Colourful Holi powder on the market of Orchha, Madhya PradeshHoli 2018, one of the world’s most colourful festivals is fast-approaching and we’re helping you pick some of the best spots in India to celebrate.
Also known as the festival of colours, Holi is a festival that signifies the triumph of good over evil. It’s a world-renowned event and visitors from all over the globe are expected to come celebrate. For many locals and tourists alike, it’s a time to throw powdered chalk in the streets and attend elaborate parties at iconic locations around the country.
The festivities will be held on 1-2 March. And if you're looking to immerse yourself in the colours of Holi, see some of the best places to visit below:
Madhya Pradesh
The city of Indore in the heart of the Madhya Pradesh region welcomes visitors in a series of cultural Holi events and customs over the course of five days.
The fifth day, known as Panchami Holi, is taking place on 6 March. It's said to be the day the Maratha Holkars, who conquered the state, brought with them the Marathi tradition of Rangpanchami. This is a tradition where the colours are displayed and thrown in the streets.
The events invite everyone from all religions and nationalities to come together. They can enjoy colour-throwing, singing and dancing to traditional Holi folk songs, eating local delicacies and wearing colourful traditional clothes and flowers.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
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Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Travellers to India can be immersed in the local Holi traditions of the royal family at the magnificent art deco Umaid Bhawan Palace from 1–2 March.
All guests staying at the hotel can take part in two days of celebrations. It includes the lighting of the bonfire on the eve of Holi, a day of playful colour-throwing, and enjoying the mesmerizing Gair folk dances in the peacock-filled palace gardens.
The palace will gift guests with white Kurtas and pyjamas. And after a day of celebrating, the splendid marble bathrooms of the palace are the ideal place to retreat.
Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last of the great palaces of India, perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur, where His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Jodhpur and his family still reside.
Designed by renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester, the palace is a blend of eastern and western architectural influences. It features 64 lavish rooms and suites decorated in Art Deco style.
Taj Lake Palace
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Lake Pichola and Taj Lake Palace at night
Guests staying at the Taj Lake Palace can join His Highness Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar and his family. They can attend the Holika Dahan ceremony at the City Palace, light an effigy of the Holika, and mark the triumph of good over evil.
In the morning, guests can don white Kurta pyjamas and be ferried across to the Badipal Jetty. They can throw organic dry colours over each other with local musicians and Dhol drummers playing, surrounded by the romantic and shimmering waters of Lake Pichola.
Built in 1746, Taj Lake Palace was originally a lake island palace named Jag Niwas after his highness Maharana Jagat Singh II. It’s a truly regal building, perfect for a couples retreat with its gleaming, white marble façade rising from the surface of the lake topped by domes, arches and gilded detailing.
Holi MOO! Festival
Delhi’s renowned Holi MOO! Festival is returning on 2 March for its 12th edition this Holi.
It’s one of India’s longest-running music festivals and a local favourite on Delhi’s cultural calendar. Inspired by the festival of colours, the event combines Holi’s colour-throwing traditions with a mix of music, art and culture.
At the event, there will be four stages with over 40 artists performing. They'll be showcasing different genres of music such as world music, indie, reggae, electronica and hip-hop. Afterward, music lovers can stay at THE Park Hotel Delhi and continue the party with cocktails and dancing at the hotel’s poolside Aqua Bar.
For further information on where to visit in India, go to https://incredibleindia.org/
