<p>Holi, also known as the festival of colours, is one of the most important festivals celebrated in the country.</p>

<p>Clouds of colours in the air, kids running armed with pichkaris, gulal smeared faces, bhang spiked thandai, gujia and dahi vadas beautifully served in plates is how Holi is celebrated in different ways in India.</p>

<p>Though the way of celebrating the festival differs from state to state, but the spirit and enthusiasm remain the same.</p>

<p>There are multiple ways Holi is celebrated across the nation. Let’s have a look at them.</p>

<p><strong>Lath Mar Holi in the Braj Region, Uttar Pradesh</strong></p>

<p>The moment we hear the word Holi, we correlate it with Vrindavan and the Braj region. Traditionally associated with Lord Krishna, the localities in the Braj Region, like Agra, Mathura, Nandgaon, Vrindavan, and Barsana, are the major tourist attractions during the Holi season.</p>

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<p>In these localities, especially in Barsana, people celebrate Lath mar Holi in the Radha Rani temple’s compound. In this ritual, women beat up men with sticks (Lathi) as the men sing Holi songs. This unique form of celebration denotes men singing to gather women’s attention and women protecting themselves by chasing men away with sticks.</p>

<p><strong>Kumaoni Khadi Holi</strong></p>

<p>The uniqueness of the Kumaoni Holi lies in its being a musical affair in the form of Baithki Holi, Khari Holi and the Mahila Holi. The Baithki Holi and Khari Holi are unique in that the songs on which they are based have a touch of melody, fun and spiritualism. These songs are essentially based on classical ragas. No wonder then the Baithki Holi is also known as Nirvana Ki Holi or Holi of Salvation.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Kumaoni Khadi Holi (Others)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Hola Mahalla, Punjab</strong></p>

<p>Hola Mohalla or Hola Mahalla or simply Hola is a Sikh festival that takes place on the first of the lunar month of Chet which usually falls in March. This, by a tradition established by Guru Gobind Singh, follows the Hindu festival of Holi by one day.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>On this three-day grand festival, mock battles, exhibitions, display of weapons, etc., are held followed by kirtan, music and poetry competitions. This festival is observed by Nihang Sikhs. They exhibit martial arts and sing their hearts out on this day, that is usually celebrated a day before Holi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Bengali Holi</strong></p>

<p>Holi is known as Dol Purnima in Bengal and Orissa, celebrated in most sophisticated style by using dry colours. &nbsp;Concoction of Chau dance, Darbari Jhumur and Nature dance to the indigenous tunes of West Bengal's wandering Baul musicians set a mood so surreal that it is hard to put it in words.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Shanti Niketan organizes a special function on Holi and celebrate using the song, dance and musical instruments.</p>

<p><strong>Shigmo festival, Goa</strong></p>

<p>Shigmo parade is a religious Hindu festival filled with colours, music, dance and floats. It depicts the life of a Goan in elaborate traditional folk dances like Ghode Modni and Fugdi performing on streets in massive troupes along the procession, showcasing the tradition of Goa. The streets of Goa during Shigmotsav are lit up with attractive décor, lively parades, delicious Goan delicacies, and music and dance performances.</p>

<p><strong>Yaoshang Festival</strong></p>

<p>In Manipur, Holi or Yaosang is celebrated for six days. It starts on the day of the full moon and combines Hindu and indigenous traditions. The highlight of the festival is the Thabal chongba, a Manipuri folk dance that is performed during. To add to the traditions and maintain uniformity, the Hindus of Manipur play this festival with colours too.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Manjal Kuli or Ukuli, Kerala</strong></p>

<p>Kerala celebrates its own version of Holi in the form of Ukuli or Manjal Kuli. The festival is not so popular across the state, however, it is the traditional celebration that is prevalent amongst the Konkani and Kudumbi communities in the region that shouldn't be missed. The primary colour used in Manjal Kulli is turmeric.</p>

<p><strong>Phakuwah, Assam&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Assamese called Holi as Phagwah which is celebrated with a lot of joy and excitement for 2 days. On the 1st day, mud huts are burnt representing the fable of Holika Dahan. On the 2ndday, the natives make merry it with colours similar to others!</p>

