Best Places to Celebrate Holi For A Unique Experience

Bright colours, delicious food, water balloon fights and upbeat music is what makes Holi usher a carnivalesque mood in the country. This festival, which is celebrated by people of all communities, indicates the beginning of spring after winter. It also signifies the victory of good over evil and is observed as a day to spread love and happiness. Some communities even celebrate Holi as thanksgiving for a good harvest.

Holi often brings to mind the splendid celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan, the twin towns where Lord Krishna spent most of his adolescence years. The celebrations here are famous around the world with visitors from different countries camping in the cities a week in advance to soak in the festivities.

This Holi, however, we bring to you a list of destinations to celebrate the festival with a difference. So, seize the moment, hop into your Ford car and experience unique Holi celebrations at these places.

Shantiniketan, West Bengal

Holi here is celebrated as Vasant Utsav or Basanta Utsab. Rabindranath Tagore introduced this annual event in Vishva Bharati University, Shantiniketan. Since then it’s become an integral part of Bengali culture and celebrated with pomp and fervour. During this festival, you can immerse yourself in rich Bengali traditions, art and culture. The students of Vishva Bharati University, clad in bright yellow-coloured clothes, put up stunning folk dance and music performances, including the works of Tagore. These programs are followed by traditional Holi celebrations with colours.

The compact Ford Figo makes for a perfect companion for a short drive from Kolkata to Shantiniketan (170 km). Make use of the touchscreen-based infotainment system to listen to your favourite travel playlist.

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Udaipur looks absolutely stunning during Holi, and its royal demeanour adds a vintage charm to the festival. If you want to celebrate Holi with the royal family of Mewar, then head to Udaipur for a regal experience. Join in the opulent palace procession which commences from the royal residence of the Mewar family and goes to the lanes of Manek Chowk. During the celebration, you will spot intricately bejeweled horses and people dressed in their best attires. You will also find people light ‘Holika Dahan’ or bonfires to ward off evil spirits.

While driving around Udaipur in your Ford Endeavour, keep your panoramic sunroof open and soak in the picturesque clear blue skies of the ‘City of Lakes’.

Purulia, West Bengal

If you’re looking to celebrate Holi in Purulia, then prepare for a three-day-long extravaganza. Here, you can witness local and tribal artists taking part in the festive spirit with their Natua dance, Darbari Jhumur, Chau dance and traditional songs. You will also run into the wandering minstrels and Baul musicians whose performances will leave you mesmerised.

Get into your Ford EcoSport to cover the 300km from Kolkata to Purulia. Its cruise control feature will keep you relaxed and ease the long drive.

Anandpur Sahib, Punjab

Sikhs celebrate Hola Mohalla a day after the of Holi. The festival is an annual fair started by Guru Gobind Singh as an amalgamation of vibrant Holi festival colors as well as a demonstration of martial skills of the warrior community.

This two-day festival includes community gatherings where trained warriors showcase their prowess and skills at handling weapons through mock battles. These valiant displays are followed by celebrations through nagar kirtans, poetry competitions and community gatherings.

Anandpur Sahib is just a few hours drive from New Delhi & Chandigarh. Get into your Ford Aspire with your family to and drive to witness the valour of these brave men & women.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

The town where India’s holiest river, the Ganges, flows with great fervor is famous with tourists who are looking for an escape from the hustle bustle of big towns. This quaint town can be a perfect destination to spend Holi with your family. Drive in your Ford Freestyle to this peaceful town on the foothills of Himalayas. Bring alive the spirit of Holi with a dip in the streaming Ganga when you are there.

Festivals reflect culture! So this year, take a drive to one of these unique destinations and experience how locals celebrate Holi. Go further and #DiscoverMore of India.

*Images for representation purpose only