I had heard so much about the festival of Holi before I moved to India, but had never experienced it first-hand. And when I actually did, I realised that this festival of colours is in fact one of the most fun and exciting festivals in India.
For my first Holi in the country, I happened to be in Varanasi, one of the most sacred cities in India and the experience of partaking in the festival of Holi here was enriching and amazing, to say the least.
Varanasi itself is one of those places that have to be seen to be believed. From the maze of alleyways of old Varanasi to the spectacular buildings that line along the ghats, every nook and corner of Varanasi is steeped in history and tradition. This spiritual town is one of the greatest religious sites in India.
Along the ghats of Varanasi, daily life and religious rituals exist each day in perfect harmony.
We were fortunate to be staying at a hotel overlooking the beautiful, placid Ganges. On the day of Holi, from where we stood, Varanasi looked playful and bathed in all kinds of colours. Small groups of boys wandered along the ghats, covered in vibrant hues of pink, blue and yellow. Some had funny hats on and others had painted their faces in glistening silver. Some chased their friends down the street, sprinkling bright colours on anyone and everyone they met on the way!
Looking down, it was almost like a game being played. With each hit of colour, there was laughter and a tone of mischief with each giggle. Watching the Holi celebrations from above, we could see the magnificent Ganga below, she was slowly turning from brown to pink, as people jumped in, splashed around and washed off the day.
The holy Ganga was the star of this party; she cleansed everyone and sent the remains of this party snaking down the river in a swirl of ruby, emerald and sapphire.
Later in the day, we walked along to see what had become of this spiritual city. Where once stood steely grey stone and concrete steps that had held hordes of people in solemn prayer, now there were brilliant flashes of green and red like a carpet leading to the Ganga.
Sitting at the edge of the river was a large cow. This beautiful, stately creature now looked like a brightly painted statue, with splatters of Holi covering her from head to hoof. Looking majestic, the cow appeared a bit relieved that for this year the chaos of Holi was over, and spring could come and renew again.
This year, I hope to play Holi in another spiritual centre, perhaps Mathura. I look forward to seeing what it has in store for me and how it compares to the atmosphere in Varanasi.
Want to celebrate Holi in Varanasi? Choose from a variety of flights and hotels only at MakeMyTrip.com!
The Treasures I Found on the Ghats of Varanasi!
Shuchi Singh | Apr 7, 2022
Vande Bharat Express: Now, Travel from Delhi to Varanasi in Just 8 Hours!
Charu Narula Oberoi | Feb 24, 2022
Bask in the Glory of Rich Heritage at Taj Nadesar Palace, Varanasi
Charu Narula Oberoi | Oct 5, 2018
Amazing Holidays You Can Take For Under 10K This November
Arushi Chaudhary | Apr 11, 2022
You Must Try These Budget Holidays in March for Less Than 10K
Namrata Dhingra | Feb 25, 2020
Ganga Mahotsav: Varanasi at its Cultural Best
Ragini Mehra | Nov 8, 2017
That's Strange In India: Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat
Aditi Jindal | Sep 24, 2019
10 Pilgrimages in India Worth Taking At Least Once
Prachi Joshi | Sep 20, 2024
10+ Gift Ideas for Raksha Bandhan 2024 to Celebrate the Bond of Siblings!
Pallak Bhatnagar | Jun 25, 2024
12 Best Father’s Day Gift Ideas to Surprise Him!
Sanskriti Mathur | May 28, 2024
Top 11 Places to Celebrate Holi in India 2023
Pallak Bhatnagar | Mar 3, 2023
5 Reasons to Surprise Your Valentine With a Travel Gift Card
Bhavya Bhatia | Jan 18, 2023
Here’s Why Your Dubai Trip Is Incomplete Without a Visit to Expo 2020 Dubai!
Bhavya Bhatia | Feb 3, 2023
10 Country Pavilions That You Shouldn’t Miss at Expo 2020 Dubai!
Bhavya Bhatia | Feb 3, 2023
Krishna Temples in India to Visit for Holi
Neha Sharma | Mar 6, 2020
Unique Places to Celebrate Holi in India
Neha Sharma | Mar 9, 2020
Rahul | on 19 October 2018
Best Place in the world, Read More...
NITESH KUMAR | on 14 July 2018
Thanks a lot for giving proper tourist knowledge and share the different type of culture related to different places. Bharat Taxi is one of the leading taxi and cab service provider in all over India. taxi booking in varanasi can be done via few clicks on our portal, you will get an unforgettable moment while using our taxi services in Varanasi. Visit:-