Rang Barse: How Holi Is Celebrated Across The Country

Take a look at how the festival of colours is celebrated across he country.

Holi hai...as they say!

We are a country known for our 13 festivals in 12 months. Holi is one of the crazier ones in the list.
The colours smeared all over our faces, the sudden splashes of water, and the bhaang and the mithaai...what else you need.

Here are some states that celebrate Holi with a unique dash of colour.

If in Bihar, be prepared to be thrown into a pond of cow dung during the celebrations. The phrase Bura Na Maano Holi Hai stands true here. (Photo: Reuters)

Amidst countless temples and ghaats, Holi celebrations take place in full swing in Varanasi. Banarasi Holi is the talk of the town just like the sarees and the popular paan. (Photo: PTI)

In Mathura and Vrindavan, the celebrations begin 40 days before Holi, i.e. on the day of Vasant Panchami. The procession with music and colours on Holi is a major attraction. (Photo: Reuters)

In Anandpur Sahib, an annual fair known as the Hola Mohalla is held where Sikhs showcase their physical agility including martial art skills, wrestling, and acrobatic military exercises. (Photo: Reuters)

Barsana, a small village in UP has a pretty unique way of celebrating Holi...Here, women take charge and hit men with sticks (lath). The festival is also called ‘Lathmar Holi’ and takes place a week before Holi. (Photo: AP Photo)

In Jaipir, an elephant festival usually begins on Holi eve. Elephant beauty contests, elephant parades, folk dances, and a tug-of-war between elephants, all happens in Rajasthan. (Photo: Reuters)