10 Unique Holi Traditions From Around India

Holi is one of the most vibrant and colourful festivals celebrated in India. It is a festival of traditions and customs, each unique to different state regions. In this blog post, we will explore 10 unique Holi traditions from around India that you need to experience to truly understand the beauty of this festival. 

The vigor of Holi Festival in India

As the morning of Holi dawns, people gather in the streets wearing old clothes (especially in white and light shades) and smearing coloured powder over each other. Over the years, the level of exuberance and celebration has come to possess throwing eggs and raw tomatoes. Fizzing colour mixes that drool and bubble in water, with coloured water balloon fights, is an eyesight to watch. Moreover, with more planet-conscious people, we have herbal, and flower-based colours called Gulal used to play Holi. 

One Unique Tradition

One unique tradition is consuming Bhang, seen almost all over India. In addition, some households prepare Bhang ki Thandai, a cold milk-based drink prepared with ground marijuana leaves mixed with almonds and spices, to add to the uninhibited spirit of celebration. 

Lathmar Holi in Uttar Pradesh

Lathmar Holi, remarkable tradition celebrated in Barsana in Uttar Pradesh. Women chase men with sticks (known as lathis) and beat them with these sticks. The men protect themselves with shields but cannot retaliate. It is a fun and lively way to celebrate the festival. 

Phoolon wali Holi in Uttarakhand 

A unique practice of celebrating Holi with flowers is Phoolon Ki Holi. People fling flowers instead of coloured powder, called Phoolon wali Holi. It is a peaceful and beautiful way to celebrate the festival. It is one of the most beautiful festivals in the Kumaon Region. 

Hola Mohalla in Punjab

Hola Mohalla, a ceremony followed by the Sikh community in Punjab. It is a three-day event in Anandpur Sahib and implicates a grand display of martial arts, horse riding, and other physical activities.

Rang Panchami in Madhya Pradesh (Indore)

Rang Panchami, a tradition observed in Indore, where people play with colours on the 5th day after Holi. This festival is much calmer and quieter than other festivals. However, a vast procession called Ger includes magnificent fun and frolic.

Basant Utsav in West Bengal – Basant Utsav, a traditional festival celebrated in West Bengal to mark the beginning of spring. Observed with music, dance, and the throwing of colours. 

Yaosang in Manipur – Yaosang, a ceremony celebrated in Manipur, combining Holi and the region’s local culture. It involves using special bamboo torches and a lot of singing and dancing.

Dol Jatra in Odisha – Dol Jatra, a custom celebrated in Odisha, where people play with colours and water to glorify the festival. Known as Dol Purnima and is honoured with much fervour. 

Baithaki Holi in Bihar – Baithaki Holi, a unique ritual observed in Bihar, where people sing and dance while sitting down. It is a calm and amicable way of celebrating the festival.

Thabal Chongba in Manipur – Thabal Chongba is a traditional dance form performed during Holi in Manipur. It involves a lot of drumming and dancing and is a popular tradition in the state.

Shigmo is the festival of Holi as celebrated in the state of Goa, India, lasting 14 days. The festival is a hymn to warriors who returned home during the autumn festival of Dussehra after fighting invaders. The parades are in the form of parade floats and are accompanied by denizens’ dances and traditional music that fill the streets of Goa, once a Portuguese colony.