11 Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India
Riddhi Jain19 February, 2025
Looking for the best places to celebrate holi in India in 2025? Well we got you covered! Holi, also known as the “Festival of Colours” is one of the major religious events of India and renowned globally as well.
Celebrated every year on the last full moon day of the Phalguna month or the spring season, holi is associated with Lord Vishnu saving his devotee “Prahlad” from his evil aunt “Holika”. From north to south and west to east, India as a country celebrates this festival which showcases victory of good over evil.
This is a 2 day festival, where one evening “Holika Dehan” is performed and the next day people celebrate with colours and other items. Different regions of the country have their own special style to play holi, such as the Lathi Mar holi of Mathura or Barsana holi, which makes the festival more special and loved all over the world.
Playing with gulaal, water balloons or with flowers, relishing traditional sweets and savoury while spreading love and joy among the people is what holi is all about.
Celebrated every year on the last full moon day of the Phalguna month or the spring season, holi is associated with Lord Vishnu saving his devotee “Prahlad” from his evil aunt “Holika”. From north to south and west to east, India as a country celebrates this festival which showcases victory of good over evil.
This is a 2 day festival, where one evening “Holika Dehan” is performed and the next day people celebrate with colours and other items. Different regions of the country have their own special style to play holi, such as the Lathi Mar holi of Mathura or Barsana holi, which makes the festival more special and loved all over the world.
Playing with gulaal, water balloons or with flowers, relishing traditional sweets and savoury while spreading love and joy among the people is what holi is all about.
List of Best Places to Visit in India For the Holi Festival
1. Mathura Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Mathura and Vrindavan are known for being among the best places to celebrate Holi in India. According to legends these cities are the birthplace of Lord Krishna, making them a very important cultural and spiritual place in India. During Holi, these places offer a blend of colours, music, and devotion, attracting visitors from around the world.
You can witness major two types of celebration at Mathura Vrindavan holi celebrations, one “Lath Mar Holi”, where women playfully beat men from sticks (Lathi) to re-enact the fun teasing between Lord Krishna and Gopis. Second, you can see “Phoolo ki Holi” where people shower flowers on each other instead of colours, showcasing purity and beauty of Lord Krishna. Other than this, Window Holi is also celebrated in Mathura, where all the widows of the city are dressed in colourful clothing and play colours with their loved ones. This Mathura holi celebration was more relevant in the olden times, as in modern India widows live normally as any other women.
Holi celebration here lasts for 6-7 days with various temples hosting different events and rituals. The main celebrations starts with Holika Dahan, symbolizing good over evil, followed by the huge colour play the very next day where you can see dance and relish traditional sweets with your loved ones.
How to Reach:
You can witness major two types of celebration at Mathura Vrindavan holi celebrations, one “Lath Mar Holi”, where women playfully beat men from sticks (Lathi) to re-enact the fun teasing between Lord Krishna and Gopis. Second, you can see “Phoolo ki Holi” where people shower flowers on each other instead of colours, showcasing purity and beauty of Lord Krishna. Other than this, Window Holi is also celebrated in Mathura, where all the widows of the city are dressed in colourful clothing and play colours with their loved ones. This Mathura holi celebration was more relevant in the olden times, as in modern India widows live normally as any other women.
Holi celebration here lasts for 6-7 days with various temples hosting different events and rituals. The main celebrations starts with Holika Dahan, symbolizing good over evil, followed by the huge colour play the very next day where you can see dance and relish traditional sweets with your loved ones.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Indira Gandhi International airport in Delhi is the nearest airport to Mathura Vrindavan. From the airport you can take a taxi or bus to reach your destination.
- By Train: Mathura Junction is the nearest and most convenient railway station to reach Mathura Virndavan. The station is well connected with all the major cities of India including Delhi, Agra and Lucknow.
- By Road: Being a significant religious place in India, Mathura Vrindavan is well connected with roads by other major cities and states including Delhi and Agra. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach your destination.
2. Barsana, Uttar Pradesh
One of the best places to visit in India during the Holi festival is Barsana, the birthplace of Radha. This town is famous for its popular Lathmar Holi celebrations, which is now played in other regions as well like Vrindavana and Mathura, but the original is always better.
Here people enact the teasing between Lord Krishna, Radha and her friends.
In Barsana holi, women playfully run behind men and beat them with sticks (Lathi) while men from Nandgaon ( Lord Krishna’s Village) visit Barsana to tease women as done by Lord Krishna and his friends. The men try to escape without getting caught by any women which adds more excitement and fun in the celebrations of Holi. Love, friendship and community spirit are the symbols of Lathmar holi, where mutual respect and love can be seen between men and women.
How to Reach
Here people enact the teasing between Lord Krishna, Radha and her friends.
