Holi, known as the festival of colors is one of the most vibrant and joyful Hindu festival in India. It’s a time where people of all faiths, religions, castes and communities gather together to celebrate the festival of holi. Even elders embrace their inner child and recall their childhood days while playing holi. In India every region has a unique way of celebrating this festival. This year the festival of Holi falls on Friday, March 14th March, 2025, while Holika Dahan also known as Choti Holi, will take place on the night of March 13th. On this occasion people gather to light the Holi (bonfire) which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The origins of Holi can be traced back to a Hindu mythological story in which Hiranyakashyap a demon king, attempted to kill his son, Prahlad, and his sister Holika, attempting to burn him alive. However, Prahlad a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu survived the flames, while his sister Holika was burnt, which constituted the spiritual significance of the festival and indicated the victory of good over evil.
Today, this festival has evolved over time with many people now adopting eco-friendly practices. They are extra precautious of the harmful effect of colors and water balloons that are thrown at people. Many people are choosing to celebrate holi with natural ingredients like flower petals, herbs and organic colors for example, making yellow color from turmeric, green from spinach or henna, red from beetroot or hibiscus, and blue from indigo. Although in many parts of India the originality and true essence of this festival remains the same. There are many individuals who travel across the country to celebrate Holi in India and witness the rich culture, traditional rituals and royal festive feeling. Also, for food lovers, Holi is not just a festival of colors but also a time to indulge in a variety of traditional dishes that are made in different regions of India. From Puran Poli, Gujiyas, Malpua, Thandai, Dahi Bhalla and the famous Bhang-infused drinks, the festival is complemented by these rich, flavorful, and nostalgic delights and celebrated in a grand form. So, if you’re planning to experience Holi in its most exciting form, here are 10 must-visit destinations to celebrate the festival of Holi in India.
Best Places To Celebrate Holi In India:
1) Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh- The Holi festivities in Mathura and Vrindavan are legendary. The celebrations start days before Holi at the famous Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, where devotees throw colors and flower petals. In Mathura, the Dwarkadheesh Templehosts a grand Holi procession filled with music, dance, and vibrant hues. The Lathmar Holi in Barsana, where women playfully hit men with sticks, is a unique tradition you shouldn’t miss.
2) Jaipur, Rajasthan- The Pink City hosts one of the most elegant Holi celebrations. The City Palace organizes Holi festivities with folk dances, traditional music, and delicious Rajasthani delicacies. Elephants, draped in colorful fabrics and painted designs, parade through the streets, adding grandeur to the celebration.
3) Udaipur, Rajasthan- In Udaipur, Holi begins with the royal family participating in a grand procession from the City Palace to Manek Chowk. This majestic event includes cultural performances, bonfires, and a lavish feast. The beautiful lakeside views make the experience even more magical.
4) Shantiniketan, West Bengal- In Shantiniketan, Holi is celebrated as Basanta Utsav (Spring Festival), where students of Visva-Bharati University dress in traditional attire and perform folk dances to Tagore’s songs. The artistic charm and peaceful ambiance make it a unique experience.
5) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh- In Varanasi, Holi begins with prayers along the Ganga Ghats, followed by vibrant celebrations in the narrow streets. Locals and tourists join together, throwing colors and dancing to drum beats. The spiritual energy of Varanasi adds a soulful touch to the festival.
6) Mumbai, Maharashtra- Mumbai’s Holi is a mix of Bollywood-style glamour and energetic street revelry. The city hosts grand Holi parties at clubs, beaches, and open grounds, where people dance to live DJs, rain showers, and organic colors. From luxurious celebrity Holi bashes to traditional community celebrations, Mumbai offers a diverse and thrilling Holi experience for everyone.
7) Pushkar, Rajasthan- Pushkar’s Holi is a crowd favorite, with foreign tourists and locals mingling in the vibrant celebrations. The main square hosts music, dance, and color fights, making it a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary Holi vibes.
8) Sangla, Himachal Pradesh– Sangla, nestled in the Baspa Valley of Himachal Pradesh, offers a peaceful and culturally rich Holi experience. Unlike the chaotic celebrations in big cities, Holi in Sangla is a blend of spirituality, tradition, and nature. Locals celebrate with folk dances, traditional Himachali music, and organic colors, making it a unique destination for those seeking a calm and picturesque Holi. The celebrations include Kinnauri Nati folk dance, melodic folk songs and many local cuisines.
9) Anandpur Sahib, Punjab- Here, Holi is celebrated as Hola Mohalla, a festival showcasing Sikh valor. The event features martial arts performances, mock battles, and thrilling horse-riding demonstrations. This unique celebration combines courage with festive joy.
10) Kumaon, Uttarakhand– In Kumaon, Holi is celebrated with a blend of spirituality, music, and community gatherings. The festival is known for Baithaki Holi and Khari Holi, where locals sing classic folk songs and play Holi in a peaceful and melodic manner. The celebrations here are less chaotic and more cultural, making it a unique experience for those seeking a traditional and soulful Holi in the lap of the Himalayas.
Tips To Play A Safe And Fun Holi
1. Dress Appropriately and Wear old clothes: While everyone loves to dress up let’s not forget that holi colors are hard to wash! So instead of wearing new clothes, stick to old, comfortable and full-sleeved clothing so it gets easier to discard them and also helps protect your skin from harsh colors and sun rays!
2. Protect your skin and hair: Holi colors can contain chemicals which can stick to your skin and scalp for days! To avoid this you must apply coconut oil, mustard oil or even moisturizer on your skin and hair to prevent from these colors sticking to your body and causing skin rash, ichiness or dryness.
3. Protect Your Eyes and Lips – In order to protect your eyes from colors one must wear sunglasses and roam about. Also, do not forget to apply lip balm to prevent dryness on the skin!
4. Use organic colors: Eco-friendly powders are safer for your skin and the environment. Opt for natural, herbal, or organic colors made from flowers, turmeric, and other skin-friendly ingredients to avoid irritation and allergic reactions.
5. Stay hydrated: With all the dancing, roaming around and fun especially in the summers, staying hydrated is a must. Drink plenty of water, juices, or thandai to stay energized and refreshed throughout the day and to avoid dehydration!
6. Respect local customs: Each region has its own traditions, so follow cultural etiquette wherever you go. Avoid using bad languages, causing fights and creating communal issues.
7. Be mindful of people, the environment and wildlife: Respect people’s choices and boundaries as not everyone enjoys playing Holi. Especially be mindful when it comes to women, kids and elders. Also, protect the environment and do not throw colors on animals, birds or any other creatures for entertainment.
8. Avoid Harmful Water Balloons – Play responsibly and avoid throwing water balloons or colors forcefully, as they can cause injuries. Avoid water wastage by opting for dry Holi celebrations or using minimal water while playing as many regions still face water shortage and other problems.
9. Stay Safe from Bhang Overdose – If consuming Bhang-infused drinks, do so in moderation, as excessive intake can lead to dizziness or discomfort. Also, be mindful and do not feed the same or force kids to consume any bhang drinks.
10. Keep Emergency Supplies Handy – Carry wipes, tissues, and a first-aid kit for quick cleanups and minor injuries, ensuring safety and a hassle free celebration.
So whether you are an Indian celebrating holi in a different state or a foreigner visiting India to celebrate the festival of Holi, these destinations offer an incredible experience. One can learn so much about different cultures, traditions, cuisines and the people of different regions. Although while traveling to different places be mindful of safety and other concerns, stay in a group, carry safety measures and avoid fights or creating communal tensions! It’s time to grab your colors, join the crowd and immerse yourself in one of India’s most lively and beautiful festivals!
