"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
22 Mar 2024
You have a busy weekend ahead of you with Good Friday and Holi coming up. And the time to properly plan it is now! With sunny skies in the West and several holidays, this uncommon long weekend—which comes after the long winter—offers the ideal opportunity to escape the mundane and experience the thrill of travel. Imagine perfect weather, breathtaking Indian scenery, mouthwatering Holi food, and the coziness of the community. It celebrates aimless meandering more than it is a trip. With carefully planned itineraries, homestays, experiences, and unspoiled beauty, you can make every time memorable.
The Alibaug ~
This picturesque location, sometimes referred to as the 'Hamptons of Mumbai', provides the greatest undiscovered beaches and historical sites. Take surfing lessons and ride speed and banana boats across the crystal-clear waves. With its rich history spanning over a millennium, the Kankeshwar temple offers an ideal blend of spiritual and adventurous sensations. Take in the exciting beach camping experience in Alibaug and unwind on the stunning beach. Enjoy your stay in cozy, spotless, and sanitary tents with a stunning view of the expansive Arabian Sea and Nagoan Beach. Greatest Holi Festivities with DJ, Colors, Rain Dance, and Bhaang. Savor delicious meals such as barbecue, evening snacks, dinner, and breakfast.
Goa ~
( Source: Google Images)
There's no need to introduce the Indian party capital. There are several ways to spend a long weekend in Goa, from experiencing exciting water activities to soaking in sun and partying nonstop. SaffronStays Amarah and Tudor San Ann provide customized luxury experiences while capturing the essence of Goa. Partygoers congregate in taverns and restaurants along the shore to sample the vibrant nightlife there. Swig inventive concoctions, groove to the lively music, and eventually, keep having fun.
Lonavala ~
A refuge for city people hoping to get away from the bustle of the city and get back in touch with nature. Rich in lush vegetation, magnificent waterfalls, and lakes, Lonavala is an ideal weekend escape destination. Experience the various activities offered by this hill station, such as hiking in the picturesque hills or having a picnic by the serene lakeside. Admire the exquisite rock-cut artwork at Bhaja and Karla Caves while traveling back in time. See the revered Ekvira Devi Temple for mental tranquility.
Pawna ~
Pawna provides the perfect vacation close to Mumbai and Pune, whether you want to indulge your inner adventurer with a paragliding session or experience relaxing lakeside camping. Take in the breathtaking vistas of mountains and infinite amounts of water as you soar far above the lakes. Take a hike up the Shinde Wadi Hills to witness the breathtaking sunset, when the evening sky is painted a riot of color. You may swim in the natural waterfalls at Kondeshwar Temple, the perfect place to find peace in the woods. Pawna Lake is one of the best camping sites near Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai & Pune. Camping in tents is the best way to celebrate the weekend with friends, family, and college groups.
Wada-Palghar ~
The finest place to enjoy rural Maharashtra is Wada-Palghar, which is only two hours from Mumbai. Unwind on the uncharted beaches, cool down in the waterfalls, witness the most amazing dawns, and arrange a cozy picnic by the river. You can plan a stay at SaffronStays Vedika and Laburnum House where you may experience Palghar's laid-back vibe. Visit the Ram and Laxminarayan Temples to find inner peace. No, that's not it! Palghar's best-kept secret is Jawhar, a place with breathtaking waterfalls, scenic vistas, and historical sites.
Holi is a celebration of colors that serves as a reminder of how beautiful the world is overall. Similar to the colors of nature, our moods and emotions are correlated with many hues: red is linked to anger, green to envy, yellow to liveliness and enjoyment, pink to love, blue to vastness, white to serenity, saffron to sacrifice, and violet to wisdom. Every individual is a never-ending source of color.
The activity that connects everything ~
Life ought to be vibrant, akin to the spirit of Holi, not dull and monotonous. It is colorful when every hue is seen. Black is the result of mixing all the colors. We all play distinct roles in life. Every position and feeling must have a precise definition. Distortion of emotions leads to issues. You have to act the part of a parent when you are one. Being a father at work is not possible. You start making errors when you start playing different parts of your life. Give your all to whatever role you have in life.
In our life, celebrations are quite important. However, even as we are consumed with the festivities, we must also acknowledge the significance of the surroundings. So this time, let's enjoy Holi in an environmentally responsible manner. An eco-friendly Holi celebration will be just as enjoyable as the traditional one. Here are some environmentally responsible methods to enjoy Holi without harming the environment:
1. Celebrate it in a non-wet manner
India wastes as much water annually as the whole United Kingdom, according to the CSR magazine. Before India has the biggest water crisis yet, we must reserve our water.
When playing wet Holi, pichkaris and water balloons are frequently used, which produces more trash, wastes a lot of water, and pollutes the environment. Thus, rejoice in a dry Holi to avoid needless environmental damage. Thus, enjoy a dry Holi and be a responsible citizen this Holi.
2. Avoid making people play Holy or hurling colors at strangers.
Please respect your friends' right to choose not to play if they are worried about their skin or hair. Additionally, it is impolite and dangerous to throw water and colors at strangers, especially if they are driving a car or a motorcycle.
3. Steer clear of muddy and unclean areas when playing.
Many individuals get foolish in the thrill of the occasion and begin to play in the wet mud. They are unaware of the dangers of being sick when they lie down and sit in unclean areas. Playing in the mud or other unclean areas should be avoided when celebrating Holi.
4. Use natural colors to celebrate Holi
Using natural colors to play Holi is the ideal method to enjoy this vibrant celebration. With only a little bit of turmeric, Chandan, and floral extracts combined in creative ways, you may create your natural colors.
6, Don’t throw colors on plants and animals
Many a time, people involve animals during festivities. Yes, Holi is fun but applying colors to animals is not at all required. Be more sensitive towards animals around you and celebrate animal-friendly Holi. Animal Welfare Board and People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) appeal every year not to throw colors on pets and animals. So, stay away from harmful behavior and stop others from doing so.
7. Ecologically friendly Holi fire
The bonfire's fuelwood burning creates yet another significant environmental issue. A startling quantity of wood is wasted since, in the state of Gujarat alone, almost 30,000 bonfires are lit during a single season. For the Holi bonfire, eco-friendly rubbish may be burned instead of utilizing valuable wood by cutting down trees. To lighten up, use materials like camphor, coconut trash, and cakes made from cow dung. This Holi festival, commit to yourself to preserving trees and creating a more eco-friendly atmosphere.