When it comes to fancy heritage hotels, Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner and its sister property Suryagarh, Jaisalmer, both helmed by the MRS Group of Hotels, are popular choices for Instagram fashionistas and celebrities. In recent years, they have counted the likes of actress Mrunal Thakur and Grammy nominated singer Sanjeeta Bhattacharya among the patrons of the ‘Holi package’, which is spread across two elaborate days.

On Choti Holi, traditionally associated with the ceremony of Holika Dahan, the two hotels organise ‘sundowners’ with open bars and traditional performances by local tribes, often related to a fire ritual. The next morning, they host araucous poolside brunch with organic colours, delicious local cuisine, the best of underground techno music, and a free-flowing bar.

“With each passing year we have seen newer groups of people enquiring about our Holi celebrations and making a trip to Bikaner or Jaisalmer to be a part of them. Today, guests are inclined towards immersive experiences with a touch of culture and tradition and that is exactly what our packages comprise. And with the easing of post-pandemic travel restrictions around the world, we are expecting a full house at both the hotels,” says Siddharth Yadav, Vice President, MRS Group of Hotels.

What is it about Holi that makes a great tourist hook for heritage hotels? Darshan Dudhoria, Director of Bari Kothi Heritage Hotel in Azimganj, Murshidabad, West Bengal, believes it’s the fact that they have the responsibility of preserving the rich cultural heritage of the region. “Holi celebrations at Bari Kothi are an integral part of the hotel’s tradition. The Zamindars of Azimganj were known for their grand Holi celebrations, and Bari Kothi continues the tradition,” he says. Hence, Bari Kothi has adapted the template of Holi as it was played by the Sheherwali Zamindar community in the 1800s and early 1900s, over seven days.