<p><strong>Rang Panchami, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh</strong></p>

<p>Color merriment happens on the 5th-day post-Holika Dahan and is known as Rang Panchami. Huge processions of coloured people march in the city and celebrate Rang Panchami which is also known as Holi Krishna.</p>

<p><strong>Udaipur: Royal Holika Dahan</strong><br />
In Udaipur, the festival of Holi spells class and imperiality. From Holika Dahan, fireworks to spraying colours, all rituals and celebration take place. Holika Dahan marks the beginning of Holi celebration in India. It takes place in City Palace in Udaipur. The royal family of the Mewar dynasty is keeping their annual tradition alive till date.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Though the way of celebrating the festival differs from state to state, but the spirit and enthusiasm remain the same.

Holi, also known as the festival of colours, is one of the most important festivals celebrated in the country. Clouds of colours in the air, kids running armed with pichkaris, gulal smeared faces, bhang spiked thandai, gujia and dahi vadas beautifully served in plates is how Holi is celebrated in different ways in India. Though the way of celebrating the festival differs from state to state, but the spirit and enthusiasm remain the same. There are multiple ways Holi is celebrated across the nation. Let’s have a look at them. Lath Mar Holi in the Braj Region, Uttar Pradesh The moment we hear the word Holi, we correlate it with Vrindavan and the Braj region. Traditionally associated with Lord Krishna, the localities in the Braj Region, like Agra, Mathura, Nandgaon, Vrindavan, and Barsana, are the major tourist attractions during the Holi season. × In these localities, especially in Barsana, people celebrate Lath mar Holi in the Radha Rani temple’s compound. In this ritual, women beat up men with sticks (Lathi) as the men sing Holi songs. This unique form of celebration denotes men singing to gather women’s attention and women protecting themselves by chasing men away with sticks. Kumaoni Khadi Holi The uniqueness of the Kumaoni Holi lies in its being a musical affair in the form of Baithki Holi, Khari Holi and the Mahila Holi. The Baithki Holi and Khari Holi are unique in that the songs on which they are based have a touch of melody, fun and spiritualism. These songs are essentially based on classical ragas. No wonder then the Baithki Holi is also known as Nirvana Ki Holi or Holi of Salvation. Kumaoni Khadi Holi (Others) × Hola Mahalla, Punjab Hola Mohalla or Hola Mahalla or simply Hola is a Sikh festival that takes place on the first of the lunar month of Chet which usually falls in March. This, by a tradition established by Guru Gobind Singh, follows the Hindu festival of Holi by one day. × On this three-day grand festival, mock battles, exhibitions, display of weapons, etc., are held followed by kirtan, music and poetry competitions. This festival is observed by Nihang Sikhs. They exhibit martial arts and sing their hearts out on this day, that is usually celebrated a day before Holi. Bengali Holi Holi is known as Dol Purnima in Bengal and Orissa, celebrated in most sophisticated style by using dry colours. Concoction of Chau dance, Darbari Jhumur and Nature dance to the indigenous tunes of West Bengal's wandering Baul musicians set a mood so surreal that it is hard to put it in words. × Shanti Niketan organizes a special function on Holi and celebrate using the song, dance and musical instruments. Shigmo festival, Goa Shigmo parade is a religious Hindu festival filled with colours, music, dance and floats. It depicts the life of a Goan in elaborate traditional folk dances like Ghode Modni and Fugdi performing on streets in massive troupes along the procession, showcasing the tradition of Goa. The streets of Goa during Shigmotsav are lit up with attractive décor, lively parades, delicious Goan delicacies, and music and dance performances. Yaoshang Festival In Manipur, Holi or Yaosang is celebrated for six days. It starts on the day of the full moon and combines Hindu and indigenous traditions. The highlight of the festival is the Thabal chongba, a Manipuri folk dance that is performed during. To add to the traditions and maintain uniformity, the Hindus of Manipur play this festival with colours too. Manjal Kuli or Ukuli, Kerala Kerala celebrates its own version of Holi in the form of Ukuli or Manjal Kuli. The festival is not so popular across the state, however, it is the traditional celebration that is prevalent amongst the Konkani and Kudumbi communities in the region that shouldn't be missed. The primary colour used in Manjal Kulli is turmeric. Phakuwah, Assam Assamese called Holi as Phagwah which is celebrated with a lot of joy and excitement for 2 days. On the 1st day, mud huts are burnt representing the fable of Holika Dahan. On the 2ndday, the natives make merry it with colours similar to others! Rang Panchami, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh Color merriment happens on the 5th-day post-Holika Dahan and is known as Rang Panchami. Huge processions of coloured people march in the city and celebrate Rang Panchami which is also known as Holi Krishna. Udaipur: Royal Holika Dahan In Udaipur, the festival of Holi spells class and imperiality. From Holika Dahan, fireworks to spraying colours, all rituals and celebration take place. Holika Dahan marks the beginning of Holi celebration in India. It takes place in City Palace in Udaipur. The royal family of the Mewar dynasty is keeping their annual tradition alive till date. ×

