TTT NEWS NETWORK
KOLKATA, 13 MARCH 2025:
Holi is a festival that brings people together with colors, music, and dance. While many enjoy large gatherings, some prefer a quiet and peaceful experience. Northeast India, which has a strong connection to Buddhism, offers a calm and spiritual way to celebrate Holi. With its beautiful landscapes, old monasteries, and rich traditions, this region is a perfect place to relax, reflect, and enjoy the festival in a meaningful way.
- Guwahati:
Guwahati is a great place to begin a peaceful journey. While it is not mainly known for Buddhism, it is home to many spiritual sites. One such place is Umananda Temple, located on Peacock Island in the Brahmaputra River, which is the world’s smallest inhabited riverine island. Boats from the riverbank take visitors to this serene spot. Though the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Assam’s cultural diversity and historical Buddhist influence add to its spiritual charm. The gentle waves and quiet surroundings create a calming atmosphere, making it an ideal place to pause and reflect before continuing your journey.
Stay options: Peaceful retreats like Mayfair Spring Valley in Guwahati, offer meditation sessions and wellness treatments for a relaxing stay.
- Arunachal Pradesh:
Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang Monastery is one of the biggest Buddhist monasteries in India, located high in the mountains. It follows the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, the same tradition as the Dalai Lama. Situated in the Tawang Chu Valley near the borders of China and Bhutan, it is an important place for Tibetan Buddhism, providing a quiet space for meditation and reflection. The golden rooftops, peaceful prayer halls, and the soft chants of monks create a calm and spiritual atmosphere. With stunning views of the mountains and valleys, it is a perfect place to relax and take a break from the busy world.
Stay options: Nearby hotels like Hotel The Oak and Vivanta Arunachal Pradesh Tawang offer meditation and wellness activities, making for a peaceful and refreshing stay.
- Sikkim:
Sikkim has some of the most well-known Buddhist monasteries in India. Rumtek Monastery, surrounded by green hills, is known for its beautiful design and peaceful surroundings. It is the main center of the Karmapa, the leader of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Visitors can explore the prayer halls, join rituals, and experience the calm atmosphere.
Another peaceful place is Tashiding Monastery, located on a hilltop with stunning views of mountains and valleys. The journey to the monastery is quiet and filled with nature, making it a great place for meditation and reflection.
Stay options: Sikkim has many relaxing resorts like Mayfair and Vivanta, where guests can enjoy yoga, meditation, and wellness activities for a peaceful stay.
- Meghalaya:
Meghalaya is known for its misty hills and green landscapes. Though it is not a major Buddhist center, its calm environment makes it a great place to relax and reflect. The fresh mountain air and quiet surroundings offer a peaceful break from daily life. Walking through the dense forests, listening to nature, or simply enjoying the beautiful views can be refreshing and soothing.
Stay options: Meghalaya has many quiet resorts like Woodstock Farmhouse, where visitors can enjoy peaceful surroundings and have a comfortable
- Nagaland:
Nagaland is known for its rich tribal culture, diverse traditions, and spiritual influences. While it is not a major Buddhist center, its peaceful hills and green landscapes create a quiet space for reflection and relaxation. Some Buddhist influences can be seen among the Khampti and Phom tribes, but the region is mostly known for its indigenous traditions. The calm surroundings and cultural richness make it a great place to unwind and connect with nature.
Stay options: Cozy stays like Zone Niathu in the region offer a quiet setting and beautiful hill views, making it a perfect place to relax.
Conclusion:
If you are looking for a quiet and meaningful way to celebrate Holi this time, Northeast India offers the perfect retreats. The region’s natural beauty and strong Buddhist influence create an ideal setting for relaxation and self-reflection. You can visit ancient monasteries, take part in prayer rituals, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Places like Guwahati, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, and Nagaland offer wellness activities, spa treatments, and fresh local food, making it easy to unwind. Whether you seek a spiritual connection or a peaceful escape from the crowds, this Holi can be a time of renewal and inner calm.
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