Holi- the festival of colours, is just around the corner and the occasion indicates the victory of good over evil. The festival even marks the onset of spring and fills everyone’s hearts with joy and happiness. Holi is one such festival which has different ways in which it is celebrated across the country. Did you know there are different types of Holi celebrations in India? Right from Lathmar Holi to Royal Holi to Phaguwa, these celebrations are equally unique in their own ways. Here we have listed five different varieties of Holi festival celebrations across India, take a look at it.

Lathmar Holi is one of the most interesting concepts which has a different approach to the festival. Over here, women take charge and start hitting them with lathis (sticks) in a playful way. On the other hand, men come prepared with a dhal (a shield) to protect themselves. The best part about this Lathmar Holi is that the men who are caught by the women are made to dress in female attire and are made to dance on the streets. Lathmar Holi is celebrated all across Uttar Pradesh. This type of Holi finds its origin from Hindu mythology where it is believed that Lord Krishna teased Radha and played Holi with her in Barsana. The woman got angry and ran behind him with lathis.

The state of Maharajas — Rajasthan — celebrates each festival in a grand manner. The festival of colours especially is organised by the Royal Family of Mewar in Udaipur and there is a fancy procession that is carried out by the locals. In the procession, the locals decorate horses and the royal band. Later, a Holika Dahan is organised which also includes the grand procession with band baja, dance and much more.

In West Bengal, Holi is known as Basant Utsav or Dol Jatra. The word ‘Basant’ means spring while ‘Utsav’ means festival. Holi depicts the rich Bengali culture which defines the state. As part of the occasion, locals recite Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry. The day before Holi is known as Dol Jatra, wherein a procession of Lord Krishna is taken through the streets.

God’s own country – Kerala has a unique way of celebrating Holi which is also called as Ukuli or Manjal Kuli. This form of celebration is performed by people of Kudumbi and Konkani communities of the state and one should not miss the traditional ceremony. The localities play Holi with haldi which has several skin benefits.

People staying in Maharashtra celebrate Rang Panchami or Shimga. During the Holi festival, the main highlight is the Holika Dahan which is lighting a firewood pyre on the night before actual Holi is celebrated. On the day of Holi, Rang Panchami is celebrated wherein people throw colours and water on each other.

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