When I was young, Holi wasn’t just a festival, it was a feeling. The excitement would start days in advance, and the night before, I’d be busy filling balloons with water, stacking packets of vibrant colors, and planning playful attacks with my siblings. Our home would echo with laughter, our hands already stained with gulal long before the festivities began. Back then, Holi felt endless, a day of carefree joy, colors, and togetherness.

But now, having moved out for work, the festival feels a little different. The colors have faded into memories, and the noise has quieted into nostalgia. Instead of chasing my siblings with water balloons, I now scroll through Instagram reels. Thanks to the gift of social media connectivity that enabled me to watch Holi unfold in distant corners of India, each celebration is a beautiful reminder of how diverse and magical this festival truly is.

This Holi 2025, inspired by these heartwarming traditions, I’ve gathered 8 unique Holi celebrations across India, each with its own story, culture, and vibrant spirit. So, let’s take this colorful journey together. A very colourful and happy reading!

1. Lathmar Holi: The Playful Battle - Barsana and Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh

In the towns of Barsana and Nandgaon, Holi transforms into a spirited mock battle known as Lathmar Holi. Here, women playfully wield sticks (lathis) to 'beat' men who defend themselves with shields. This tradition is rooted in the tales of Lord Krishna and Radha, symbolizing playful banter and camaraderie. The atmosphere is charged with laughter, traditional songs, and a riot of colors, making it a spectacle to behold.

2. Phoolon Wali Holi: A Floral Extravaganza -  Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

At the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, Holi is celebrated with a shower of flower petals instead of traditional colors. Devotees gather as priests throw petals, creating a mesmerizing ambiance reminiscent of a floral paradise. The air resonates with devotional songs, and the sight of petals cascading down is nothing short of enchanting.

3. Shigmo: Vibrant Spring Festival - Goa

In Goa, Holi coincides with Shigmo, a festival that marks the onset of spring and the harvest season. The festivities are characterized by vibrant street parades featuring traditional folk dances, music, and elaborately decorated floats. The entire state comes alive with color, music, and dance, offering a unique Goan twist to Holi celebrations.

4. Manjal Kuli: Turmeric-Tinted Celebrations - Kerala

In Kerala, the Kudumbi community celebrates Holi as Manjal Kuli, where participants drench each other in turmeric water. The golden hue of turmeric symbolizes prosperity and health. Accompanied by traditional music and dance, this celebration offers a serene and earthy alternative to the typical riot of colors associated with Holi.

5. Dhol Jatra: Rhythms of Devotion - West Bengal and Odisha

In parts of West Bengal and Odisha, Holi is celebrated as Dhol Jatra, a festival dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. Massive processions featuring devotees dancing to the beats of drums (dhols) and singing devotional songs fill the streets. The rhythmic beats and synchronized movements create an electrifying atmosphere, blending devotion with festive fervor.

6. Bedara Vesha: The Hunter's Dance - Sirsi, Karnataka

In the town of Sirsi, Karnataka, Holi is marked by a unique folk dance known as Bedara Vesha, or the Hunter's Dance. Performed every alternate year, this dance involves participants dressed as hunters, adorned with peacock feathers and traditional attire, reenacting hunting scenes to the rhythm of drums. The performances, which continue through the night, reflect the region's rich folklore and traditions.

7. Kwant Fair: A Tribal Celebration - Kwant Village

In Gujarat's Kwant village, the Bhil and Koli tribes celebrate Holi with the Kwant Fair, held five days after the festival. Tribal communities from various regions gather, adorned in colorful costumes and elaborate headgear made of peacock feathers. The fair is a vibrant display of tribal dances, music, and rituals, offering a glimpse into the indigenous cultures of the region.

 8. Rang Panchami: The Spiritual Spectrum - Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh

In Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, the festival of colors extends beyond Holi to Rang Panchami, celebrated five days later. This day is considered spiritually significant, with the colors symbolizing the purification of the soul and the invocation of divine blessings. Festivities include vibrant processions, music, and dance, reflecting the region's cultural ethos.

Celebrating Colors, Cultures, and Connections

As the colors of Holi fade from our skin, what truly lingers are the memories, the laughter, the shared moments, and the beautiful chaos that brings us all closer. Especially the food, chilled Thandai, Delicious Gujiyaan and what not!  Each region in India celebrates Holi in its own unique way, yet the essence remains the same: love, joy, and togetherness.

Though I may now celebrate Holi with nostalgia in my heart and reels on my screen, these traditions remind me that festivals are not just about rituals, they are about people, stories, and the invisible threads that connect us. So this Holi, whether you're dancing in a flower shower, dodging playful sticks, or simply recalling the colors of your childhood, may your heart be as bright as the gulal in the air. Because no matter where you are, the spirit of Holi will always find its way to you.

Happy Holi!