Different types of Holi celebrations in India

<p>Chandra badani kholo dwar/Tihare Manmohan thare hai Holi khelne ko ( Open the door, moon/ Krishna is waiting to play Holi )&rsquo;</p>

<p>On a cold afternoon in March, women&rsquo;s voices reverberate in the foothills of the Panchachuli peaks. It has rained in the morning, and the sky is still overcast. &nbsp;As I draw closer to the panchayat office of Sarmoli village of Munsiari block in Pithoragarh district, the rhythm of the dholak becomes louder. As soon as I cross a mountain bend, I see dozens of women moving in a circle and singing songs of Holi under a wide open sky, in the shadows of the Himalayas.</p>

<p>In the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Holi, which began on March 8 this year, is more than just about colours &ndash; it is a festival of songs and music, of rhythm and melody. The region celebrates different forms of Holi, all of them musical. It is a time when women as well as men transform into melodious Holiyars &ndash; those who sing songs of Holi.</p>

<p>Long gatherings ( baithaks ) are called &lsquo;Baithki Holi&rsquo; and are popular across the towns and villages of Kumaon. Women have their baithaks in homes. They sing songs in Hindi, Brajbhasha, Awadhi and Kumaoni, to the accompaniment of the harmonium, tabla and drums.</p>

<p>&ldquo;This is the time when we laugh, have fun, sing loudly and dance. Other times, we remain busy with our farming, children and cattle. Through these songs, we also make fun of each other or speak of scandals of the village. Unless you see them dancing, you won&rsquo;t believe these are the same women who work so hard in the hills with their face down,&rdquo; says Sundari Lachpal of Sarmoli.</p>

<p>Baithki Holi is said to date back to the mid-19th century, when renowned musician Ustad Amanullah Khan from Rampur district in Uttar Pradesh, introduced it to Almora. &ldquo;It is said that around 1850, Khan came to Almora and initiated classical music here,&rdquo; says Naveen Bisht, a Holiyar in Almora. &ldquo;But even people with no knowledge of Hindustani classical music can learn and sings songs of Holi, which is why the tradition of Holiyar is still alive.&rdquo;</p>

<p>According to the Hindu calendar, Holi in Kumaon starts in December, on the first day of the month of Paush. But celebrations really pick up only in March, a week before Dhaulendi, or the day of Holi with colours. Around this time, Baithki Holi transforms into Khadi Holi &ndash; standing and dancing to celebrate the advent of spring. In some villages, the women visit each house in the village and dance to the songs of Holi.</p>

<p>Then there is Mahila Holi, also celebrated exclusively by women in homes and temples a week before the day of Holi. The women gather, dance and sing songs to the gods, to Radha-Krishna, Ganesh and Shiv.</p>

