An experience with exceptional festival of Holi at Uttarakhand.

Holi, a festival of colors that we all celebrate with great joy. Playing with gulal is a common practice during the Holi festival. However, I experienced a unique celebration in Uttarakhand. Just before Holi, during my brief visit to Ranikhet, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring each tourist spot and learning about their significance. While visiting the Haida Khan Babaji Temple, I was eager to capture videos and photos for my travel blog. As I was leaving through the gate, I noticed an elderly gentleman sitting on the veranda wearing a white kurta pyjama set with colors sprinkled on his attire. Assuming someone had thrown colors at him from a distance, I approached him with a smile and inquired about his presence. His eyes gleamed with anticipation as he shared his story with me.

 Nearby, a group of women dressed in white and red sarees entered a neighboring house. The gentleman explained the traditional Pahadi style of Holi celebration, which typically occurs a day after the main Holi celebration in the plains. Locals gather at friends' houses to sing traditional songs accompanied by Dholak. Villagers from remote hilly areas also gather at temples to sing and dance, showcasing their local arts. I was fascinated by the unique way Holi is celebrated in Ranikhet. The gentleman, now 75 years old, shared his personal details with me, revealing that his mother is 117 years old. 

Despite his age, he navigates the hilly terrain freely, embracing a healthy lifestyle and enthusiastically participating in festivals. I admired his honesty and the distinctiveness of Holi celebrations in Ranikhet, where women and girls predominantly wear red and white attire, reflecting the market's display of similar color combinations.

Additionally, I observed that while the community celebrates with song and dance accompanied by Dholak music, they symbolically apply gulal on the forehead rather than throwing it wildly at others. 

I was captivated by the joyous atmosphere of Holi celebrations in Ranikhet and Almora, where I even joined a group of ladies in traditional dances. Witnessing the simplicity and traditionality of local celebrations left me astonished. It's a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of India, and I encourage others to experience firsthand how festivals are deeply ingrained in each region's life. I felt privileged to interact and partake in their personal celebrations.Is it not an amazing experience of traveling ?