Kumaoni Holi

Kumaoni Holi is unlike Holi celebrations anywhere else in India. It begins with Basant Panchami and extends till the day after Dulhendi (Rangwali Holi), making it a nearly two-month-long celebration. The first phase is Baithak Holi - a refined, classical music-based celebration where people gather in homes and sing Holi songs in ragas appropriate to the time of day, accompanied by tabla, harmonium, and manjira. This is followed by Khari Holi where people stand and dance in processions through the streets of Almora singing boisterous Holi songs. Mahila Holi is exclusively for women. The celebrations in Almora's centuries-old bazaars are particularly famous. Prominent venues include the historic Almora town, Nainital, and Ranikhet.