Holi 2022: India’s vastly diverse culture is one of the major characteristics that sets it apart from the rest of the world. With different traditional dress, food habits and cultural festivals for almost every state, even a national festival is celebrated in different ways and sometimes with different titles in India. For the auspicious occasion of Holi, let us visit the states and see how the festival is celebrated in India in different ways.
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Rang Panchami (Maharashtra)
Holi is also known as Shigma or Rang Panchami in Maharashtra. After sunset on the full moon, the festivities begin with a firewood pyre (burning of Holika), symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The next day is ‘Rang Panchami’, when people apply colors – ‘gulal’ and sprinkle water on each other. You can also expect Puran Poli, a delicacy of the state, on this occasion.
In pictures: unique tradition of holi
Royal Holi (Rajasthan)
Moving north to Udaipur, Rajasthan, residents follow the traditional Holika Dahan ritual, albeit in a slightly different way. The royal Mewar family of Udaipur organizes ceremonies, which are famous for being extremely luxurious. As part of the festivities, a huge procession takes place which includes many ornate horses and royal bands. Later the traditional fire is lit and the effigy of Holika is set ablaze.
Hello Mohalla (Punjab)
As we move north towards Sadda Punjab, things get more exciting. Holi in this region is called Holla Mohalla. It is the day after Holi and commemorates the valor of Sikh warriors. Nihang Sikhs, a particular sect of Sikhs, are famous for their festivals. The celebrations begin with a large display of traditional martial arts, followed by music and dance.
Lathmar Holi (Uttar Pradesh)
Holi celebration in the largest state of India is one of the most interesting. Lathmar Holi, as it is known in the local Bhojpuri, takes a unique approach to Holi celebrations. The women are armed with sticks, which are canes that are used to beat men and boys in a playful manner during the festival.
Males, on the other hand, bring shields or shields to defend themselves. Unlucky people who are caught by women are forced to dress up as women and dance in the streets.
It is all done in good fun. The origin of Lathmar Holi can be traced back to Hindu mythology. It is said that Lord Krishna tried to tease Radha by playing Holi with her in Barsana. The women of the neighborhood got angry and chased him away with sticks.
Kahila Holi or Khadi Holi or Baithaki Holi (Uttarakhand)
When we reach Uttarakhand, our final destination in North India, we come to know that Holi is known by many names here. The holiday is also known as Baithaki Holi, Mahila Holi and Khadi Holi.
Traditional attire is worn during the festival by the fun-lovers singing and dancing to the folk tunes played across the city. Locals greet each other by applying colors on their faces and dancing and singing along the way.
Phagua (Bihar)
Let us now move east towards Bihar, where Holi is known as Faguwa in the native Bhojpuri dialect. Holika Dahan, like many other Indian states, is an important component of the celebration. Holika Dahan celebrations are similar to other states. The next day Holi is celebrated with wet and dry colors, traditional music and folk songs throughout the day.
Manjal Coolie (Kerala)
Holi is not as popular in the South as it is in other regions. Kerala, on the other hand, has its own set of festivals around this time, complete with traditional folk songs and turmeric-based watercolors. Local people, especially from Konkani and Kudumbi populations, visit the temple on the first day and continue the festivities on the second day.
Dol Jatra / Basant Utsav (West Bengal)
The land of Rasgulla calls this festival Dol Jatra or Basant Utsav. Basant is Bengali for spring, while Utsav is Bengali for celebration. Women wear yellow a lot, which is a color that represents abundance. Made popular by the revered Tagore family, Shantiniketan in Bolpur is the best place to witness the grand celebrations.
The celebration of Holi in this city is still unmatched. Apart from the many colours, which are usually part of Holi, there are also poetic performances made famous by Rabindranath Tagore and traditional song and dance programmes. Dol Jatra is celebrated on the next day of Holi. On this day a grand procession of Lord Krishna is taken out in the streets of Bengal, in which there is singing and dancing.
Shigmo (Goa)
Shigmo is the name of the spring festival of Goa. Apart from playing with colours, it is planned as a big carnival with traditional folk songs and street dances. Since Goa is a coastal state where fishing is the main source of income, fishermen’s boats are brightly painted with religious and mythological themes.
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