Celebrate Holi Festival 2023 in an unforgettable way with a visit to India’s Golden Triangle Tour! Travel from Delhi to Jaipur, Agra and then Udaipur and enjoy the vibrant festivities of this ancient Hindu celebration. Read on to find out more about this amazing tour package, complete with all the details you need to make your trip one to remember!
Introduction to Holi Festival
Holi is a spring festival also known as the “festival of colors” or the “festival of love”. It is an ancient Hindu religious festival which has become popular with non-Hindus in many parts of South Asia, as well as people of other communities outside Asia.
The Holi festival is celebrated in India, Nepal, Pakistan and other countries with a significant Hindu population. It usually falls in March and sometimes in February. The first day is known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) or Choti Holi (small Holi) and the second as Rangwali Holi, Dhuleti, Dhulandi or Phagwah.
Holi celebrates the triumph of good over evil. According to legend, on this day the demon king Hiranyakashipu was killed by his own son Prahlada who remained devoted to Lord Vishnu. In another story, it marks the death of Holika, sister of the demon king Hiranyakashyapu who tried to kill Prahlada but ended up burning herself instead.
The festival also signifies the beginning of spring and is thus a celebration of new life. On this day people forget their enmities and come together to play with colors and water balloons. They drench each other with colored water and spray colored powder all over each other till they look like rainbow human beings!
History of Holi Festival
Holi is a Hindu spring festival, also known as the “festival of colors” or the “festival of love”. The Holi festival is celebrated in India, Nepal and other countries with a large Hindu population. It is a two-day event and usually falls in March.
The first day is known as Holika Dahan or Choti Holi and marks the burning of Holika, the demoness. This signifies the victory of good over evil. The second day, Rangwali Holi, is when people celebrate by spraying colored powder and water at each other.
The origins of Holi are found in ancient Hindu texts such as the Puranas. According to legend, Holika was the sister of Hiranyakashipu, a demonic king who could not be killed by either man or beast. Hiranyakashipu’s son, Prahlad, was a devotee of Lord Vishnu and refused to worship his father’s deity, Holika.
Enraged, Hiranyakashipu ordered that Prahlad be burned alive in a fire with Holika. However, thanks to Lord Vishnu’s intervention, Prahlad remained unscathed while Holika perished. This story is commemorated through the Holika Dahan ritual on the first day of Holi.
Explore 5 Nights 6 Days Golden Triangle Tours at Holi festival 2023
Planning the Trip: Golden Triangle Tour With Udaipur
To make the most of your Holi celebration, it’s important to plan your trip in advance. The Golden Triangle Tour with Udaipur as the destination is the perfect way to experience all that India has to offer during this festive time.
This comprehensive tour covers Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Udaipur – giving you a well-rounded view of North India. Plus, Udaipur is an excellent choice for celebrating Holi given its reputation as the “City of Lakes.” With its stunning architecture and natural beauty, Udaipur provides the perfect backdrop for this colorful festival.
When planning your trip, be sure to keep the following in mind:
1. Travel dates: The best time to visit India for Holi is during March. This is when the festival is typically celebrated. However, keep in mind that while weather conditions are ideal during this time of year, hotels and tourist attractions will be more crowded than usual. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider traveling before or after peak season.
2. Budget: A Golden Triangle Tour with Udaipur as the destination can be done on any budget. However, keep in mind that prices will be higher during peak season (March). If you’re looking to save money, consider traveling before or after peak season.
3. Accommodations: There are a variety of accommodation options available throughout Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Udaipur. From luxury hotels to budget guesthouses, you should have no problem finding a place to stay that fits your needs and budget.
4. Transport: Depending on the length of your trip, you may need to arrange for transportation from one destination to another. Trains and buses are the two most popular forms of transport in India, however they can be crowded during peak season (March). To avoid the crowds, consider hiring a private car or taxi.
Remember to plan your trip in advance to ensure the best possible experience during this festive time of year!
Must See Attractions in Udaipur
1. The City Palace: Situated right in the center of Lake Pichola, this white marble and granite palace is a sight to behold. Built over a period of 400 years by the Mewar Dynasty, it is now a luxury hotel operated by the Taj Group.
2. Jag Mandir: Also situated on an island in Lake Pichola, this 17th-century palace was used as a summer retreat by the maharajas of Udaipur. It is now open to the public as a museum and restaurant.
3. Fateh Sagar Lake: This man-made lake was built in 1678 AD by Maharana Jai Singh and is one of the four main lakes in Udaipur. It is surrounded by three islands, two of which house public parks with gardens and fountains.
