The festival of Holi is one of the most colourful times of the year, quite literally! Holi being the festival of colours, people enjoy revelling in all the fun and dance, smearing each other with colours, and relishing the sweets and thandai. The festivities go on for two days – Holika Dahan on the previous night and Dhulandi (the celebration with colours) on the next day. A lot of people also go on getaways to experience how the festival is celebrated elsewhere. For those residing in Delhi, Mathura, Vrindavan and Agra are the closest places to fully immerse in the colourful festivities. With the festival just around the corner, if you are looking for a Holi celebration in Agra, we have got you covered!
What is Holi Festival?
Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated every year at the onset of spring. The festival which marks the seasonal change to spring is also seen as a new beginning. The festival is also a celebration of eternal love between the Hindu gods Radha and Krishna. There are several stories associated with this cultural celebration. The day of Holika Dahan is also said to mark the victory of good over evil as Lord Vishnu over the evil king Hiranyakashipu.
When people play Holi with colours and water, it signifies that people unite and forget all resentment. The festival is celebrated differently across the nation and has different names.
When is Holi Celebrated in 2023?
Holi 2023 will fall on March 7-8. The celebration of Holika Dahan will be on the night of March 7, Tuesday and the fun and merriment with colours will be marked on March 8, Wednesday.
All About Holika Dahan
Holika Dahan, also called as Choti Holi precedes the day of the colourful celebration. This day is marked by the burning of the holy pyre, signifying a mythical demoness Holika. The ancient story goes, there was King Hiranya Kashyap who was against worshipping any God. Yet his son Pralhad became an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. The king then tried to kill his son’s strong belief in Lord Vishnu saved him.
Once the king called his sister Holika who had the boon of never burning in fire. The king made his son Pralhad sit on Holika’s lap and asked her to sit on fire. Pralhad kept chanting Lord Vishnu’s name and was saved while Holika died of burns in the fire.
Every year, people celebrate Holika Dahan on this day as a symbol of the victory of good over evil. Women perform a small puja and make offerings to the Holika before it is lit up.
Where is Holi Celebrated?
The beauty of India’s diverse culture is such that every festival is marked differently across states. But if you want to truly immerse yourself in the local spirit, here are some places you should visit.
Holi in Agra: A visit to Agra is always synonymous with going to the Taj Mahal. But you can also revel in the local festivities in this city of love. Holi celebration in Agra is very similar to how it takes place in other parts of the nation with Holika Dahan and playing with colours.
You will find several Holi events in Agra, but if you want a bit of luxury and exclusivity to your celebrations, you can be a part of the Holi celebrations in Agra at Jaypee Palace & Convention Centre. Our luxury hotel offers excellent accommodations with 5-star restaurants and prompt hospitality staff will take care of your service needs. For more details about our Holi events in Agra, get in touch with us.
Holi in Mussoorie: Ever wondered how Holi is celebrated in the hills up North? Take a drive to Dehradun and enjoy Holi celebration in Mussoorie. Be a part of picturesque settings and dance with the locals as the Mall Road gets all colourful during the Holi celebrations. Seek warmth in the cold weather from the burning of the Holi pyre. Dance to the Pahadi songs and smear organic colours on the playful locals to be a part of their celebrations. People here are conscious of the environment and it is best to use organic colours without tainting the beauty of this scenic place.
If you are visiting here for Holi celebration in Mussoorie, you must ensure a relaxing stay to unwind later. The Jaypee Residency Manor is one of the most luxurious resorts where you can extend your stay and enjoy the Doon Valley some more.
Holi in Mathura: Holi celebrations in Mathura begin almost a week in advance in Mathura. It is one of the best places to enjoy the revelry of colours and be a part of different traditions and events each day. The celebration involves vibrant processions and the joy of people knows no bounds.
Holi in Vrindavan: Vrindavan and Mathura are the most vivacious places during Holi. Phoolonwali Holi played with flowers and Widow’s Holi are the two very iconic celebrations of Holi here. The Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan is the main centre of attraction on Holi day where every single person is immersed in colours and the whole vibe of the place is worth experiencing.
Tips for Celebrating Holi in India
If you are planning to take a trip to celebrate Holi, here are a few things you must bear in mind:
- Wear dark-coloured and modest clothes that keep you well covered.
- Always carry an extra scarf/napkin in your bag to wipe away the colour from your eyes. You can also stock up on wet wipes.
- Wear face masks if you have allergies, as the colour may enter your nose and mouth.
- Apply coconut oil on your skin and hair before you go playing with colours.
- Keep your expensive items back in the hotel room to avoid any untoward incident.
- Try getting local guidance on how to get around the place, especially when visiting crowded places like Mathura and Vrindavan.
- Always make reservations for a stay because a lot of people travel during this festival time.
Holi is one of the most colourful times of the year and people begin their reservations well in advance. If you plan to visit Agra or Mussoorie for Holi, we promise to make it a memorable stay at Jaypee Hotels. For the best Holi celebration in Agra or Holi celebration in Mussoorie book your stays at our luxurious properties.
