Three Holi Celebrations Happening in India That Should be Under Every Backpacker's Radar This Year

As the warmth in the air heightens with the onset of spring, India gears up to celebrate the festival of colours, Holi. The colourful festival is the only time when you can paint the town red, quite literally. People drenched to the core, painted in the brightest of hues, the air filled with vibrant music and the inviting aroma of gujiyas and jalebis permeating the air are some of things that bring out the kid in everybody. The festival brings so much positivity with it that even if you play a prank, nobody takes offence.

Kyunki, bura na mano, Holi hai!

If you are a backpacker who enjoys exploring new destinations, this may be the best time to pack your rucksack, check into a lively hostel and soak in the Holi vibe. While this festival is celebrated across India, there are three destinations that are a must-visit during Holi. Each of these cities has a distinct style of celebrating the festival that may match your personality, and hence, may just be the place to head to this Holi.

Enjoy a picture-perfect Holi in Varanasi

Varanasi has a special place in the heart of every photographer and backpacker. The ghats, narrow alleys, street food and the Ganga aarti provide the perfect frame for a spectacular footage. When all this gets soaked in the Holi spirit, it takes Varanasi and its photogenic appeal to another level. For portrait and street photographers, capturing the rituals of Holika Dahan, on the previous night before Holi and witnessing the streets with colourful faces the next day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Where to stay

goSTOPS Varanasi is located very close to the famed Varanasi ghats to help you soak in the true Benaras flavour without having to go the extra mile. The brightly coloured hostel is the perfect place for the photographer and backpacker in you. The super comfy 6, 8 and 14-bed dormitories are the best places to meet fellow backpackers. If you are the kind who prefers privacy, there are deluxe double-bed private rooms too. The splash of colour in the common room is bound to lift your mood and when paired with board games, a 24x7 cafe, and high-speed free WiFi, you know you’ve landed at the right spot.

As a backpacker, you need a budget-friendly and lively hostel to stay in order to enjoy the festival of colours and goSTOPS Varanasi is that one place that matches the colourful street vibe outside with the decor inside.

Click here to know all about goSTOPS Varanasi and book your stay.

Experience a regal Holi in Udaipur

Udaipur, the pride of Mewar and the ‘City of Lakes’ has its own Holi feel. The regal city and the erstwhile royal family have a special way of celebrating the festival which starts with the Holika Dahan the night before the main festivities. The celebrations continue with a procession to Manek Chowk within the City Palace complex. The next day, the temples around the town stand decorated and locals are out on the streets mingling with travellers and locals alike.

Where to stay

For a backpacker looking for a relaxing and fun Holi experience, goSTOPS Udaipur is the place to be. Situated right in the centre of the city, with a view of Lake Pichola from the rooftop, goSTOPS Udaipur is located very close to all the popular tourist spots in the city. With an eight-bed female dorm and private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, this hostel is a great place to jam with fellow backpackers and enjoy the relaxed pace of Udaipur’s Holi celebrations. Did I tell you about breakfast on the terrace and the free high-speed WiFi?

Click here to check out goSTOPS Udaipur and all that it offers.

Get a taste of a gastronomic Holi in Pushkar

Pushkar, a small town adjacent to Ajmer, has been a popular backpacker’s paradise owing to its amazing vibe and delectable food. Come festival time, the best of food, drinks and sweets are what makes Pushkar a haven for foodies. From piping hot kachoris and jalebis just off the kadhai to creamy soft malpuas soaked in syrup, Pushkar will leave you craving for more. While alcohol and non-vegetarian food are strictly prohibited, bhang is always an indispensable part of Holi in Puskhkar.

The kapda phaad (tearing the men's clothes) Holi tradition adds flavour to the celebrations here as you can hardly see fully-clothed men at the peak of the fervour. At the end of the day, torn clothes hanging on wires in the middle of the street is not an uncommon sight.

Where to stay

Just a few minutes away from Pushkar Lake, goSTOPS is at the heart of this unique town that effortlessly blends spirituality and an alluring mysticism. While multiple cafes surround goSTOPS, it is best to step out and savour the authentic street food of Pushkar. After a session of pure gluttony, come back to the comfort of the dorm rooms or private rooms and relax in the common area while playing board games and making new friends. Ultra-modern bathrooms, laundry services, 24x7 security and free WiFi make goSTOPS the preferred destination for all backpackers heading to Pushkar.

All the information to book goSTOPS for your Holi trip to Pushkar is right here.

Make the most of the colours of the oncoming spring and feel them seep into you at one of the legendary Holi celebrations in these iconic locations. A comfy, young and budget-friendly place to come back to after a long day enhances your experience of any place and goSTOPS ensures that you have a memorable stay, to keep you coming back for more. Where are you heading to this Holi?

In association with goSTOPS.

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