Braj, Uttar Pradesh

These towns, rich in spirituality and history, are the hubs for lively Holi celebrations every year. Barsana or 'Vrishabhanupura', is a town in Uttar Pradesh which was named after Goddess Radha's father Shri Vrishabhanu Maharaj. Whereas Nandgaon is known to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. These villages are considered among the top places to celebrate Holi in India if you want to witness 40-day long festivities.
When to attend?
28th Feb 2025 to 22nd March 2025
What makes it special?
- Month-long Celebrations: Take part in Holi celebrations that begin from Maha Shivaratri in February and continue till Dhulandi in March.
- Lathmar Holi: Watch women playfully use sticks to beat men while they try to guard themselves with shields.
- Phoolon ki Holi: Enjoy playing Holi with the locals by throwing fragrant flower petals at each other.
- Huranga: Visit the temple of Baldev Ji (Shri Krishna's elder brother) and dance to the tune of spiritual songs.
- 11 March 2025: Holi celebrations will begin in Gokul's Ramanreti (the place where Lord Krishna played as a child).
- 13 March 2025: Holika Dahan will be celebrated to symbolize the victory of good over evil in Phalen and other regions in Braj.
- 14 March 2025: Holi or 'Dhulandi' will be celebrated in the entire Braj region with colours and flowers.
- 15 March 2025: Huranga, a musical celebration where locals sing spiritual songs, will be hosted at Dauji Maharaj Temple, Baldeo.
- 22 March 2025: Holi celebrations will take place at the famous Ranganathji temple located in Vrindavan.
Goa

For those seeking a more modern way to celebrate, there are a variety of events and parties hosted in Goa, including LPK 2025, Colorland and Rang Fiesta. These events are known for showcasing DJs playing groovy beats and fascinating SFX that add to the modern festive ambience.
When to attend?
15th to 29th March 2025
- Cultural Programmes: Enjoy watching locals perform colorful acts on street or regional dance forms like Ghode-Morni, Talgadi, Fugdi, and Rommatamel.
- Lively Events: Attend a variety of Holi events and parties in Goa that feature upbeat music and fun activities.
Delhi

Many tourists from different corners of the world visit Delhi to experience Holi celebrations. That being said, the ambience in Delhi turns into a fantastic blend of local and global cultures, where everyone gets busy enjoying their hearts out.
When to attend?
13th to 14th March 2025
What makes it special?
- Attend Exciting Events: Enjoy several Holi events like 'Made in India - OG Holi Fest' and 'Imperfecto Holi', that feature stand up comedy acts, DJ performances, and more.
- Witness Traditional Celebrations: Visit ISKCON temple on Delhi to take part in 'Phoolo ki Holi', where devotees gather to play holi with fragrant flowers.
- Experience Pool Parties: Get a chance to attend lively pool parties during Holi which are usually hosted at farm houses in the outskirts.
Jaipur, Rajasthan

The town also hosts a variety of upbeat events and parties such as 'Rang De Jaipur 2025', 'Rangreza Holi Party Jaipur 2025', and 'Holitina 2025'. These events feature celebrity hosts like Prince Narula and famous DJs playing cross-genre music including Bollywood, EDM, Punjabi, and more.
When to attend?
13th to 14th March 2025
What makes it special?
- Attend the Elephant Festival: Enjoy a parade of the gentle giants, who are decorated with paintings on their bodies and covered with beautiful jewellery.
- Visit Govind Dev Ji Temple: Seek blessing from Lord Krishna and experience holi festivities that include playing with flowers and powdered color.
- Enjoy Lively Events & Parties: Groove to the beats of popular DJs at the most lively parties in town, like Rangreza Holi Party Jaipur 2025 and Rang De Jaipur 2025.
Shantiniketan, West Bengal

These festivities were first started by Rabindranath Tagore, the famous Nobel Laureate and the son of Maharshi Devendranath Tagore, who established the neighbourhood.
When to attend?
14th March 2025
- Everyone dresses in yellow: Students in the Visva-Bharati campus wear bright yellow clothes that symbolize the arrival of spring.
- Cultural performances: Witness folk songs, dances, and rituals that celebrate the rich cultural heritage.
- Playing with colours: People apply powdered colour on each other to spread the joy of the festivities.
Pushkar, Rajasthan

