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Destinations
Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India (2026 Guide)
Team Social Exoticamp
10 Feb 2026Holi is India's most emotional festival. People everywhere celebrate by throwing colours, dancing, and singing to welcome the arrival of spring.
Celebrated every spring according to the Hindu lunar calendar, this ancient festival marks the triumph of good over evil. But more than that, it’s about the connection between people, communities, and centuries-old traditions. Celebrations begin with traditional rituals, bonfires, and devotional songs, and end in a burst of colours, laughter, and community gatherings.
In the year 2026, the primary Holi celebrations will occur on March 3 and March 4. The first day involves the sacred rituals of Holika Dahan. The second day is the famous Rangwali Holi. This is when people play with colours and water.
Wondering where to celebrate Holi this year? You're in for a treat. Here, we'll share some of the best places to celebrate Holi in India. Dive in, then!
Mathura and Vrindavan are the most famous places to celebrate Holi in India. Mathura is where Lord Krishna was born. Vrindavan is where he grew up. Holi season here starts quite early, on Basant Panchami in February.
At the iconic Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, temple rituals involve priests showering devotees with fresh flower petals during the famous Phoolon Wali Holi. The air fills with traditional music, folk music, and devotional songs celebrating Krishna’s divine love.
Holi celebrations are equally intense in Mathura. The streets of the North Indian town turn into a sea of colour. The Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple hosts grand events. These include cultural performances and dances. The atmosphere is deeply spiritual yet full of fun.
Jaipur, the Pink City, is one of the most regal places to celebrate Holi in India. The city combines royal traditions with modern fun.
Traditionally, the elephant festival was a big part of Holi. However, the official festival has been stopped for animal safety. However, many heritage hotels still host private events with elephants. These are called "Eleholi" and are very popular.
The City Palace in Jaipur remains a prestigious venue for Holi. The royal family often holds organized events there. These include cultural performances like the Ghoomar dance. The vibrant Holi celebrations spill over into the local markets too.
Among the most unique places to celebrate Holi in India, Barsana and Nandgaon are famous for Lathmar Holi.
In Lathmar Holi, the village girls take charge. According to legend, Krishna teased Radha and her friends. The women then chased him away with sticks. Today, this is traditionally celebrated as a mock battle. In 2026, this event will take place on February 26 in Barsana.
During Lathmar Holi, the women playfully hit men with long sticks. The men carry shields to protect themselves. It is a very energetic and loud event. It draws overwhelming crowds every year.
The festive atmosphere is filled with the scent of colours. People also enjoy sweets like gujiya and thandai. Thandai is a traditional drink made of milk and nuts. The community participation is very high here. Men from Nandgaon come to Barsana to play. They wear traditional clothes and carry large shields.
Romantic, regal, and reflective, Udaipur’s royal Holi is pure magic. The royal family of Mewar leads the Holika Dahan. There are royal processions with decorated horses. The celebrations begin with bonfires and sacred rituals led by the Mewar royal family.
On the main day, the streets of the old city come alive. People gather at Gangaur Ghat for colour play. Those who don't wish to play enjoy boat rides on Lake Pichola.
Heritage hotels like the Taj Lake Palace also host parties. These include folk music, dancing, and royal food.
Pushkar, a holy town near the desert, is one of the most vibrant places to celebrate Holi in India, especially popular among young travellers and backpackers. The heart of the town is Pushkar Lake.
There, celebrations begin with a bonfire at the lake. People pray for peace and good luck. The next morning, the town turns into a huge party. It is one of the most vibrant Holi celebrations in India.
In Pushkar, the music is a mix of folk music and modern beats. There are large chaotic street parties where everyone dances, where organic colours made from flowers are used. You can also see unique camel parades in the streets. It is a safe and inclusive place for all.
In Shantiniketan, West Bengal, Holi is celebrated as basanta Utsav. The famous poet Rabindranath Tagore started it. He wanted to celebrate nature through art and music. The main event happens at Visva-Bharati University. It is a very artistic and calm way to celebrate Holi.
During Basanta Utsav, students dress in yellow. They perform dance performances at Rabindra Sangeet. This is the traditional music composed by Tagore. Instead of throwing water, people use dry powder called Abir. They apply it gently to each other's faces. Many foreign travellers prefer this gentle style.
You can explore local handicraft markets during your stay. It is a very soulful way to experience Holi. The greenery of Bengal adds to the festive atmosphere.
Delhi is a big melting pot of cultures. It offers many different Holi experiences. There are large urban Holi events with famous DJs. These are organised celebrations that are safe and fun. You can find these in stadiums and large gardens.
Many young travellers in the city flock to these parties. They feature live music, food, and colours. If you want a traditional feel, you can visit Old Delhi. The narrow lanes are full of life and sweets. You can try gujiya and thandai from old shops.
Anandpur Sahib is home to Hola Mohallaa. This is a Sikh festival that happens right after Holi. Guru Gobind Singh started it. He wanted to show the strength of the Sikh community. In 2026, it will run from March 4 to March 6. It is one of the most unique Holi destinations in India.
The highlight of Hola Mohalla is the presence of the Nihang warriors, Sikh knights in traditional blue attire and high turbans. They demonstrate Gatka (Sikh martial arts), horse riding skills, and tent pegging. The festival also features grand religious processions and the serving of Langar (community meals) for thousands of visitors, reflecting the Sikh principles of equality and service.
The Sangla Valley in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, offers one of the most unique and remote Holi experiences in 2026. Here, the celebration is part of the four-day Faguli Festival, which blends elements of Holi and Diwali.
It happens in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The festival is part of the Faguli festival. This is a four-day celebration that is centuries old. It marks the end of winter in the Himalayas.
In Sangla, people use both dry colours and snow to play. They perform the Phagli dance, which is a masked dance. Rituals also include distributing "Totu," a sacred dish made of roasted barley flour and buttermilk. A locally brewed alcoholic drink called Phasur is also a staple of the festivities.
Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site full of ancient ruins, offers one of the most visually stunning Holi experiences.
Unlike some places in South India, Hampi has a big celebration. The colour play happens around the Virupaksha Temple. The vibe in Hampi is very relaxed and bohemian. There are drumming circles at sunset near the river. You can see people dancing and singing folk music.
Participants often gather by the Tungabhadra River, throwing colours before diving into the water for a communal wash. That creates a visually stunning contrast between the neon colours and the ancient grey stone.
Holi experiences in India are as diverse as the country itself. Each of these destinations offers its own magic.
Whether you’re drawn to deeply spiritual rituals, vibrant street celebrations, or carefully organized celebrations, there’s a perfect match waiting for you.
Choosing the best place to celebrate Holi in India depends on what you want heritage, devotion, adventure, or pure fun. Whichever place you choose, one thing is certain: You'll return with unforgettable memories and colour-filled stories that last a lifetime.
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