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Holi, the Festival of Colours

India Festival Guide

Holi, the Festival of Colours

Holi is one of the most popular festivals of India, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. In this travel guide, we have covered everything travelers need to know about Holi celebrations in India, including the day wise festival schedule, the best cities to celebrate Holi, and specially designed Holi tour packages.

About the Festival

The Festival of Colours, and it's traditions

Holi also known as the festival of colours, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India and marks the arrival of spring.Holi preparations begin about ten days before the main festival, when the Holika structure is placed at community crossroads and public spaces for Holika Dahan. In the Braj region, which includes Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana and Nandgaon, Holi celebrations begin almost a month in advance and are closely connected with the stories of Lord Krishna and Radha. The final days include distinctive traditions such as Lathmar Holi, Laddu Holi, Phoolon Wali Holi, Playing Holi with Widows, Holika Dahan and the main Holi celebration known as Dhulandi.Across India, majorly in North, East, Central, and West India, people visit friends and relatives, exchange sweets and celebrate with colours, music, dancing and traditional food. Public gatherings bring entire communities together in towns, villages and cities.If you are planning to experience Holi in India, we recommend booking hotels, transport and festival arrangements well in advance.
Season
March
Holi Date
Monday, March 22, 2027
Duration
2 to 10 days
Celebrated In
India and Nepal
Best For
Culture, Photography, Music & Dance, Play with Colours

Meaningful Customs

Holi Traditions and Celebrations

Holi traditions vary across India, but colours, bonfires, festive food, music and community gatherings remain central to the celebration.

Playing with Colours

People celebrate with dry gulal and coloured water, especially during the main Holi day.

Holika Dahan

Communities gather around ceremonial bonfires on the evening before Holi, symbolising the victory of good over evil.

Braj Holi Traditions

Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana and Nandgaon celebrate traditions including Lathmar Holi, Laddu Holi and Phoolon Wali Holi.

Festive Food and Drinks

Gujiya, malpua, festive snacks and thandai are prepared in many North Indian homes during Holi.

Music and Dance

Folk songs, drums, dancing and local performances are an important part of Holi celebrations across many regions.

Family and Community

Families, friends and neighbours meet, exchange sweets, apply colours and celebrate together during the festival.

Festival Journey

The Ten Days of Holi

  1. Day 1

    Exploring lively temple streets of Vrindavan

    Visit ISKCON Krishna Balaram Temple and Prem Mandir, followed by a short walk through the lively temple streets of Vrindavan.
  2. Day 2

    Laddu Holi in Barsana

    Experience Laddu Holi in Barsana, one of the most joyful celebrations of the Braj Holi festival.
  3. Day 3

    Barsana Lathmar Holi

    Enjoy the famous Lathmar Holi in Barsana, one of the most unique and widely known Holi celebrations in India.
  4. Day 4

    Nandgaon Lathmar Holi

    People from Barsana visit Nandgaon and the Lathmar Holi tradition is celebrated once again.
  5. Day 5

    Phoolon Wali Holi at Banke Bihari Temple

    During Phoolon Wali Holi, flowers and flower petals are showered over the devotees at Banke Bihari Temple.
  6. Day 6

    Exploring Gokul, Raman Reti and the Braj Villages

    Visit the important temples and traditional areas of Gokul and continue to Raman Reti, a peaceful spiritual place associated with Krishna's childhood pastimes.
  7. Day 7

    Exploring Temple Holi in Mathura

    Walk through the old market streets and experience the festive atmosphere as Mathura prepares for the main Holi celebrations.
  8. Day 8

    Holika Dahan in Mathura or Vrindavan

    In the evening, experience Holika Dahan, which marks the symbolic victory of good over evil.
  9. Day 9

    Main Holi Celebration - Dhulandi

    Experience Rangwali Holi in Mathura or Vrindavan. The streets, temples and neighbourhoods come alive with gulal, coloured water, music, dancing and traditional Holi songs.
  10. Day 10

    Dauji Huranga - Baldeo

    Visit Baldeo to witness Dauji Huranga, one of the most distinctive Holi traditions of the Braj region.

Where to Experience the Festival

Memorable Festival Destinations

Each city celebrates with its own atmosphere, traditions and distinctive setting.

Mathura

Explore our Mathura tour packages that include this sacred city within journeys across Uttar Pradesh. Situated along the Yamuna River and often linked...

Explore Mathura

Vrindavan

Explore our Vrindavan tour packages that include this sacred town within journeys across Uttar Pradesh. Located near Mathura along the Yamuna River, V...

Explore Vrindavan

Jaipur

Explore Jaipur tour packages featuring Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal and the historic bazaars of the Pink City. Jaipur...

Explore Jaipur

Varanasi

Explore Varanasi tour packages covering the sacred ghats of the Ganges, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath and the city’s historic lanes and temples. Ex...

Explore Varanasi

Know Before You Go

Planning Travel During Holi

Festival travel is rewarding when arrangements are made thoughtfully and local customs are respected.

Plan Well Ahead

Hotels, guides, transport and festival access can fill quickly during major Holi celebrations.

Protect Your Skin and Eyes

Use natural colours where possible, apply moisturiser or oil, and protect your eyes from coloured powder.

Wear Suitable Clothes

Wear simple clothes and footwear that you do not mind getting stained during Holi celebrations.

Protect Phones and Cameras

Keep phones, cameras, passports and other valuables inside waterproof covers during colour celebrations.

Celebrate Respectfully

Ask before applying colour to strangers and follow local guidance during temple and community celebrations.

Expect Local Changes

Traffic restrictions, road closures and sightseeing schedules may change during major Holi events.

Travel for the Festival

Tour Packages for Holi Celebrations

Private itineraries can be adjusted around festival dates, locations and your preferred hotel category.

More Celebrations

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