Holi Celebration in Indian States: The festival of Holi is celebrated with great pomp throughout the country. But this festival is known by many names in different states of the country. Not only this, the way of celebrating it is also different in many states.
Punjab – Hola Mohalla
'Hola Mohalla' is celebrated a day after Holi by Nihang Sikhs in the Indian state of Punjab. The 10th Sikh Guru Guru Gobind Singh started the Hola Mohalla festival to develop the martial skills of the community. In Punjab it is also known as 'Warrior Holi'. In this the warriors display their courage.
Manipur – Yosang Festival
Yosang festival is celebrated in Manipur. This is a five day festival. This festival is celebrated to pay homage to the Lord 'Pakhangba' of Manipur. After sunset, people start the festival with the tradition of burning huts called 'Yaosang Mi Thaba'. This is exactly like Holika Dahan. After this the children go from door to door asking for donations. On the second and third day, girls ask for donations and on the last two days people celebrate the festival by spraying water and colors on each other.
Kerala – Manjul Cooley
Apart from this, a unique Holi is also played in the state of Kerala. In Kerala it is known as Manjul Kuli. On this day people gather at the Konkani temple of Gosripuram Thiruma and offer prayers. The next day, people sprinkle turmeric water on each other and dance to traditional folk songs.
Goa – Shimmo
Holi celebration in Goa is known as Shimmo. On this day people organize traditional folk dances here. Apart from this, they also dance and have fun on the road. This festival is organized to celebrate the spring season. Apart from this, the boats have been decorated on spiritual themes. Men and women celebrate it together in a special way.
Barsana-Lathmar
Lathmar Holi of Barsana village of Mathura is famous all over the world. Here there is a tradition of playing Holi not only with colors but also with sticks. It is believed that Lord Krishna had come to Barsana and teased his beloved Radha and other Gopis, hence these Gopis used to chase away the Lord with sticks, since then there is a tradition of women chasing away men with sticks during Holi.