Unique Holi Celebrations in India

Tanishk Juneja

That You Didn’t Know About

Celebrated in March, Faguli honors the end of winter with vibrant colors, music, and delicious festive foods in West Bengal.

Faguli or Fagli Festival

Dolyatra marks the arrival of spring, celebrated with idol processions and playful color throwing, symbolising love and joy in Bengal.

Dolyatra

In Kerala, Manjal Kuli sees people play with turmeric powder, celebrating the traditional harvest season with joyous exuberance and rituals.

Manjal Kuli

In the regions of Bihar, Phakuwa features a mix of colors and water, uniting communities in joyous festivities after winter's end.

Phakuwa

Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival celebrating courage, featuring mock battles, music, and vibrant displays of traditional martial arts in Punjab.

Hola Mohalla

A unique Manipuri festival, Yaoshang combines Holi’s colors with traditional dances, sports, and cultural performances, celebrating spring and community unity.

Yaoshang

Dhulandi Holi

Dhulandi sees friends and families splashing colors on each other, filled with laughter and joy, creating unforgettable memories across India.

Celebrated five days post-Holi, Rang Panchami involves vibrant color play and community gatherings, reflecting the essence of togetherness and joy.

Rang Panchami

Basant Utsav, or Spring Festival, celebrates the blooming season with song, dance, and ‘abir’ (coloured powders) at Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan.

Basant Utsav

This unique version combines colors with traditional songs and dances, is celebrated indoors, and fosters community bonding and cultural heritage in Uttar Pradesh.

Baithaki/Khadi Holi

Phoolon Ki Holi in Vrindavan uses flowers instead of colors, creating a fragrant, serene celebration steeped in beautiful spiritual traditions.

Phoolon Ki Holi

Kaman Pandigai in Tamil Nadu involves vibrant color play and holistic rituals, depicting the joyous arrival of spring in vibrant communities.

Kaman Pandigai

In Barsana, women playfully beat men with sticks while they play colored powders, embodying playful rivalry and spirited revelry during Holi.

Lathmar Holi