Of Colours, Culture and Connections: Shivangini’s Holi Adventure in Spiti
Holi is my favourite festival. It’s colourful, full of life, and always an absolute banger.
But this year, I craved something different. My partner and I decided to step away from the regular Holi chaos—no blaring music or crowded Holi parties.
Instead, we chose to celebrate the festival in the serene embrace of Spiti Valley, the land of snow-capped peaks and clear skies.
“This time, let’s celebrate Holi, the Kinnauri style in Spiti,” I told my partner one evening. And just like that, our bags were packed, and we were off on what turned out to be one of the most enriching experiences of my life.
Colours, Culture, and Kinnauri Stories
The Holi we experienced in Spiti was like nothing I'd ever seen before. There were no grand events or wild Holi parties, yet it was everything I could’ve wished for.
The celebration here felt more connected to nature and tradition.
The people of Spiti celebrate Holi by enacting scenes from the Ramayana. It was such a unique experience to witness this rich blend of religion, mythology, and colour, right in the middle of the majestic Himalayas.
The atmosphere wasn’t loud or chaotic, yet it was full of energy. Locals painted each other’s faces in hues of pinks, blues, and yellows, but in a more peaceful and heartfelt manner than the usual frenzy I’m used to.
It was humbling, really.
Under the Sky, Among the Stars
If there’s one thing that will forever stay etched in my mind, it’s the night skies of Spiti.
Spiti’s sky is not just a sky—it’s a universe laid bare. Living in a city, you forget what the stars really look like.
But here, as the night rolled in, the sky lit up with thousands of twinkling stars, making me feel so small yet so connected to everything around me.
One night, my partner and I wrapped ourselves in blankets, sat outside our homestay, and gazed up at the Milky Way. We didn’t talk much, just sat in awe, soaking it all in. It was one of those moments where silence felt louder than words.
And right then, I felt this deep sense of peace, like everything in life just... made sense. The world was vast, but somehow, in that moment, it felt intimate and close.
Letters from the Edge of the World
Another highlight of this trip was writing a letter from the world’s highest post office in Hikkim! Can you imagine? Sending a postcard from this little snow-covered village, nestled between mountains, 14,400 feet above sea level?
It felt surreal.
I sent one to my parents, and as I wrote, I could picture their faces when they'd get it—“A letter from Spiti? You’re truly on top of the world!”
But it wasn’t just about ticking off a cool travel experience from my bucket list. It was about feeling the joy of slowing down. You know, in a world where we’re always rushing, always checking our phones, there’s something so heartwarming about writing a letter by hand, sitting on a wooden bench with the backdrop of the Himalayas.
It’s a reminder to pause and take in the beauty of the moment.
The Bonds We Made Along the Way
And of course, I made a few new friends along the way. I met a group of inspiring local women—tailors, who were the best in their village. They were strong, independent, and so full of life, managing their households, and working hard.
We laughed and shared stories, and even though there was a language barrier, their warmth made me feel right at home. They reminded me of the beauty of simplicity.
And one of the best parts of travelling with Thrillophilia was the people. Our travel group quickly went from strangers to friends, sharing stories, laughter, and chai breaks on winding roads. And let me tell you about Sunil Bhaiya, our guide.
This man was the heart of the trip! From the moment we met him in Shimla, he took us under his wing, ensuring we were comfortable and having fun. He shared stories of the region’s history and culture, introduced us to local delicacies, and treated us like family.
It’s rare to meet someone who can make a place feel like home, but that’s exactly what Sunil Bhaiya did.
Then there was Jeetu Bhaiya, our driver—truly fearless on those winding, snowy roads. Navigating the treacherous terrain of Spiti is no small feat, but Jeetu Bhaiya made it seem effortless. Every twist and turn of the mountain roads felt safe in his capable hands.
We shared many laughs, chai, and banter with him during the trip. By the end, it felt like we weren’t just passengers; we were friends.
A Journey that Stays with You
Well, Spiti is a feeling.
It’s that strange mix of excitement and peace that I haven’t experienced anywhere else. From the quiet celebrations of Holi with the locals to the incredible landscapes that felt straight out of a dream, the trip gave me so much more than just memories.
It reminded me of the beauty of simplicity. Of slowing down. Of finding joy in places you least expect. It showed me that festivals like Holi aren’t just about colours and celebrations—they’re about connections – connections to people, to culture, to nature, and most importantly, to yourself.
As we left Spiti, with our hearts full and our minds clearer, I knew this Holi had been more than just a festival. It had been a journey—one that I’d carry with me long after the colours had faded.
So, if you ever get the chance, go celebrate Holi in Spiti. Let the mountains whisper their stories, let the stars guide your thoughts, and let yourself get lost in the beauty of this incredible place. It’s a trip you’ll never forget.
Read more: Thrillophilia Spiti Reviews