Holi, often called the “Festival of Colors,” is one of the most lively and cherished festivals in India. It marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil, filling the air with joy, laughter, and an explosion of vibrant hues. While the festival is widely known for its playful color fights, music, and festive gatherings, its celebrations vary across different regions, each carrying unique traditions, stories, and rituals. From the legendary Lathmar Holi of Barsana to the warrior-themed Hola Mohalla in Punjab, every part of India adds its own cultural essence to the festival. These regional variations make Holi not just a festival but an incredible journey through India’s diverse heritage. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most fascinating types of Holi celebrated across the country.

Hola Mohalla

Usually held in March Hola Mohalla also known as Hola is a three-day Sikh celebration. It usually occurs one day after the Hindu spring festival Holi but occasionally it falls on the second day of the lunar month of Chett. A major celebration for Sikhs worldwide is Hola Mohalla. Although the fair at Anandpur Sahib during Holi and Hola is usually a three-day event attendees stay for a week camping out and taking in various acts of bravery and fighting skill while also listening to kirtan music and poetry. Visitors gather in Pangats (Queues) for meals which are an essential component of the Sikh institution (Gurdwara) and consume Langar lacto-vegetarian cuisine. The event culminates with a lengthy military-style procession on the day of Hola Mohalla close to Takht Kesgarh Sahib one of the five Sikh seats of temporal authority (known as Panj Takht).

Lathmar Holi

The Hindu twin towns of Barsana and Nandgaon also referred to as the towns of Radha and Krishna respectively celebrate Lathmar Holi or the holi of sticks. The story goes that Lord Krishna who lived in Nandgaon and was regarded as Vrishabhanus son-in-law desired to paint his beloved Radha and her friends. However Radha and her friends threw sticks at Krishna and his companions as they entered Barsana causing them to leave. In keeping with this pattern each year on Holi the men from Nandagaon who are regarded as Barsanas son-in-laws come to visit Barsana where they are welcomed by women brandishing sticks and colorful clothing (also known as lathi). The men of Nandgaon and the women of Barsana both participate in the celebration with excellent humor.

Manjal Kuli

Manjal Kuli is the name given to Holi in Kerala and it is observed at the Konkani Temple in Gosripuram Thiruma. Turmeric paste diluted with water is sprayed on participants in place of colored powders to represent fertility and prosperity. Traditional dance music and feasting are all part of the festivities giving this southern states festival a distinctive flavor. Gaud Sarawat Brahmins (GSB) and Konkani communities are two examples of Keralas traditional groups that take pleasure in this colorful celebration. And these groups refer to it as Ukuli or Manjal Kuli. In Kerala the festivities start at different temples on the full moon day in March. The festival is observed by the Kudumbi community at about 20 temples over the course of four days.

Basanta utsav

The lovely Bengali custom of celebrating the spring festival is called Basanta Utsav which translates to celebration of spring. World poet Rabindranath Tagore lived in Santiniketan. It also revolves around festivals that are observed in unique ways while combining a passion for the natural world. That is precisely what Tagore aimed for: the cultivation of human intellect within the bounds of natures abundance. Bengals Santiniketan celebrates the colors of spring in its own unique way during the widely observed Dol or Holi festival. On the same day as Dol Purnima music and dance are used to welcome spring. On this joyous occasion teachers and students exchange Abir (dry clours) greetings. The students wear garlands of fragrant flowers and dress in yellow or pure white on the morning of Dol Purnima. They play instruments like the ektara, dubri, veena and others as they sing and dance. The festival attracts a lot of tourists from both domestic and foreign countries who come to see this lovely traditional and cultural event.

Yaosang

Starting on the full moon day of the month of Lamta (February–March) Manipur celebrates Yaosang for five days in the spring. Yaosang Mei thaba or the Burning of the Straw Hut takes place on the night of the full moon of the Manipuri month of Lamta shortly after sunset in every village. The kids then solicit financial donations known as nakatheng at each home. Sankirtan is performed by local bands on the second day at the Govindagee Temple in Manipurs Imphal-East district. On the second and third days the girls block roads with ropes to collect money and visit their relatives for their nakatheng. Water is splashed or poured on each other on the fourth and fifth days. Numerous athletic events such as soccer and tug-of-war are also planned for this occasion. In addition during the celebration neighbors are given access to the local specialties.

Shimgo or Shishirotsava

In the Indian state of Goa Shimgo also known as Shishirotsava is a spring festival that is one of the most important Hindu holidays. The Indian festival of Holi is a part of it and the Konkani diaspora also celebrates it. In addition to tourists a large portion of the local population from throughout the state attends this vibrant and lively festival of folk dances and music. Every major town and city in the state hosts float parades that feature different scenes from Hindu mythology and culture. These parades are accompanied by Romta Mell processions and local dance groups. In Goa villages and other rural areas the Shigmo festival is also widely observed over the course of two weeks with various days designated for celebrations in various locales. Naman the invocation of regional folk deities on the village maand (stage) kicks off the celebration. Men play percussion instruments like the ghumat, dhol, mhadle and tashe. They travel from village to village in long convoluted processions known as the romta mell. Mythological installations painted faces traditional vibrant costumes and more are all part of the celebration. The participating communities perform a variety of traditional folk dances including Gopha, Phugadi and Ghodemodini a dance of equestrian warriors. Goan culture and heritage are reflected in the festival.

Conclusion

Holi is more than just a festival—it is an expression of love, unity, and the deep-rooted traditions that make India’s cultural landscape so rich. Each region’s unique way of celebrating Holi adds a new dimension to the festival, showcasing the country’s diversity while keeping the spirit of togetherness alive. Whether it’s the fun and mischief of Lathmar Holi, or the high-energy enthusiasm of Hola Mohalla, every version of Holi reflects the joy and vibrancy of Indian culture. So embrace the festival with an open heart and let the colors of Holi fill your life with happiness, love, and unforgettable memories!

Here’s a bunch of homemade sweets you can try as well.

Homemade Sweets for Indian Festivals: Irresistible Kaju Barfi and Divine Rasgulla