4. Sajjangarh Fort: Built in 1599 AD on top of a hill overlooking Udaipur, this fort was originally intended to be a royal palace but was never completed due to a shortage of funds. It now serves as a wildlife sanctuary and offers stunning views of the city below.
5. Bagore Ki Haveli: This 18th-century haveli (traditional Indian mansion) was once the residence of a powerful merchant family from Rajasthan. It has since been converted into a museum showcasing the culture and history of the region.
Activities to Do During Holi Festival 2023
Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated all over India with great fanfare. The main event takes place in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, where huge crowds congregate to throw colored powder and water at each other. However, the festival is also celebrated throughout the country, and there are many different activities to enjoy during Holi.
In Gujarat, for example, people often play traditional games such as Holi Khel (a form of tag) and Dahi Handi (a game involving breaking a pot of curdled milk suspended high above the ground). In Maharashtra, people celebrate by making special dishes such as puran poli (flatbreads stuffed with sweetened lentils) and throwing color powder at each other.
Down south in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, people celebrate Holi by lighting bonfires and singing religious songs. In fact, the whole state of Kerala comes to a standstill on Holi as everyone revels in the festivities!
So whatever part of India you find yourself in during Holi, there’s sure to be some fun activities to take part in. And if you’re lucky enough to be visiting Udaipur during Holi Festival 2023, then you’re in for a real treat!
Food and Drinks to Enjoy During Holi
Holi is a festival of colors and is celebrated all over India. It is also known as the festival of love. The best way to celebrate Holi is by indulging in some traditional food and drinks. Here are some of the best food and drinks to enjoy during Holi:
1) Gujiyas: Gujiyas are fried dumplings made with maida flour and filled with sweetened khoya or mawa. They are a popular dessert during Holi and are often served with hot milk or tea.
2) Puran Poli: Puran poli is a flatbread made with whole wheat flour, stuffed with a sweet filling made from chana dal, jaggery, and spices. It is a popular Maharashtrian dish and is usually served with ghee or butter.
3) Thandai: Thandai is a refreshing drink made with milk, almonds, fennel seeds, cardamom, and pepper. It is often spiked with bhang (cannabis), which makes it even more enjoyable!
4) Bhaang Ke Pakode: Bhaang ke pakode are fritters made with besan batter and infused with bhang. They are deep-fried and make for a delicious snack during Holi celebrations.
5) Malpua: Malpua is a pancakes sweetened with jaggery or sugar syrup. It is popular in North India and is usually served with rabri or kheer.
6) Jalebi: Jalebis are deep-fried spirals made from maida flour soaked in sugar syrup. They are a popular sweet dish during Holi and are often served hot with rabri.
Where to Stay During Your Visit
Udaipur is a popular tourist destination in India, and it is especially well-known for its Holi celebrations. If you’re planning on visiting India to experience the festival, you’ll need to know where to stay. Here are some great accommodation options for your trip:
The Taj Lake Palace is a luxurious hotel located on Lake Pichola. It was once a royal palace, and it has been featured in several films, including Octopussy. The hotel offers stunning views of the lake and the city, and it’s the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring Udaipur.
The Oberoi Udaivilas is another luxurious option, located on the banks of Lake Pichola. The Oberoi Group is known for its excellent service, and this hotel does not disappoint. You’ll enjoy beautiful views of the lake and the city from your room, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay.
If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, The Leela Palace Udaipur is a great option. This hotel is located just outside of the city center, so you’ll have easy access to all of the sights and sounds of Udaipur without being right in the middle of the action. The property features an outdoor pool and several restaurants, making it a great choice for those who want to relax during their visit.
Tips for Celebrating Holi Safely
1. Avoid using chemical colors: Chemical colors can cause skin irritation and other problems. If you must use them, make sure to test them on a small area of skin first.
2. Wear old clothes: Holi colors can be very difficult to remove from clothing. Wearing old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained is a good idea.
3. Protect your eyes: The colors can be very irritating to the eyes. Make sure to wear sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes.
4. Protect your skin: Apply some coconut oil or other oil to your skin before playing with colors. This will help protect your skin from irritation.
5. Drink plenty of water: Playing with colors can be dehydrating, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day .
6. Avoid water fights: Water fights can be fun, but try to avoid them if possible as they can increase the spread of germs and bacteria.
7. Wash off the colors: Make sure to wash off the colors thoroughly with soap and water when done playing with them.
Conclusion
Celebrating Holi in India is an experience like no other. With the Udaipur Golden Triangle Tour, you can see some of the most stunning landmarks in India while also experiencing one of its oldest and most vibrant festivals. From taking a dip in the sacred ghats to participating in traditional celebrations, this tour will be sure to give you memories that will last a lifetime. What are you waiting for? Plan your epic Holi celebration with us today!