Holi is known by many names across India and different regions celebrate the festival in different ways. And one of them is the Dol Utsav.
Also known as Dol Yatra, Dol Purnima, Dol Purnima Utsav, and Dolo Jatra, the festival is celebrated in the regions of Bengal and Brij.
All That You Must Know About Dol Utsav 2025
Etymology Of Dol Utsav
In Sanskrit, the word Dol means ‘a swing’, while Utsav translates to festival’. In that sense, Dol Utsav is literally a ‘swing festival’.
This festival is a festival where the deities are carried in processions while devotees hold the deity’s swing. It honors the traditional religious service of swinging idols on a swing.
About Dol Utsav: Where Is It Celebrated?
The Dol Utsav is celebrated by different names in the region of Brij, Bengal, Tripura, Assam, and some parts of central India.
While traditionally Holi involves celebrating the day with colors and burning the effigy of Holika, it involves decorating the idols of Krishna and Radha and swinging them in palanquins as a sign of respect.
The festival is celebrated on the same day as Holi, meaning it falls on the last full moon of the Hindu Calendar. There are different legends associated with the celebration of Dol Utsav, be it Bengali Dol Utsav or that in Brij, however, the common theme is based around the love between Krishna and Radha.
In 2025, it will be celebrated on 14th March, 2025 (specifically the day of Dol).
How Is Dol Utsav Celebrated?
The first day of Dol Utsav is called ‘Gondh’. It is believed that Krishna visited Ghunucha, one of his wives on this day. People worship the idols of Krishna and Radha and sing bhajans dedicated to the undying love between the two.
Chariots, or mostly palanquins, are decorated heavily and the idols of these two deities are placed inside them. People parade around swinging these palanquins and chant ‘Hari Bol’ as a respectful chant of Lord Krishna.
Day 2 of the Dol Utsav is known by the name of Dol. Colored powder known as ‘phag’ in Bengal and ‘Abir’ in Assam and Tripura is first applied to the photos of deceased family members.
Then the powder is applied to the feet of elders as a sign of respect. After that, you are free to smear colored powder on anyone that you wish to, which marks the beginning of the traditional Holi custom as we know it today.
The festival continues for two more days – the third day is similar to the second day, while the fourth day marks the end of the festival. On the last day, another procession is arranged where people throw color at each other and the idols.
Just like Holi is celebrated across India, Dol Utsav is celebrated with great enthusiasm where people exchange sweet treats and greetings with friends and family.
Significance Of Dol Utsav In West Bengal
Dol Utsav in Kolkata and West Bengal at large is quite popular. In the state, the Shantiniketan Dol Utsav is also especially popular.
It was built by Debendranath Tagore and later expanded and popularized by the great Indian poet, philosopher, and social reformer Rabindranath Tagore. It was Rabindranath Tagore who reintroduced the masses to the Dol Yatra.
It also holds significance in the Gaudiya Vaishnavism sect which believes that the Indian saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the founder of this sect, was born on this day.
Best Places To Celebrate Dol Utsav
If you wish to get the best experience of Dol Utsav, you must definitely visit Shantiniketan or Kolkata!
Shantiniketan is situated in the Bolpur subdivision of the Birbhum District of West Bengal. On the other hand, Kolkata is a city district in West Bengal and is the smallest yet the most densely populated district in the state.
How To Reach Shantiniketan?
By Air
The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport of Kolkata is the closest airport to Shantiniketan. It is about 3 hours away at a distance of 159 kilometers (km). From the airport, you can hire a taxi or board a bus to reach Shantiniketan.
By Rail
The Bolpur Railway Station is the closest station to Shantiniketan, located about 2 to 3 kilometers away. Many trains from the Howrah Junction can take you to Bolpur, from where you can simply get a rickshaw.
By Road
Shantiniketan enjoys great connectivity to major cities and towns in West Bengal. Kolkata is about 161 kilometers away from the town and many state-run and private buses ply from the city to Shantiniketan.
How To Reach Kolkata?
By Air
Kolkata has its own international airport that is well connected with major Indian and international cities. From the airport, the city center is just 13 km away.
By Rail
The Howrah Junction in Kolkata’s city center is the major railway station here. Many trains running across the country halt at the Howrah Junction, and you can find a train to any major city in India from here.
By Road
Kolkata enjoys connectivity with major Indian cities by expressways and national highways, such as NH 19, NH 2, NH 31, and NH 117.
Summing Up
Holi has different names — be it the floral Phoolon Ki Holi, Lathmaar Holi, or the Dol Utsav. However, the one thing common between all these different kinds of Holi is the way they celebrate the feeling of love and affection.
Love not just between Lord Krishna and Radha, but also between each other as human beings. This brings a sense of warmth and togetherness to the festival of Holi, making it ten times more special!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. What Is The Festival Of March 14, 2025?
On 14th March 2025, India will celebrate the festival of Holi, specifically the day when people smear colors on each other.
Q2. Why Did Rabindranath Tagore Establish Shantiniketan?
Rabindranath Tagore established Shantiniketan to promote holistic learning and create an institution that would integrate knowledge and nature.
Q3. How Far Is Shantiniketan From Kolkata By Train?
Shantiniketan is about 161 kilometers away from Kolkata by train.