In Barsana holi, women playfully run behind men and beat them with sticks (Lathi) while men from Nandgaon ( Lord Krishna’s Village) visit Barsana to tease women as done by Lord Krishna and his friends. The men try to escape without getting caught by any women which adds more excitement and fun in the celebrations of Holi. Love, friendship and community spirit are the symbols of Lathmar holi, where mutual respect and love can be seen between men and women.
How to Reach
- By Air: Indira Gandhi International airport in Delhi is the nearest airport to Barsana. From the airport you can take a taxi or bus to reach your destination.
- By Train: Mathura Junction is the nearest and most convenient railway station to reach Barsana. The distance between Mathura Junction to Barsana is 50 kms, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Barsana from the station.
- By Road: Barsana is well connected by roads by other major cities and states including Delhi and Agra. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach your destination.
3. Shantiniketan, West Bengal
Shantiniketan is a town created by Rabindranath Tagore, which is one of the most unique and popular destinations to celebrate Holi in India. Here the Holi celebration is known as the Basanta Utsav or the Spring festival, where people come together to celebrate art, culture, and tradition of India, creating a sense of unity.
Here, students from the Visva-Bharati University dress up in saffron color clothes, especially for Holi and perform Tagore’s compositions, creating a magical experience for people. After the performances, people play with colours in a more sophisticated way, symbolizing renewal and unity among the community.
Basanta Utsav is known for embodying Tagore’s vision of cultural harmony, inclusivity, and creativity, among the youth of India, connecting them with their heritage while including joy, understanding, and the essence of spring.
How to Reach:
Here, students from the Visva-Bharati University dress up in saffron color clothes, especially for Holi and perform Tagore’s compositions, creating a magical experience for people. After the performances, people play with colours in a more sophisticated way, symbolizing renewal and unity among the community.
Basanta Utsav is known for embodying Tagore’s vision of cultural harmony, inclusivity, and creativity, among the youth of India, connecting them with their heritage while including joy, understanding, and the essence of spring.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Shantiniketan is around 160 kms away from the Shantiniketan is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. You can take a taxi or bus to reach Shantiniketan town from the airport.
- By Train: The nearest train station is Bolpur Shantiniketan, which is well connected with larger cities such as Kolkata, making the commute easier.
- By Road: Shantiniketan can be easily reached from Kolkata and other cities of West Bengal, as they are well connected with roads. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the destination.
4. Purulia, West Bengal
Purulia is one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India, offering a unique and rustic festive atmosphere. This festival is celebrated in Purulia, which is home to lush woods, rolling hills, and verdant landscapes, three days before Holi.
The Ayodhya Pahar, which is drenched in red colour during the spring season when this festival is held, is one of the main attractions of Purulia during Holi. This is because, during this season, the Palash flowers blossom here and are dispersed throughout the entire region, creating a captivating spectacle.
The Bandhar Deul, an 8th-century temple, is the focal point of Holi in Purulia, which is originally known as the Dol Festival. During Holi, you may also take in a variety of folk acts, such as the Chau and Natua dances, the Darbari Jhumur, and Baul music, each of which contributes a distinctive element to the celebration.
The Ayodhya Pahar, which is drenched in red colour during the spring season when this festival is held, is one of the main attractions of Purulia during Holi. This is because, during this season, the Palash flowers blossom here and are dispersed throughout the entire region, creating a captivating spectacle.
The Bandhar Deul, an 8th-century temple, is the focal point of Holi in Purulia, which is originally known as the Dol Festival. During Holi, you may also take in a variety of folk acts, such as the Chau and Natua dances, the Darbari Jhumur, and Baul music, each of which contributes a distinctive element to the celebration.
5. Punjab
One of the most unique and best places to celebrate Holi in India is Punjab where you can see a more manly version of Holi. The Hola Mohalla fair has been held since the start of the 18th century where people enjoy food, colours and performances.
People showcase their physical prowess at this event with sword fights, military drills, tournaments, martial arts shows, and more. During this festival, a lot of poetry and conversations about the bravery of men and women in combat are held. Anandpur Sahib is the greatest location in Punjab to celebrate Holi.
People showcase their physical prowess at this event with sword fights, military drills, tournaments, martial arts shows, and more. During this festival, a lot of poetry and conversations about the bravery of men and women in combat are held. Anandpur Sahib is the greatest location in Punjab to celebrate Holi.
6. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Holi is celebrated in Udaipur as the day that Holika died. With the child Prahalad on her lap, Prahalad's evil aunt set herself on fire. But while Prahalad emerged from the pyre unscathed, Holika, who was untouchable to fire, died. The triumph of good over evil is commemorated on this day. People build huge bonfires to commemorate this event and ward off evil.
The royal Mewar family performs the Holika Dahan ceremony to kick off the Holi celebrations in Udaipur. This is called the Mewar Holika Dahan, and it is followed by a vibrant procession from the royal family home to the residence at Manek Chowk inside the palace. The celebration also includes folk dance and music which adds charm to the celebration.
