends, for he teased Radha. Keeping in with the legacy, Holi is celebrated here with the men, sporting a shield, being beaten up with sticks by the women. To keep the spirits uplifted, bystanders sing traditional Holi songs in Braj language, with ‘thandai’ (the official Holi drink) flowing freely.

Vrindavan

If you are amongst the ones who cannot get enough of Holi in a day, then head to Vrindavan, where Holi is celebrated for one full week. The icing on the cake is that only water and gulal (colour made from flowers and saffron – totally organic) are used. With bhajans playing non-stop, Bihariji’s (Krishna) idol from the famous Banke Bihari is adorned in all white and devotees have the privilege to colour it with gulal. The sky looks pink, people wear a jubilant expression and there’s prasad and thandai for everyone. Definitely, can’t get better than that.

Jaipur

India is famous for its Holi. India is famous for elephants. Put them together and you have the perfect Holi celebration. Hit with the tourists, Holi is a busy time in Jaipur. It is one time when the Pink city is coloured in all colours of the palette. A day prior to the festival itself, Jaipur hosts the Elephant festival – the longest running Elephant parade. Setting the tone for Holi, the elephants are decked, painted and dressed in true Rajasthai colours. Following the elephants is a troupe of traditional dancers and performers. The Holi next day is just as exciting and awesome.

Udaipur

Rajasthan is famous for its glorious palaces. While you can always marvel at the architecture anytime of the year, during Holi in Udaipur, you can actually have a taste of royalty. The gates of the Boheda palace are swung open for the revellers and the royal family joins in the festivities. Not just the colour, even sweets and drinks are available in abundance.

Purulia

If you thought that Rajasthan holds supreme when it comes to Holi celebration, then let me draw your attention to Purulia, West Bengal. Holi here is a three day folk festival, organized by the local community and Banglanatak social enterprise. The three days are filled with activities like folk music recitals, folk dance, a display of folk art and performance of Chhau – a special martial art from the Bengal region. Tourists can enjoy accommodation in colourful tents, which truly depicts the essence of a rural setting.

No matter what kind of a traveller you are, or which places call out to you; do not miss out on the grandest celebrations of the Holi festival.