There are a variety of high-energy parties like Pushkar Holi Sundowner 2.0, Space Saga Pushkar Holi Music Festival, and more. Tourists may enjoy celebrating at rooftop restaurants, in the market area, or the large open fields.
When to attend?
13th to 14th March 2025
What makes it special?
- Pushkar Music Festival: Get a chance to listen to the DJs mixing songs live and enjoy rain dances or pool parties.
- Holika Dahan: Witness a grand ceremony on the day of Holika Dhahan, which is celebrated with large bonfires.
- Cultural Celebrations: Head to the temples to experience age-old rituals that include community gatherings and prayer offerings.
- Street Performances: Watch several colorful parades where tourists and locals dance, sing, and play with colours.
Sangla, Himachal Pradesh

The celebrations here mainly include the worship of local deities for prosperity and portrayals of acts from Ramayana, among various other activities like folk dances and social gatherings. Holi in Sangla include festivities that usually unfold over 4 days. During this time, the locals take part in several religious ceremonies to pay their respects to their cultural heritage.
When to attend?
13th to 16th March 2025
What makes it special?
- Beautiful Decorations: Admire the lovely decorations everywhere that include diyas, lanterns, and colourful prayer flags.
- Prayer Offerings: Head to Shree Bering Nag Ji Temple to offer prayers and seek blessings.
- Cultural Events: Witness ‘Phagli’, a regional dance performed by men and women of Sangla.
- Ramleela Acts: Experience a unique interpretation of the Ramayana, where actors wear colorful masks to portray the characters.
Anandpur Sahib, Punjab

The venue for Hola Mohalla is Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur, in Punjab's Rupnagar district, which is listed among the 5 Sikh takhts that hold historical significance. It is also the birthplace of Khalsa Panth and houses several real artefacts.
When to attend?
14th March to 16th March 2025
What makes it special?
- Akhand Path: Admire the traditional rituals where spiritual leaders of the Sikh community recite the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Community Langar: Devotees at Gurudwaras can enjoy food at Langar or try delicious snacks from the food stalls available.
- Community Seva: Join people from different walks of life to contribute to the hosting of the event in several ways, free of cost.
- Performances by Nihang Jatthas: Watch the Sikh warrior groups showcase their fantastic martial arts skills and mock duels.
- Poetry competitions: Witness devotees singing meodious hymns and impress the crowd with their voice and skills on musical instruments like tabla and harmonium.
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Holi in Spiti is also popular among tourists for the stunning views of the Himalayas, which make the experience more immersive. In Spiti Valley, Holi is not just about color but a reflection of the region’s strong cultural and spiritual roots, offering a soulful celebration.
When to attend?
13th to 14th March 2025
- Rituals and Prayers: Participate in special prayer offerings at Buddhist monasteries like Key Monastery, where Monks host religious rituals to seek prosperity, health, and peace.
- Regional Music and Dance: Enjoy a more subtle celebration of Holi through traditional folk dances and music performances by locals dressed in regional clothing.
- Eco-friendly Celebration: Play Holi with your friends, family, or locals with natural colors made using local flowers and herbs, promoting the cultural heritage of the region.
Varanasi

Throughout the celebration, the entire Manikarnika Ghat echoes with the chants of 'Har Har Mahadev!'. Locals of the region believe that playing Holi with the holy ashes brings makes Lord Shiva delighted.
When to attend?
11th to 16th March 2025
What makes it special?
- Rare Traditions: Dive into a once-in-a-lifetime experience and watch locals celebrate Holi at the ancient cremation grounds of Varanasi.
- Spiritual and Cultural Immersion: Experience Holi celebrations right by the holy Ganga River, adding a spiritual significance to the colorful festivities.
- Historical Significance: Admire age-old rituals and performances that symbolize Lord Shiva's victory over Yamraj (God of Death).
Udaipur

