MADHYA PRADESH SHOWERED IN THE COLOURS OF HOLI AND HOSPITALITY

Madhya Pradesh kicks into gear to embrace the joie de vivre of Holi at its brightest and best in an extravaganza of spiritual rites and community camaraderie.

Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Department and Managing Director, MP Tourism Board Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla (IAS) recently put the spotlight on how Madhya Pradesh stands as a beacon of cultural diversity and spiritual heritage, inviting everyone to partake in its mesmerizing Holi celebrations, creating memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Madhya Pradesh, ‘The Heart of Incredible India’, celebrates each festival with a blend of local customs and personal touch. Kicking off the blues of winter it now drenching itself in the colours and spirit of reawakening of Spring. The vibrant festival of Holi, which heralds the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil, will be celebrated on March 25, 2024. The day before Holi is celebrated as Holika Dahan, also known as Choti Holi, which is March 24, 2024. In Madhya Pradesh the festivities spill over two days with the first largely dedicated to temple visits and bonfires attended by sacred rites of Holika Dahan; the second day is an explosion of colour and community amity and gorging on traditional Holi treats like Gujiya and Laddoos and enjoying beverages like thandai.

Rang Barse

The jyotirlinga shrines of Mahakal Lok in Ujjain, and Ekatm Dham (Statue of Oneness) in Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, offer some exceptional experiences to reinforce the spiritual of rejuvenation of devotees and visitors alike.

Heartening measures taken by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board to encourage local traditional and cultural values by empowering local communities, add that extra heft for immersive engagement for travellers from all over the globe during the vibrant festivities of Holi.

Madhya Pradesh’s Bhagoriya Festival, is a precious legacy of immense cultural value, involving an array of sacred rituals is performed by the state’s Bhil tribe in various parts of the state, during the harvest period.

At Mahakal Lok devotees gather from all over India to plunge into the frantic revelry in the divine presence of Lord Shiva, where Madhya Pradesh’s first Holika Dahan is held. The ritual invloves a symbolic burning of Holika, a demoness and sister of King Hiranyakashipu.

Sethani Ghat in Narmadapuram district, is the venue for the grand Maha Aarti by the sacred waters of the Narmada River adding to the rich atmospherics of the spiritual vibe of the colorful festivities.

Chhindwara’s Meghnad Fair brings together throngs of Maharashtrian communities to apply the colours of Holi to Lord Mahadev—in a fantastic emblematic spirit of unity and convivial harmony.

During the Indore Gair lakhs of visitors each year converge at the Rajwada Palace on Rang Panchmi to enjoy the sheer abandonment of a joyful Holi. The origin of Gair dates back to the reign of the Holkar dynasty when members of the royal family would join the common people on the streets to play Holi, class barriers notwithstanding. Bullock carts are loaded with herbal colours as people smear each other with gulal and joy.

Music aficionados come together in Gwalior to savour an electrifying performance by the Saregama Music Group at Shinde Ki Chhawni Mall.

In the Bundelkhand region, Orchha, is witness to passionate scenes of Holi excess of colours and veneration at the Ram Raja Darbar.