<p>In early March, I attended three Mahila Holi celebrations in the villages of Munsiari block of Pithoragarh district. This photo essay documents the festivities in chilly Munsiari (&lsquo;place of snow&rsquo;) &ndash; located 2,270 metres above sea level &ndash; and records the songs of Holi sung by Kumaoni women.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Women dance and sing songs outside the Panchayat office in Sarmoli (Others)</p>
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<p>Sundari Lachpal beats the dholak , while other women move around in circles and sing songs of Holi outside the panchayat office in Sarmoli. The ribbons tied to the drum are a homage to Ishta Devta, a deity.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>women apply gulal on each other&#39;s forhead. (Others)</p>
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<p>As soon as women arrive at the panchayat office, others apply gulal on their forehead &ndash; as the celebrations progress, so does the spread of gulal.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Mahila Holi continues in Sarmoli for five days. An 8 years old, plays the cymbals with enthusiasm. (Others)</p>
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<p>Heera Devi takes the drum from Sundari Lachpal. The women take turns to dance, while Bhavesh Singh, 8, plays the cymbals with enthusiasm. Mahila Holi continues in Sarmoli for five days.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Pakodas, halwa , chips and tea are served during the celebrations. (Others)</p>
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<p>Steaming hot tea for around 50 women is being made on the fire. Pakodas, halwa , chips and tea are served to everyone. Groups of people in the different hamlets take turns to arrange the food for a day as the Mahila Holi celebrations pass on to other hamlets. &ldquo; The celebrations are organised by the women &ndash; in one part of the village one day, in another part the next day and it goes on, so that everyone has a chance to host Holi. The finances are also shared equally by everyone,&rdquo; says Manju Tripathi of Ghorpatta Malla village.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Women of Ghorpatta Malla celebrate Baithki Holi by singing songs about Radha-Krishna, Shiv and Ganesh. (Others)</p>
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<p>The dholak and tambourine are essential parts of a Kumaoni Holi. (Others)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>A seven-year old Chetna Singh dances during Khadi Holi (Others)</p>
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<p>Khadi Holi comes after Baithki Holi &ndash; here, Manju Tripathi, the host of the day, dances to melodies of Holi, as does seven-year old Chetna Singh.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Women from different regions come together inside the one-room office of Maati Sangathan to celebrate Mahila Holi. (Others)</p>
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<p>In Sarmoli, the women of Darkot, Nansem, Naya Basti, Sarmoli and Sankdhura huddle together inside the one-room office of Maati Sangathan, a network of women that organises homestays to celebrate Mahila Holi. It has just started to snow outside</p>

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<p>The women apply gulal to each other, while many others begin to arrive regardless of the rain and snow. (Others)</p>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/hp10-20180303045347.jpg" />
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<p>villages of Munsiari are covered in snow. (Others)</p>
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<p>On March 10, the villages of Munsiari are covered in snow, while the ivory peaks of Panchachuli watch over the celebrations as the melodies continue to reverberate amid the &nbsp;mountains&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>This <a href="rel=" target="blank">article</a> was originally published on March 17, 2017, in <a href="https://ruralindiaonline.org/">People&#39;s Archive of Rural India</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


In the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, different types of Holi are celebrated. The festivities are a time for the women in the villages here to sing and dance, and celebrate the advent of spring.

