Whether you call it a celebration of colours or a festival of uninhibited joy, an occasion to get together with loved ones or another reason to indulge in timeless mythological tales of Krishna and gopis, there’s something special about Holi for sure. And one day of playing with colours is enough to fill your entire year with joy and vibrance – provided you celebrate it the right way.
When it comes to celebrating Holi, there is no better place than the ancient towns of India, which drench your body and soul in their colours of spiritual ecstasy. So, this Holi, it’s time to fly by a private plane to these 6 “holy” places in India:
Vrindavan
Vrindavan, the childhood abode of Lord Krishna and the milieu for several of His mischiefs, celebrates Holi in a unique and incredibly enjoyable fashion. Legend has it that Krishna and his friends went to Barsana to play Holi with Radha and the gopis, but in the course of their playful banter, Radha and the gopis beat the young men with their sticks. And that’s how the tradition of Lathmar Holi came to being in this town, becoming an indelible part of its Holi rituals. Every year, the men receive friendly beatings from the women and protect themselves with shields, making it fun to watch and all the more delightful to participate in. Another remarkably unique Holi tradition in Vrindavan is the Phoolon ki Holi, wherein one ditches the traditional Holi colours for even more vibrant flowers at the Banke Bihari Temple. The nearest airport to Vrindavan is the Kheria airport in Agra.
Shantiniketan
Shantiniketan, a quaint little city near Kolkata, celebrates Holi in the most ethnically vibrant way possible. The tradition, called Basanta Utsav, is said to have been introduced back in the day by Rabindranath Tagore at his Rabindra Bharati University in Shantiniketan, and it continues to enthral visitors in its glorious celebrations. If you happen to visit Shantiniketan around Holi, you get to dress in saffron hues and sing and dance to Tagore songs along with others partaking in the event, including the University students. Of course, applying colour on each other’s faces and enjoying delectable sweets are customary. Many passionate travellers from across the country and the world visit Shantiniketan during the Holi season to make the most of this festival. If you are planning to board a private plane to Shantiniketan this Holi, the nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.
Mathura
Known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura is definitely your ticket to one of the grandest and most authentic Holi celebrations in the country. While here, you absolutely cannot miss the extravagant procession heading from Vishram Ghat to Holi Gate. It is during this procession that children dress up as Radha and Krishna and make their way to Holi Gate on chariots. This ritual is followed by Holika Dahan, or the burning of tree barks and planks signifying the end of all evil. The next day, make your way to the majestic Dwarkadish Temple, where you’re sure to be welcomed by an unparalleled Holi celebration with music, dance and absolute embrace of the myriad colours of life. So, book your private plane to Agra, the nearest airport from Mathura, this Holi and make your way to the sacred place that symbolises the true spirit of the festival.
Barsana
Our list is incomplete without the mention of Barsana, where, as we have mentioned before, Krishna, Radha, and the gopis had their playful banter, giving rise to the Lathmar Holi tradition. Undoubtedly, Barsana hosts a spectacular Lathmar Holi celebration, where women from Barsana and Nandgaon playfully beat the menfolk with sticks. But this celebration usually happens about a week before the actual day of Holi, so you would have to plan your trip in advance to be a part of all the fun. Agra airport is the nearest airport from Barsana, so fasten your seatbelts to rent a private plane to this holy destination!
Hampi
Hampi, an ancient town nestled in Karnataka, celebrates Holi in its own unique way and is the go-to place for those from Mumbai, Pune and other West Indian cities, as well as the ones living in South India, who want a quick retreat to a place that celebrates Holi in all its quintessential charm and splendour. First, on the traditional bonfire night, the locals burn a large effigy of Holika, a demon in Hindu mythology, indicating the death of evil and triumph of good. The next day, the ruins of the royal Vijayanagara Empire brighten up with multiple hues, enlivening the town in all its radiance. Smear gulaal on each other and dance to some upbeat music, followed by a feast offering traditional Indian delicacies. If you plan to fly private to Hampi this Holi, the nearest airport to this town is Vidyanagar airport.
Agra
Agra comes alive with vibrant colours and enthusiastic people around the Holi season, with joyous parades and glasses of bhang adding to the vigour. Celebrating good over evil, the festival also brings with it a promise of new harvest and hope. Enjoy dance and music and revel in unparalleled joy at this ancient city this Holi.
This Holi is your chance to explore the bright and delightful celebrations at different cities in India, becoming one with the true essence of this festival. And by renting a private plane to your preferred Holi destination, you enjoy assured privacy even during the peak festive season, spending quality time with your loved ones or just getting in the groove of the upcoming celebrations. We would love to guide you towards your next step to flying private this Holi. Click here to connect with us and get a quote for your private jet travel!