Holi 2019: How distinct and varied is the spring time festival in different states

(Image Source: The Mysterious India) No Indian festival defines unity in diversity better than Holi. A sprinkling of colours being the constant, every state lends a dash of their own custom and tradition to make Holi the most joyous springtime festival. Catch a glimpse of how different states in India celebrate Holi in different ways.

(Image Source: The Wanderer) Barsana in Uttar Pardesh celebrates, 'Lath Mar Holi' in the compound of the Radha Rani Temple. Thousands of people gather there to witness this Holi when women beat up men with sticks (lath) to relive Lord Krishna’s practice of coming to meet beloved Radha getting beaten by the women of the village.

(Image Source: Festivals of India) Hola Mohalla is a unique style of celebration of Punjab started by Sikh guru Guru Gobind Singh in 1701. Also known as Warrior Holi, the day is celebrated by exhibiting martial arts, kushti, reciting poems and followed by the usual colour Holi in the evening.

(Image Source: wbtourismgov.in) Bengal celebrates Holi as Dol Jatra. Traditionally the festival is celebrated with idols of Krishna and Radha placed on swings and devotees take turns to swing them. Rabindra Bharati university in Bolpur celebrates the festival with great zeal, singing and dancing to songs composed by Rabindranath Tagore in yellow colored saree and ‘palash’ garlands.

(Image Source: India Odyssey Tours) Known as Manjul Kuli, Holi celebration in Kerala starts with a visit to the temple, while on the second-day people spray coloured water containing turmeric on each other and dance on traditional folk songs.