Why HOLI/DOL-YATRA(Bengal) is celebrated in INDIA

Holi/DOL-YATRA(Bengal) is a two-day festival of colors that celebrates the triumph of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and the eternal love between Radha and Krishna.The festival is based on the Hindu mythology of Hiranyakashipu, a demon king who was killed by Lord Vishnu, and his sister Holika, who was burned by a divine fire.On the first day, people light bonfires and perform rituals, and on the second day, they apply color powders and water on each other and share joy and forgiveness.

PLACES WHERE BEST HOLI IS CELEBRATED

SHANTINIKETAN

Shantiniketan is an old and great university in WestBengal,where the great Nobel laureate and poet, Rabindranath Tagore introduced the Basant (DOL) Utsav to relive the ancient tradition. Till today the tradition is followed and celebrated. Inspired by Holi and spring the students dress up in colourful attire and put on a huge cultural performance for the visitors. All this happiness, colours, and joy of Shantiniketan makes it the best Holi celebration in India.

Banke Bihari Temple

Holi is celebrated in Vrindavan also.It welcomes the advent of spring and bids good riddance to the cold chills of winter. Coming underway on Vasant Panchami, Holi marks a grand celebration in Vrindavan with huge processions of people smeared in different colours dancing to the tunes of the musicians.

On the Ekadashi before Holi, the city celebrates phoolown wali holi where flowers are thrown at the devotees by the temple priests. Another unique celebration of Holi in Vrindavan is the Widow’s Holi that began a few years back to break the convention that prevented widow’s from playing with colours or wearing coloured clothes.

Other best places are :

Barsana, Uttar Pradesh: The home of Radha, Krishna's beloved, where women playfully hit men with sticks in a ritual called Lath Maar Holi.

Jaipur, Rajasthan: The pink city hosts a royal Holi with elephants, camels, and cultural performances.

Hampi, Karnataka: The ancient ruins of Hampi become a colorful spectacle as locals and tourists play Holi with music and dance.

Pushkar, Rajasthan: The holy town of Pushkar celebrates Holi with a carnival-like atmosphere, with DJs, parties, and bhang lassi.