The next day of Holika Dehan, people play colours at the Jagdish Temple located in the centre of the Old City, with DJ and traditional food serving around. Many tourists from around the world are seen here celebrating the festival with locals, making it one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India.
The royal Mewar family performs the Holika Dahan ceremony to kick off the Holi celebrations in Udaipur. This is called the Mewar Holika Dahan, and it is followed by a vibrant procession from the royal family home to the residence at Manek Chowk inside the palace. The celebration also includes folk dance and music which adds charm to the celebration.
The next day of Holika Dehan, people play colours at the Jagdish Temple located in the centre of the Old City, with DJ and traditional food serving around. Many tourists from around the world are seen here celebrating the festival with locals, making it one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India.
7. Pushkar, Rajasthan
In Pushkar, Holi is more than simply a festival of color; it's a fully engaging cultural experience where visitors and residents alike rejoice and make lifelong memories. The exciting Holi celebrations in Pushkar, which are renowned for their explosive intensity, live DJ performances, and rain dances, add to the celebratory atmosphere.
The event is renowned for its traditional ceremonies, dance, music, and people playing colours, making Pushkar Holi one of the most famous places to celebrate the festival of colours. The celebration takes place in the main square of the city and the ghats of Pushkar Lake.
The event is renowned for its traditional ceremonies, dance, music, and people playing colours, making Pushkar Holi one of the most famous places to celebrate the festival of colours. The celebration takes place in the main square of the city and the ghats of Pushkar Lake.
8. Jaipur, Rajasthan
One of the greatest locations in India to celebrate Holi is Jaipur, offering a perfect blend of royalty, tradition, and interactive celebrations. You may witness the whole Pink City turning into a vivid rainbow during this celebration.
The royal family hosts spectacular celebrations at the palace during Holi, which is a culmination of many events and experiences in Jaipur. Numerous more events are planned across the city, such as traditional gulaal playing and sharing, a range of Rajasthani folk music, and dance.
The royal family hosts spectacular celebrations at the palace during Holi, which is a culmination of many events and experiences in Jaipur. Numerous more events are planned across the city, such as traditional gulaal playing and sharing, a range of Rajasthani folk music, and dance.
9. Delhi
During Holi, you can see colorful water balloons, brilliant pichkaris (water guns), gusts of gulaal, and much more on Delhi's streets and roadways. On Holi, people from all walks of life gather in the streets to celebrate this joyous occasion while also indulging in mouthwatering food and snacks, thandai, bhang, and much more.
What makes Delhi one of the best destinations to celebrate Holi in India is its Holi Moo Festival, where you can see around 40 different performers from around the world playing their best sets. Enjoy food, dance and music as you play colour at the event with your loved ones.
What makes Delhi one of the best destinations to celebrate Holi in India is its Holi Moo Festival, where you can see around 40 different performers from around the world playing their best sets. Enjoy food, dance and music as you play colour at the event with your loved ones.
10. Sangla, Himachal
Sangla’s eco-friendly festive vibe makes it one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India. This small valley offers a unique way to celebrate holi where they spread awareness regarding saving the environment from human pollution.
Their celebration includes traditional dances, music, and cultural activities, adding fun and excitement to the festival. The main highlight of the festivities is people playing colours with beautiful Himalayan peaks in the background. The colors here are naturally made by using flowers and other plants, and is celebrated in the main square of the village.
Their celebration includes traditional dances, music, and cultural activities, adding fun and excitement to the festival. The main highlight of the festivities is people playing colours with beautiful Himalayan peaks in the background. The colors here are naturally made by using flowers and other plants, and is celebrated in the main square of the village.
11. Hampi, Karnataka
Even while Holi isn't a very significant event in the South, it is nonetheless observed in cities and towns here, primarily as a sign of joy and celebration. However, the town of Hampi is one of the most notable exceptions, as it is home to numerous temples that celebrate this holiday with great vigor. Holi in Hampi includes everything from the Holika Dahan to traditional and folk songs and dances, as well as the exchange of colors.
This holiday is observed as a day of spirituality and in the historic temples of Hampi, a variety of ceremonies and fascinating events are held. After people play with colour powder at the conclusion of the festivity, it is customary to swim in the river to remove the colours from the body.
This holiday is observed as a day of spirituality and in the historic temples of Hampi, a variety of ceremonies and fascinating events are held. After people play with colour powder at the conclusion of the festivity, it is customary to swim in the river to remove the colours from the body.
Why is Holi celebrated in India?
Holi is one of the major festivals that is celebrated in Hindu community and has various reasons to be celebrated. Some of them are as follows:
Victory of Good over Evil: One of the main reasons why we celebrate Holi in India is because of the mythological story of Lord Vishnu defeating demon Hiranyakashipu by saving his devotees Prahlad from his evil aunt Holika. It is said that Holika was prone to fire and hence, she sat in the bonfire taking Prahlad with her. In the end Prahlad was the one who came alive from the fire and Holika was burned down to ashes.