The next day brings the highly anticipated 'Dhulandi' festivities or the 'Rang Utsav', where locals and tourists gather to play with colours. Udaipur is known for lively Holi celebrations that feature folk music, DJ gigs, and Dhol performances.
When to attend?
13th to 14th March 2025
- City Palace
- Jagmandir Island Palace
- Fateh Sagar Lake
- Ambrai Ghat
- Jagdish Chowk
- Impressive Performances: Enjoy watching a wide range of cultural performances at City Palace, the architecture of which adds a royal ambience to the celebration.
- Visit the Floating Palace: Head to the Taj Lake Palace, which is located in the middle of a lake, and enjoy lively parties and traditional or cultural events.
- Celebrate at the Ghat: Visit Ambrai Ghat, where several locals and tourists gather to apply colour to each other and dance to the beats of upbeat music.
Mumbai

You can also catch a glimpse of some Bollywood celebrities who could be found either hosting or attending these events. Mumbai offers Holi experiences that are as diverse as its residents. So, if you're seeking a Holi celebration that features the best of everything - Mumbai is the place to go!
When to attend?
13th to 14th March 2025
What makes it special?
- Attend Exciting Parties: Groove to the beats of popular DJs like DJ Chetas and DJ ALMOS, or enjoy rain dancing at various events.
- Celebrations in Nature: Explore coastal places like Alibaug, where you can enjoy Holi through beach camping with friends and family.
- Beachside Festivities: Head to famous beaches like Juhu or Versova, where locals and tourists celebrate Holi with music, dancing, and colors.
- Cultural Celebrations: Visit temples such as the ISKCON Temple or the Siddhivinayak Temple, where devotees perform Holi rituals, offering a more spiritual experience.
Manipur

Yaosang marks the beginning of Spring in the region, and is symbolized by the folk dances performed by men and women alike. Celebrations begin with the building of small cottages with bamboo and straws. Next, the children form a group for an activity called 'nakatheng', where they knock the doors of the residents in the area to ask for donations and blessings.
The part of Holi in Manipur that is the most loved by everyone is 'ThabalChongba', which translates to 'Moonlight Dance', that is hosted on the second day. It's a Manpuri folk dance where men and women hold each others hand and dance to the tunes of Pala Eshei (traditional music).
On the third day of of holi celebrations in Manipur, locals and tourists apply colour on each others face and enjoy local food and beverages together.
When to attend?
14th to 19th March 2025
What makes it special?
- Watch 'ThabalChongba': Get a chance to enjoy a traditional dance performed hand-in-hand in a circle, by the locals at night.
- Admire 'Nakatheng': Watch as the kids in the area dress up in traditional attire and go door-to-door asking for donations and blessings.
Hampi

If you're someone who's seeking historical immersion in your Holi celebrations this year, Hampi is a must-visit. The festivities symbolize the art, culture, and social heritage of Vijayanagara Kingdom's ruins. You can also explore many sculptures in the area that depict holi being played among the locals and royal family.
When to attend?
13th to 14th March 2025
What makes it special?
- Take a dip in the River: Enjoy taking a refreshing dip in the Tungabhadra River, which carries spiritual and religious importance among the locals.
- Explore the Ruins: Get a chance to admire the contrast of vibrant holi colors against the background of the historic ruins.
- Visit the Temples: Offer prayers, seek blessings, and attend the holy rituals at several historic temples like Virupaksha Temple.
Kumaon, Uttarakhand

The highlight of Holi in Kumaon is the ritual called 'Baithaki Holi', where local communities gather to sing traditional folk songs and play the dhol. Tourists can enjoy participating in these customs by wearing colourful costumes and dancing to the beats.
When to attend?
9th to 14th March 2025
What makes it special?
- Regional Delights: Wear nokdaar (pointed) topi, kurta, and churidar pyjama to immerse yourself in the regional culture of Kumaon.
- Watch Cultural Performances: Witness the locals from Kumaoni and Sudurpashchimi regions perform folk dances like 'Choliya' and 'Jhora'.
- Rangoli Making: Join the locals and try your hand at creating colorful Rangolis on the streets.