Chandra badani kholo dwar/Tihare Manmohan thare hai Holi khelne ko ( Open the door, moon/ Krishna is waiting to play Holi )’ On a cold afternoon in March, women’s voices reverberate in the foothills of the Panchachuli peaks. It has rained in the morning, and the sky is still overcast. As I draw closer to the panchayat office of Sarmoli village of Munsiari block in Pithoragarh district, the rhythm of the dholak becomes louder. As soon as I cross a mountain bend, I see dozens of women moving in a circle and singing songs of Holi under a wide open sky, in the shadows of the Himalayas. In the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Holi, which began on March 8 this year, is more than just about colours – it is a festival of songs and music, of rhythm and melody. The region celebrates different forms of Holi, all of them musical. It is a time when women as well as men transform into melodious Holiyars – those who sing songs of Holi. Long gatherings ( baithaks ) are called ‘Baithki Holi’ and are popular across the towns and villages of Kumaon. Women have their baithaks in homes. They sing songs in Hindi, Brajbhasha, Awadhi and Kumaoni, to the accompaniment of the harmonium, tabla and drums. “This is the time when we laugh, have fun, sing loudly and dance. Other times, we remain busy with our farming, children and cattle. Through these songs, we also make fun of each other or speak of scandals of the village. Unless you see them dancing, you won’t believe these are the same women who work so hard in the hills with their face down,” says Sundari Lachpal of Sarmoli. Baithki Holi is said to date back to the mid-19th century, when renowned musician Ustad Amanullah Khan from Rampur district in Uttar Pradesh, introduced it to Almora. “It is said that around 1850, Khan came to Almora and initiated classical music here,” says Naveen Bisht, a Holiyar in Almora. “But even people with no knowledge of Hindustani classical music can learn and sings songs of Holi, which is why the tradition of Holiyar is still alive.” According to the Hindu calendar, Holi in Kumaon starts in December, on the first day of the month of Paush. But celebrations really pick up only in March, a week before Dhaulendi, or the day of Holi with colours. Around this time, Baithki Holi transforms into Khadi Holi – standing and dancing to celebrate the advent of spring. In some villages, the women visit each house in the village and dance to the songs of Holi. Then there is Mahila Holi, also celebrated exclusively by women in homes and temples a week before the day of Holi. The women gather, dance and sing songs to the gods, to Radha-Krishna, Ganesh and Shiv. In early March, I attended three Mahila Holi celebrations in the villages of Munsiari block of Pithoragarh district. This photo essay documents the festivities in chilly Munsiari (‘place of snow’) – located 2,270 metres above sea level – and records the songs of Holi sung by Kumaoni women. Women dance and sing songs outside the Panchayat office in Sarmoli (Others) × Sundari Lachpal beats the dholak , while other women move around in circles and sing songs of Holi outside the panchayat office in Sarmoli. The ribbons tied to the drum are a homage to Ishta Devta, a deity. women apply gulal on each other's forhead. (Others) × As soon as women arrive at the panchayat office, others apply gulal on their forehead – as the celebrations progress, so does the spread of gulal. Mahila Holi continues in Sarmoli for five days. An 8 years old, plays the cymbals with enthusiasm. (Others) × Heera Devi takes the drum from Sundari Lachpal. The women take turns to dance, while Bhavesh Singh, 8, plays the cymbals with enthusiasm. Mahila Holi continues in Sarmoli for five days. Pakodas, halwa , chips and tea are served during the celebrations. (Others) × Steaming hot tea for around 50 women is being made on the fire. Pakodas, halwa , chips and tea are served to everyone. Groups of people in the different hamlets take turns to arrange the food for a day as the Mahila Holi celebrations pass on to other hamlets. “ The celebrations are organised by the women – in one part of the village one day, in another part the next day and it goes on, so that everyone has a chance to host Holi. The finances are also shared equally by everyone,” says Manju Tripathi of Ghorpatta Malla village. Women of Ghorpatta Malla celebrate Baithki Holi by singing songs about Radha-Krishna, Shiv and Ganesh. (Others) × The dholak and tambourine are essential parts of a Kumaoni Holi. (Others) × A seven-year old Chetna Singh dances during Khadi Holi (Others) × Khadi Holi comes after Baithki Holi – here, Manju Tripathi, the host of the day, dances to melodies of Holi, as does seven-year old Chetna Singh. Women from different regions come together inside the one-room office of Maati Sangathan to celebrate Mahila Holi. (Others) × In Sarmoli, the women of Darkot, Nansem, Naya Basti, Sarmoli and Sankdhura huddle together inside the one-room office of Maati Sangathan, a network of women that organises homestays to celebrate Mahila Holi. It has just started to snow outside The women apply gulal to each other, while many others begin to arrive regardless of the rain and snow. (Others) × villages of Munsiari are covered in snow. (Others) × On March 10, the villages of Munsiari are covered in snow, while the ivory peaks of Panchachuli watch over the celebrations as the melodies continue to reverberate amid the mountains This article was originally published on March 17, 2017, in People's Archive of Rural India. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Melodies of Mahila Holi reverberate amid the mountains of Munsiari

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Opinion: Melodies of Mahila Holi reverberate amid the mountains of Munsiari