It’s the Holi time of the year! And everyone is pumped up to enjoy a splash of colours, tummy full of gujias, sweets, pua, and of course thandai. But, do you know the legends and tradition behind this beautiful festival of colours, to which we all have some excellent and precious reference events with friends, family, and first love?
In the first part of the passage, we will explore most popular legends related to Holi and in the second half we will provide a brief note on 5 best places to visit in India for holi celebration for a ton of lifetime worthy experience.
Let’s begin.
Legends You Must Know About Holi
Legend 1
According to the 7th Chapter in the Bhagavata Purana, Holi festival is to celebrate triumph of good over evil in the honour of Bhagwan Vishnu and his devotee Prahlad. The legend was:
King of Asuras Hiranyakashipu who was also father of Bhakt Prahlad had earned a special power as a boon. According to the boon he could be killed by neither a human being nor an animal, neither indoors nor outdoors, neither at day not at night, neither by astra (projectile weapons) nor by any shastra (handheld weapons), and neither on land nor in water or air.
Hiranyakashipu, blinded by arrogance, proclaimed himself a god, but his son Prahlad’s unwavering devotion to Vishnu defied him. Enraged, the Demon King subjected Prahlad to relentless persecution, yet the boy’s faith remained steadfast. Holika, Prahlad‘s malevolent aunt, then devised a plot to incinerate him, relying on a cloak that shielded her from fire. However, the divine intervened, transferring the cloak’s protection to Prahlad, and Holika was consumed by the flames.
Bhagwan Vishnu’s fourth avatar Narasimha, a half-man, half-lion, at twilight, in a moment that defied categorisation, ended Hiranyakashipu. The burning of Holika and the celebration of Holi serve as a powerful reminder of the ultimate victory of good over evil, the power of devotion, and the divine’s ability to restore balance.
Legend 2
In the very heart of Braj, where Radha Ji and Shri Krishna Ji’s childhood blossomed, Holi is a truly special affair, stretching right till Rang Panchmi. This long celebration, you see, is all about their divine prem, their love story. It’s also how we welcome spring, with all the colours and joy. The Garga Samhita, written by Sage Garg and Brahma Vaivarta Purana, were the first to give us
that beautiful description of Radha and Krishna playing Holi.
It’s like a real OG story. And then, there’s that lovely katha about Krishna feeling a bit down about his dark skin, wondering if Radha would like him. Yashoda maiya, seeing his sadness, tells him, ‘Go, ask Radha to colour your face how she wants!’ And that’s exactly what happened, leading to their sweet romance. That’s why we play with colours, to remember their playful love.”
Now, these stories aren’t just for us here in India. They travel far, far away! In the Caribbean, places like Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and even Jamaica, they call it Phagwah and celebrate with the same spirit. You’ll also find big Holi celebrations in Mauritius, Fiji, and South Africa, where many of our Indian brothers and sisters have made their homes. It’s a reminder, no?
That the joy of Holi, the colours of love and spring, connects us all, no matter where we are in the World. It’s a festival of togetherness, a celebration of the heart; that’s what Holi really is.
Legend 3
According to Shaivism and Shaktism, once Devi Parvati wanted to bring Bhagwan Shiv out of his deep yog mudra, sought help from Kamdev (The God of Love) on Vasant Panchami. Kamdev shoots an arrow that disturbed Yogi’s dhyan, infuriating Shiv Ji, who opened his third eye and burned Kama to ashes. Devi Rati (Kamdev’s wife) performed 40 days’ of meditative asceticism for her husband’s forgiveness. Upon which Bhagwan Shiv restored The God of Love on the 40th day after Vasant Panchami. The day when Kaamdev is restored and marks the return to Devi Rati, celebrated as Holi, especially in southern India.
Let us proceed to our next section about the five best places to visit in India to experience Holi like never before.
5 Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India
Mathura and Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh)
Mathura, Vrindavan, and nearby Gokul and Barsana are deeply associated with Bhagwan Krishna and Radha Ji, providing a fascinating Holi experience for locals and tourists from India and around the World.
Places to visit:
- Banke Bihari Temple (Vrindavan) is known for its flower holi.
- Dwarkadhish Temple (Mathura)
- Barsana is famous for “lathmar holi”, where women playfully beat men with sticks while they throw colours
Jaipur and Udaipur (Rajasthan)
Celebrate Holi with a royal touch at Jaipur and Udaipur, which include vibrant street parties and grand processions.
Elephant Festival in Jaipur and City Palace in Udaipur are places to visit for a lively Holi experience.
Pushkar (Rajasthan)
Favourite among backpackers, Pushkar offers a vibrant and lively Holi experience. You should explore;
- Kapda Faad Holi, where people (men only) playfully tear each other’s clothes before playing with colours.
- The festival combines rituals at the World’s only Brahma temple with music, celebration, and congregation processions.
- Holi related cultural programs at Pushkar Lake and streets of this historical city.
Shantiniketan (West Bengal)
Santiniketan’s “Basanta Utsav,” a vibrant spring festival, draws crowds of locals and tourists alike. This Holi celebration, held at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a major cultural event. Nearby, the scenic Sonajhuri forest, known for its natural beauty and artisan market, adds to the region’s charm.
Hampi (Karnataka)
Hampi offers a distinctive Holi experience, blending dry color festivities with sacred rituals at the Virupaksha Temple. The celebration culminates in a refreshing dip in the Tungabhadra River, all set against the stunning backdrop of ancient ruins of Vijayanagar Empire, creating an unforgettable event.
Conclusion
From the triumph of good over evil in the legend of Prahlad to the divine love of Radha and Krishna, and the restoration of Kamadeva, Holi’s rich tapestry of stories underscores its profound cultural significance. Beyond these captivating tales, the festival’s spirit of unity and joy resonates across the globe, uniting communities in vibrant celebrations.
Whether experiencing the playful Lathmar Holi in Barsana, the royal festivities in Jaipur and Udaipur, the backpacker’s delight in Pushkar, the cultural extravaganza of Santiniketan, or the unique blend of tradition and ruins in Hampi, Holi offers a diverse and unforgettable experience. Ultimately, it is a festival that transcends geographical boundaries, reminding us of the enduring power of love, devotion, and the jubilant arrival of spring.
