Get drenched in colours at these places this Holi

Holi is one festival that not only infuses fun in Indians but foreign tourists as well. Indians warmly welcome and embrace people from all across the globe with coloured powders and pigments. Here are some beautiful places where you can let your hair down as a tourist to take a dip in Holi fervor: 

Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

Mathura glorifies Holi and why shouldn’t it? After all, it is a place of Holi’s origin. Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna and a land of his miracles, is popular among devotees, especially during Holi. Mathura temples host the grandest Holi celebrations in the country.  Participating in these events is a cathartic experience. 

Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

Hindus visit Vrindavan, lord Krishna's playland, year-round. Vaishnavas flood Vrindavan during Holi. Banke Bihari Temple is Vrindavan's Holi arena. Flower splashes, Widows Holi, and a riot of colours make Holi a weeklong affair. This Krishna-obsessed town sees a footfall of all kinds of people. 

Barsana, Uttar Pradesh

Holi celebrations are best in Barsana. People are intrigued by Barsana's Lathmar Holi celebrations. On Holi, men protect themselves from women's playful beatings. Women from Mathura's Barasana and Nandgaon sub-urbs beat men with sticks, forcing them to wear protective shields. Lathmar Holi takes place a week before Holi. This year Holi will be celebrated in Barsana and Nandgaon on March 12, 2023.

Agra, Uttar Pradesh

The festive mood engulfs the whole of Agra on Holi. On this day people here drink bhang and play with colours while dancing, eating sweets and other food. The city also holds colourful parades and folk songs.

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Visit Udaipur for royal Holi celebrations. Udaipur's royal family celebrates Holi. The local Maharaj lights the royal palace's courtyard bonfire for Holika Dahan. This is Mewar Holika dahan. Around the bonfire, the locals dance "Gair." Then, a royal procession begins at Shambhu Niwas Palace and ends at Manek Chowk. The royal band plays while the royals ride decorated elephants, horses, and camels. Cocktails and dinner are served at the palace. The celebration ends with spectacular fireworks.

Jaipur, Rajasthan

Holi turns Jaipur into a rainbow. The palace galas are Jaipur’s Holi highlights. It is hosted by the royal family for local charities. The local tourism office helps the old Khasa Kothi Hotel host events. A good Gulal play and Rajasthani folk music and dance are staged here. Marigold flowers are offered to Krishna and Radha idols at the Govind Dev Ji Temple in the City Palace, creating a devotional atmosphere with bhajans that captivate the soul.

Pushkar, Rajasthan

Holi is celebrated with great zeal in Pushkar. A lively party with colours takes place in the main square. They get more excited with bhang Thandai or lassi. The crowd throws colour bombs and enjoys the day to the fullest. The Pushkar Holi bonfire kicks off the festivities.