Holi is hilarious! It is one festival that is played in maximum ways, all across the country. Color filled holi is just one of the many facets of this festival. If you think that holi is all and only about colors, then you are true to only a certain extent. Yes, Holi signifies varied colors, bright waters and bubbly balloons, but there is much much more to this festival than just colors. India is a country, where a fine amalgamation of different religions and culture is existent. And with different religions and cultures, comes different ways and methods to celebrate a particular festival. And so happens with the festival ‘holi’. Holi is played differently in different parts of the country. Although the spirits of the people remain the same, but the ways to let the spirit free differs in different parts of the country. Let us have a look over how different parts celebrate Holi differently.
1. Uttar Pradesh: Latthmaar Holi
The word ‘hilarious’ mentioned above is actually regarding this particular type of holi only. This method of playing holi is seriously hilarious. This holi is played in Uttar Pradesh. In this, the men-folks of Nandagaon have to make their way to Barsana, where they have to hoist their flag, while women folks have to stop them by striking the men with long sticks. Men have to save themselves from the women and those who get caught are then supposed to wear women’s saree and make-up and then dance to entertain the rest. All of this is done in good spirits.
2. North-East: Holi – a six day fest
In North-eastern parts of India, such as Manipur, Bengal etc, holi is not a one day festival but a weeklong celebration. Here, first of all a thatched hut is made with twigs, mud and clay and is burnt later that evening. Also, here boys play holi girls and then pay them also for it. A whole lot of dances, cultural programs etc are organized at temples. And on the last day, a whole procession is taken to the Krishna temple near Imphal. Some tribes light fire on the eve of Holi and worship the goddess. While all this happens, young boys and girls are given ways to come close and decide on marriage.
3. Mathura & Vrindavan: Colors, colors and colors
Mathura is where Lord Krishna was born, while at Vrindavan, he spent his childhood. Here Holi is played in highest of spirits with brightest of colors. People color each other with gulaal, colored water and natural colorants. They have bhaang as well to further raise the fun and enjoyment. All sorts of sweets, gunjiyas, namakparas etc are made. People here celebrate holi in the most wonderful manner.
4. Punjab: Warrior Holi
Punjab celebrates holi in completely a different way. There will be all sorts of physical stunts and activities performed by the sardars ranging from talwarbaazi to bare back horse riding etc. Although, colors are always present at the time of holi, but the main attraction of this festival are these events only.
Holi is all about playing it with zeal and zest. The way and the method is not what matters. But what matters the most is the spirit!