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HOLI is just around the corner and we can't keep calm! Considered to be the second most popular festival of India (after Diwali), Holi is definitely a colorful and cheerful festival loved by many. Traditionally speaking, this festival marks the end of winter and a foray into spring and also celebrates the victory of good over evil. One of the most popular Holi stories we have been hearing is that of Holika, Hiranakashyap's sister who was killed by Prahlad owing to her evil intentions. It is celebrated on Phalgun Purnima which occurs around the month of March.
Coming back to the grand celebration though, Holi is all about letting go of all inhibitions and just diving head on into the madness of colors, water guns, Bhaang, Gujiyas, and music. It's about sharing the love with your fraternity, sans the rowdiness that some people tend to indulge in as well.
PREPARING FOR HOLI
People start preparing for Holi way in advance owing to the exciting nature of the festival. Stocks of water guns and balloons, Made to order mithais and Gujiyas, special food and music arrangements, flowers, and colors (we recommend only natural colors), and travel arrangements, in case you are heading out for a special Holi (we will talk about the best Holi celebration destinations in Delhi in a while too, keep reading!). Honestly, if you have been celebrating Holi you might be well aware that there are absolutely no limits in this festival. You will get drenched in color that refuses to leave your skin for ages, there will be balloons and water guns showered from all sides if you step out, and your skin and hair might just turn a different shade of green or pink for a while. Although a lot of it cannot be escaped, the extent of damage can be minimized by taking some skin and hair care precautions before stepping out into the battlefield.
Here are some pro tips-
- Always apply oil (coconut or almond) generously on your hair and body before you start playing. It will be easier to get rid of the color.
- Keep your valuables and phone sealed in plastic, imagine the loss that can happen if your phone or money takes a dive into a pool of colors.
- Use only natural colors and flowers to minimize damage to your skin.
- Wear old clothes in and out. Most outfits are only good to dump post Holi.
- Stay covered and wear cotton if possible, to avoid allergies and rashes that can happen in the crazy concoction of chemical colors, synthetic clothes, and water.
- There will be water, so choose clothes that don't become see-through when wet to avoid any embarrassing situations.
THE BEST HOLI DESTINATIONS IN INDIA
Our cultural heritage is our pride and HOLI being such an important festival holds special meaning in different parts of the country. If you are the wandering soul that is looking for an unusual and special Holi by heading out, here are some of the best HOLI DESTINATIONS IN INDIA that you can check out for a mesmerizing and unique experience-
GOA
The festival is called Shigmostav here. Festivities start off with prayers and proceed with cultural dramas, processions, dances and finally, gulal play on the fifth day. It attracts hoards of tourists from all over the world so book in advance!
MATHURA AND VRINDAVAN
These places are the Holy Grail of Holi celebrations The land of Krishna sees the most elaborate Holis with everyone playing with everyone out on the streets. There are so many special Pujas, singing, dancing and lots of colour and water play. The Banke-Bihari Temple in Vrindavan hosts week-long Holi celebrations. The event here takes place just a day before the main Holi festival and the temple opens up its doors to all visitors to come and play Holi.
BARSANA
The place in Uttar Pradesh is well known for its Lath mar holi where women hit men with sticks playfully as a part of the celebrations. If you have a knack for these extreme versions of celebration, Barsana is the place to be!
SHANTINIKETAN
The Holi festival is celebrated as Basanta Utsav or Spring Festival in Shantiniketan, West Bengal. Students of Vishva Bharati University dress up in yellow color and present some wonderful folk dances and cultural programs followed by the throwing of colors. These festivities were started by Rabindranath Tagore and are an important part of our heritage.
ANANDPUR SAHIB
Sikhs celebrate Holi (called as Hola Mohalla) in their own style at Anandpur Sahib, Punjab. While the vibrant Holi festival boasts of sprinkling colors, Hola Mohalla takes the form of demonstrating martial skills in simulated battles over a three day festival.
JAIPUR AND UDAIPUR
Experience a royal taste this Holi with celebrations in the princely state of Rajasthan. Over a span of two days, the people along with royalty of these cities display not just color play but also their heritage with Holika dehan, color play shows, animal races and much more.
Now that you are well prepared for Holi, let's help you with some OUTFIT IDEAS TO LOOK YOUR BEST THIS HOLI-
1. THE WHITE SAREE
Yashraj movies have made the white saree an epitome of sensuality, even on Holi. Groove to the beats of Rang Barse in this sheer, sexy white saree teamed up with a colorful blouse and pompoms on the border that look Oh-So-Right for holi!
2. THE CLASSIC ALL WHITE SUIT
Bollywood has taught us to keep it pristine white on Holi as it takes on the shades of the festival perfectly. But adding a dark, contrasting dupatta to an all white suit can make all the style difference you need!
3. WHITE PRINTED GOWN
It's a delicate and feminine option, ideal for those who aren't planning to go too wild on Holi. Add some oxidized silver jewelry and make the perfect style statement.
4. GO FLORAL
Nothing beats a floral outfit on Holi. Pick a floral saree with a matching blouse or Choose a suit from the lighter shades such as creams, beiges, peach and other pastels if white isn't your thing. A matching, flowing floral dupattas is definitely a head turner this Holi. Add floral jewelry if you like to jazz things up too!
You can even try something like a coordinated floral palazzo and kurti set to quirk things up a bit!
5. THE WHITE SKIRT
How about teaming up a white skirt with a stark dark blouson? It keeps your modesty in place while giving one of the classiest Holi looks ever. For the after party, when things are sobered and you just plan to eat, dance, drink and be merry, opt for a heavier version of this look and go ethnic boho!
6. SHORT AND SWEET
If Deepika Padukone' Balam pichkari is your ideal style then how about this short printed kurti that you can team up with Payjamas, denims, shorts or pants? It's minimal and yet the most practical Holi look you can go for.
7. THE AFTER PARTY LOOK
If you are heading to one of those high class farmhouse or hotel holi parties then be prepared to look your absolute royal best with some classy white or pastel options. Formal straight kurti suits and even anarkalis are all the rage and these options below are bound to give you that PAGE3 party popper look this holi.
As these are mostly day time parties, we say you skip the saree and stick to elegant suits that allow easy movement and playfulness throughout as you make merry!
Now that we have given you all the insight on how to have the BEST HOLI EVER, do let us know your special Holi celebration ideas too!
