Holi, the festival of colors, is one of India’s most vibrant celebrations. It’s a time when people from all walks of life come together to celebrate love, happiness, and the triumph of good over evil. If you’re planning to experience Holi in India in 2025, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Each region offers unique traditions, rituals, and ways of celebrating. Here are the best destinations in India to immerse yourself in the true spirit of Holi.
1. Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
- Why Visit: Mathura and Vrindavan are the heartlands of Holi celebrations due to their association with Lord Krishna, who is said to have played Holi with Radha and other Gopis in these cities.
- Highlights: In Mathura, the celebrations begin a week before the actual day of Holi. The “Lathmar Holi” in Barsana, where women playfully hit men with sticks, is a unique event you don’t want to miss. In Vrindavan, the Banke Bihari Temple is the center of celebrations, with thousands gathering to throw colors, sing, and dance.
- When to Visit: The festivities start up to a week before Holi, so arriving a few days early will give you time to experience all the pre-Holi rituals.
2. Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Why Visit: Jaipur offers a royal experience for Holi with its grand festivities and cultural performances. The city, known for its regal architecture and colorful ambiance, makes for a splendid Holi backdrop.
- Highlights: The Jaipur City Palace hosts a special Holi celebration for tourists, featuring folk music and dance performances, traditional Rajasthani meals, and the chance to play with organic colors. Elephants, painted in vibrant colors, parade through the streets, adding to the city’s Holi charm.
- When to Visit: Arrive a day or two before Holi to explore Jaipur’s palaces, forts, and markets, as well as to catch the City Palace Holi celebrations.
3. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Why Visit: Known for its spiritual atmosphere, Varanasi offers a unique way to celebrate Holi by blending traditional rituals with colorful festivities.
- Highlights: In Varanasi, people begin the celebrations by gathering near the ghats, where they play Holi with colors before dipping in the holy Ganges River. Later, they head to temples and indulge in singing and dancing. Varanasi’s iconic ghats, temples, and the evening Ganga Aarti add a serene yet festive vibe to the Holi celebrations.
- When to Visit: Arriving a few days in advance will let you witness the pre-Holi rituals and explore Varanasi’s sacred sites.
4. Pushkar, Rajasthan
- Why Visit: Pushkar, with its beautiful lake and colorful bazaars, is a fantastic spot for travelers looking for a Holi celebration that’s both traditional and tourist-friendly.
- Highlights: The Holi celebration in Pushkar is particularly famous among international tourists. It begins with a massive bonfire to signify the victory of good over evil. The next day, the streets are filled with people throwing colors, dancing, and enjoying local music. There’s also a camel fair and various local delicacies that add to the experience.
- When to Visit: Arrive a day early to witness the bonfire ceremony and explore Pushkar’s temples and bazaars.
5. Udaipur, Rajasthan
- Why Visit: Udaipur, the City of Lakes, celebrates Holi with a royal twist, thanks to the involvement of the Mewar royal family.
- Highlights: The Mewar royal family hosts a special Holi celebration known as “Holika Dahan” at the City Palace. This includes a royal procession with decorated horses, traditional music, and dance performances. On the day of Holi, people play with colors around the Lake Pichola, creating a picturesque setting.
- When to Visit: A couple of days before Holi is ideal so you can experience both the royal festivities and the Holi celebrations around the lake.
6. Shantiniketan, West Bengal
- Why Visit: Shantiniketan offers a cultural Holi experience inspired by the Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore.
- Highlights: Known as “Basant Utsav” or the Spring Festival, Holi in Shantiniketan is celebrated with traditional Bengali songs, dance performances, and cultural events organized by the students of Visva-Bharati University. It’s a more peaceful celebration compared to other places, but the vibrant colors and cultural richness make it a wonderful experience.
- When to Visit: Arrive a day before the festival to enjoy the cultural events organized in the university and around the town.
7. Delhi
- Why Visit: Delhi is known for its lively Holi parties, combining modern music, food, and a variety of Holi-themed events.
- Highlights: Holi celebrations in Delhi are diverse. You’ll find traditional celebrations in temples, while other events feature Holi-themed parties with DJs, organic colors, and even bhang (a special drink associated with Holi). If you’re looking for a mix of tradition and modern festivity, Delhi is the place to be.
- When to Visit: Arriving a day or two early will allow you to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, like India Gate and the Red Fort, before joining the Holi festivities.
8. Hampi, Karnataka
- Why Visit: Hampi is known for its ancient temples and ruins, but during Holi, it transforms into a lively destination with vibrant celebrations.
- Highlights: People in Hampi celebrate Holi with an energy that matches its historical grandeur. The celebrations include playing with colors, singing, and dancing to drum beats around the temples. The mix of the historical setting with the festive spirit makes it a unique place to experience Holi in South India.
- When to Visit: Plan to arrive at least a day early to explore Hampi’s stunning temples and ruins before diving into the Holi festivities.
9. Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
- Why Visit: If you want to experience Holi from a Sikh perspective, Anandpur Sahib is the place to be.
- Highlights: Known as “Hola Mohalla,” this festival was introduced by Guru Gobind Singh as a way for Sikhs to demonstrate their martial skills. The celebrations include impressive displays of martial arts, mock battles, and a parade, all in honor of Sikh heritage. It’s a more solemn and traditional experience, but still a powerful and colorful one.
- When to Visit: Arrive early to secure a good view of the martial arts displays and immerse yourself in the local Sikh traditions.
10. Goa
- Why Visit: Goa offers a fusion of traditional and beachside Holi celebrations, making it a unique destination for Holi.
- Highlights: While Goa is known for its beaches and nightlife, Holi here is celebrated with equal enthusiasm. People gather on the beaches to play with colors, and many beach resorts and clubs host Holi parties with live music, local DJs, and special food. For a more relaxed celebration, you can head to the smaller villages where locals celebrate Holi in a quieter setting.
- When to Visit: Arriving a few days early will let you experience the Goa Carnival, which often takes place around the same time as Holi.
Tips for Celebrating Holi in India
- Wear Old Clothes: Holi colors can be difficult to wash out, so wear clothes you don’t mind staining.
- Protect Your Skin and Hair: Apply oil to your skin and hair to protect against the colors, as some may be synthetic.
- Respect Local Customs: While Holi is a time for fun, it’s essential to respect the customs and traditions of each region.
- Stay Hydrated: March can be warm in many parts of India, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Holi in India offers a variety of celebrations, from traditional rituals to modern-day parties. Whether you prefer a religious experience in Mathura or an electrifying beach party in Goa, you’re sure to find a way to celebrate this festival of colors in a way that suits you. In 2025, make the most of Holi by exploring one or more of these incredible destinations.
