Holi is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, a northern state of India. It is a festival of colors, joy, and merriment that is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in every corner of the state. The festival falls on the full moon day in the month of Phalguna, which usually falls in late February or early March. Holi is a celebration of spring, the victory of good over evil, and the end of winter.
The festival of Holi is celebrated for two days in Uttar Pradesh. The first day, known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi, is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. On this day, people light bonfires to symbolize the burning of the demoness Holika, who was defeated by the god Vishnu. The second day, known as Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi, is the main day of the festival when people play with colors, water, and sing and dance to traditional Holi songs.
The festival of Holi is celebrated in every city, town, and village in Uttar Pradesh. The entire state is painted in colors during the festival, and people of all ages come out of their homes to celebrate with their friends and family. Holi is a time for forgiveness and unity, and people forget their differences and come together to celebrate the festival of colors.
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In the City of Mathura
The birthplace of Lord Krishna, Holi is celebrated in a grand way. The festival is celebrated for a week in Mathura and the neighboring towns of Vrindavan and Barsana. The week-long celebration is known as Lathmar Holi, and it is famous for the unique way of celebrating the festival. In Lathmar Holi, women chase men with sticks and hit them with them, while men protect themselves with shields. The tradition is believed to have originated from the story of Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha, where he teased her and her friends with colors and was chased by them.
In the Town of Barsana
Women are given the right to beat up men on the day of Holi, and men come to the town to be beaten up by the women. The tradition is known as Lathmar Holi and is unique to the town of Barsana. The tradition is believed to have originated from the story of Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha, where he teased her and her friends with colors and was chased by them.
The City of Varanasi
Also known as Kashi, is known for its grand Holi celebration. The celebration in Varanasi begins with a procession known as the Ganga Mahotsav, where people march to the banks of the Ganges river, carrying idols of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. The idols are then placed on a boat, which is decorated with flowers and colors, and set afloat on the river. The boat is followed by a colorful procession of people, who dance and sing to traditional Holi songs.
In the City of Lucknow
The capital of Uttar Pradesh, Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The celebration in Lucknow begins with a grand feast known as the Holi Milan, where people come together to share traditional Holi delicacies. The celebration is followed by a grand procession, where people dance and sing to traditional Holi songs.
In the City of Agra
The home of the Taj Mahal, Holi is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. The festival in Agra is celebrated with a unique tradition known as Phoolon Ki Holi, where people throw flowers at each other instead of colors. The tradition is believed to have originated from the Mughal era when the emperor Akbar celebrated Holi with flowers.
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