by ABFRLadmin | March 14, 2025
How Spain has La Tomatina—a vibrant festival where thousands gather in the streets of Buñol to engage in the world’s biggest tomato fight, drenching each other in red pulp as a celebration of joy and togetherness—we have Holi, the festival of colours.
Holi isn’t just a festival—it’s a sensory explosion! The streets turn into a riot of colours, laughter echoes through the air, and dhol beats set the perfect rhythm for an unstoppable celebration. But what truly ties it all together? The food.
Across India, every region adds its own unique flavour, tradition, and signature dish to this festival of colours. From North India’s royal gujiyas to Bengal’s syrup-drenched malpuas, from Maharashtra’s comforting puran poli to South India’s creamy payasam, Holi is as much about indulgence as it is about revelry!
Let’s embark on a flavor-packed journey through India’s Holi feasts and see how the festival comes alive in every bite!
North India: Bold, Boisterous & Bursting with Flavour
If there’s one place where Holi is celebrated in full throttle, it’s North India. Think streets drenched in color, thandai-fueled laughter, and Bollywood beats blaring from every corner!
In Mathura and Vrindavan, the celebrations stretch for days, honoring Lord Krishna’s playful spirit. The town of Barsana takes things up a notch with Lathmar Holi, where women chase men with sticks—a tradition as fun as it sounds! Meanwhile, Rajasthan brings a regal touch, with royal palaces hosting grand Holi balls.
And amid all the craziness, one thing remains constant—the smell of fresh Gujiyas!
These deep-fried, golden dumplings ooze with khoya, nuts, and a touch of cardamom, making them the undisputed king of Holi sweets. And if you need a break from the madness? A chilled glass of Thandai, laced with saffron and spices, will cool you down and lift your spirits!
East India: A Celebration of Colours & Poetry, Served with Syrupy Sweets
Holi in East India is an artistic and elegant affair. Known as Dol Jatra in Bengal, people dress in shades of yellow, sing Rabindra Sangeet, and gently apply color to each other—a stark contrast to the playful chaos of the North. In Odisha, Holi takes the form of Dola Purnima, with beautifully adorned Krishna idols being carried through the streets.
But the real showstopper? Malpua!
These deep-fried pancakes, dunked in sugar syrup, are so delicious that one bite will make you want to dance like Radha in Vrindavan! Another East Indian delight? Pitha, a stuffed rice cake filled with jaggery and coconut, adding a touch of warmth to the festivities. With Holi in the East being a perfect blend of poetry, devotion, and desserts, every moment feels like a celebration of art, culture, and indulgence!
West India: Fire, Feasting & Flaky Puran Poli
Holi in Maharashtra and Gujarat kicks off with Holika Dahan, a huge bonfire that symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The next day, Rang Panchami takes over the streets, with people drenched in colours, dancing in full Bollywood style!
But after hours of playing with gulaal, it’s time to refuel—and that’s where Puran Poli steals the show! This delicious, ghee-drizzled flatbread, stuffed with a sweet lentil and jaggery filling, is the ultimate comfort food that tastes like nostalgia on a plate.
Maharashtrians also dig into Shrikhand, a thick, saffron-infused yogurt dessert that perfectly balances out the spice-heavy Holi feasts. And for those looking for an extra kick? A splash of chilled thandai keeps the energy going!
In the West, Holi isn’t just a festival—it’s a full-blown, fire-lit, flavor-packed fiesta!
South India: Subtle, Serene & Soaked in Sweetness
While the North drenches itself in colours and the West dances around bonfires, South India’s Holi is more about togetherness, temple rituals, and of course, incredible food.
Here, Holi is celebrated with a focus on tradition and community gatherings. While color play is more restrained, the festival is marked by family feasts and sweet indulgences. And leading the charge? Payasam!
This creamy, rich dessert—made with milk, jaggery, rice, and a medley of nuts—is South India’s answer to Holi’s sweet tooth. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala each have their own variations, but one thing remains the same—it’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Holi in the South may not be as loud as in the North, but it carries the same essence—love, laughter, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.
A Festival of Colours, A Feast of Flavors!
No matter where you are in India, Holi is more than just a festival—it’s an experience, a memory, and a tradition that ties generations together. It’s a day where food, laughter, and culture blend effortlessly, making every bite as colorful as the festival itself!
So, this Holi, don’t just play with colours—dive into the flavors of India! Whether it’s a crispy gujiya, a syrupy malpua, a warm puran poli, or a creamy payasam, every dish tells a story. And the best part? You don’t need to choose—just grab a plate and celebrate Holi, one bite at a time!