Significance of Lord Krishna and Radha: Legends say that Lord Krishna playfully used to put colour powder on Radha’s face, which was an integral part of their love story. Hence, people celebrate Holi as a symbol of love and friendship, where they forgive and forget each other's mistake and renew their bond with each other by throwing colours on each other.
Start of Spring Season: There is no fixed date of Holi, but a season. It is said that Holi is celebrated at the arrival of spring season. The vibrant colours are known as the symbol representing features of the spring season such as joy, hope, and energy. It also marks the beginning of Harvest season.
Victory of Good over Evil: One of the main reasons why we celebrate Holi in India is because of the mythological story of Lord Vishnu defeating demon Hiranyakashipu by saving his devotees Prahlad from his evil aunt Holika. It is said that Holika was prone to fire and hence, she sat in the bonfire taking Prahlad with her. In the end Prahlad was the one who came alive from the fire and Holika was burned down to ashes.
Significance of Lord Krishna and Radha: Legends say that Lord Krishna playfully used to put colour powder on Radha’s face, which was an integral part of their love story. Hence, people celebrate Holi as a symbol of love and friendship, where they forgive and forget each other's mistake and renew their bond with each other by throwing colours on each other.
Start of Spring Season: There is no fixed date of Holi, but a season. It is said that Holi is celebrated at the arrival of spring season. The vibrant colours are known as the symbol representing features of the spring season such as joy, hope, and energy. It also marks the beginning of Harvest season.
FAQs
1. Where is Holi best celebrated in India?
Ans: Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh are widely considered the best places to celebrate Holi in India due to their deep connection to Lord Krishna and their traditional, energetic celebrations.
2. Where is the best place to experience Holi?
Ans: Barsana offers an immersive and authentic Holi experience, with Lathmar Holi where men from Nandgaon visit the village to tease women and get beaten by the women with sticks, which is a re-enact of Lord Krishna and Radha’s mythological love story.
3. Why is Pushkar Holi famous?
Ans: Pushkar is famous for its vibrant and spiritual Holi celebrations, attracting a large number of tourists to its Brahma Temple and Pushkar Lake.
4. Why is Mathura Vrindavan famous for Holi?
Ans: Mathura and Vrindavan are famous for their Holi celebrations because they are the birthplace and childhood home of Lord Krishna, and the festivities are deeply rooted in his legends and stories.
5. Why is Mathura famous for Holi?
Ans: Mathura is famous for its traditional Holi celebrations, including Lathmar Holi and Phoolon Wali Holi, which are unique to the region and attract visitors from across the globe.
6. What is special about Vrindavan Holi?
Ans: Vrindavan Holi is special because it is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm, with various temples and ghats hosting unique events and performances. The Phoolon Wali Holi, where participants play with flowers, is a unique highlight of Vrindavan Holi.
7. Is it good to visit Mathura during Holi?
Ans: Yes, visiting Mathura during Holi is an incredible experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the heart of Indian festivities and witness the country's spiritual and cultural heritage. However, be prepared for large crowds and book accommodations well in advance.
Ans: Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh are widely considered the best places to celebrate Holi in India due to their deep connection to Lord Krishna and their traditional, energetic celebrations.
2. Where is the best place to experience Holi?
Ans: Barsana offers an immersive and authentic Holi experience, with Lathmar Holi where men from Nandgaon visit the village to tease women and get beaten by the women with sticks, which is a re-enact of Lord Krishna and Radha’s mythological love story.
3. Why is Pushkar Holi famous?
Ans: Pushkar is famous for its vibrant and spiritual Holi celebrations, attracting a large number of tourists to its Brahma Temple and Pushkar Lake.
4. Why is Mathura Vrindavan famous for Holi?
Ans: Mathura and Vrindavan are famous for their Holi celebrations because they are the birthplace and childhood home of Lord Krishna, and the festivities are deeply rooted in his legends and stories.
5. Why is Mathura famous for Holi?
Ans: Mathura is famous for its traditional Holi celebrations, including Lathmar Holi and Phoolon Wali Holi, which are unique to the region and attract visitors from across the globe.
6. What is special about Vrindavan Holi?
Ans: Vrindavan Holi is special because it is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm, with various temples and ghats hosting unique events and performances. The Phoolon Wali Holi, where participants play with flowers, is a unique highlight of Vrindavan Holi.
7. Is it good to visit Mathura during Holi?
Ans: Yes, visiting Mathura during Holi is an incredible experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the heart of Indian festivities and witness the country's spiritual and cultural heritage. However, be prepared for large crowds and book accommodations well in advance.
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