DIVERSITY IN FESTIVALS
India is the epitome of diversity; a treasure of cultures and traditions. And what adds to the beauty of these different cultures is that they celebrate each tradition and festival uniquely!
HOW ARE YOU PLAYING HOLI THIS YEAR?
The festival of Holi is a fine example. Known as one of the most colourful festivals (literally too) in the country, it is played in a different manner in practically each state. Let us explore...
BRAJ KI HOLI OR BARSANA LATHMAR HOLI
As per legends, the traditional of Holi began here in the Braj region, i.e. Vrindavan, Mathura, Nandgaon and Barsana. The festival of Holi is celebrated for at least month here and not just with colors! Yes, the women in Barsana chase men with Laths or lathis. Because they will be hit with laths, men come prepared too.
KHADI HOLI IN KUMAON REGION
Khadi Holi is a type of Holi played in the rural Kumaon region in India. The locals celebrate this festival by singing Khari songs, wearing traditional costumes of churidaar, pyjama-kurta, white nokdaar topi and dance in groups to traditional music beats. They use the Hurka and the Dhol to play the beats. They move in a procession, singing songs and greeting people in the area. These groups are called as Tolis.
WARRIOR HOLI FROM PUNJAB OR HOLA MOHALLA
Like every other state in India, Punjab too celebrates the festival of Holi in a unique manner. Known as Hola Mohalla or simply Hola, it is celebrated one day after Holi festival in Punjab, especially by the Nihang Sikhs. It is celebrated with great pomp and gusto as they exhibit martial arts, i.e. Kushti and shout their heart out. They play with colors in the evening.
BASANT UTSAV IN BENGAL
The festival of Holi brings forth the Basant Utsav or spring festival celebrations in Bengal. What adds to the beauty is the special celebration of the festival at Shantiniketan. For the spring festival, young girls and boys dress in saffron-colored clothes and deck themselves with flower garlands. They also indulge in songs and dance.
DOL JATRA IN BENGAL
The Dol Jatra is a part of the Holi festival in Bengal. On Dol Purnima, devotees places the idols of Radha and Krishna on a palanquin, and take to the streets in a procession. Devotees take turns in swinging the idols while women sing and dance around the idols. Men spray water and colours at the procession.
SHIGMO IN GOA
Celebrated with great pomp and grandeur among the Konkani community, the Shigmo festival is huge in Goa! People dress in vibrant colours and dance to energetic tunes. A spring festival, Holi is celebrated as a part of this festival among the local farmers.
HOLI IN ANDHRA PRADESH
Many of us believe that Holi is a festival is that played only in the northern region. But the festival of colours is a hit in Andhra Pradesh too. While it may not be played on such a grand scale as in the north, youngsters celebrate by playing with dry colours and seek blessings from elders in the family. The Banjara tribe in AP celebrate the festival with colourful traditional dance performances.
MAHILA HOLI IN KUMAON
Just like Khadi Holi, another type of holi played in the Kumaon region is Mahila holi.
YAOSANG IN MANIPUR
Yaosang is Manipur's version of Holi festival. Celebrations begin on the full moon day of Lamda, i.e. March and continue for the next whole days. The famous Manipuri dance of Thabal Chongba is performed during this festival. They play with colours and water as well.
MANJAL KULI IN KERALA
As we already know the festival of colors, i.e. Holi is not played on a grand scale like in North India. Some communities in the southern part of the country celebrate the festival with different traditions and name. In Kerala, Holi is celebrated as Manjal Kuli. It is celebrated in the Konkani temple of Gosripuram Thirumala.
PHAGUWA IN BIHAR
Holi is a major festival in the state of Bihar and is known as Phaguwa in the local Bhojpuri dialect. Prior to playing Dulhendi or Phaguwa, i.e. playing with water and powdered colors derived from natural sources, the Holika pyre is lit.
PHAKUWA IN ASSAM
In the state of Assam, Holi is known as Phakuwa and is similar to the Holi celebrated in Bengal ‘Dol Jatra’. Here, the festival is celebrated over two days. On the 1st day, clay huts are burnt signifying the legend of Holika dahan and on day two, locals celebrate with powdered colors.
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