Holi, India’s most vibrant festival, brings the country to life each spring, inviting you to immerse yourself in a captivating experience. The festival, celebrating the triumph of good over evil, varies dramatically from region to region, offering you a glimpse into India’s cultural diversity.
For those wondering where to celebrate Holi in India in 2025, this guide will introduce you to the most lively destinations. From the spiritual heartland of Uttar Pradesh to the regal celebrations of Rajasthan and the cultural pageantry of Bengal, each destination infuses Holi celebrations in India with distinctive local traditions that have evolved over generations.
1. Barsana
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In the small town of Barsana, about 42 kilometers from Mathura, Holi transforms into a vibrant theatrical battle between the sexes, attracting cultural enthusiasts worldwide. Known as Lathmari Holi, this celebration occurs about a week before the main event and reenacts the playful teasing between Lord Krishna and the gopis (milkmaids). Women, armed with wooden sticks, playfully “beat” men who defend themselves with shields while trying to drench the women in colors.
The festivities begin at the Ladliji temple, where priests shower devotees with flowers. The narrow streets become stages for this colorful drama, with men from neighboring Nandgaon journeying to Barsana. The air is filled with folk songs celebrating Krishna’s antics, as participants lose themselves in vibrant pigments and the rhythmic beats of dhol drums. For many participants, this represents the best Holi celebration in India, where tradition and playfulness perfectly combine.
2. Mathura and Vrindavan
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In Mathura and Vrindavan, Lord Krishna’s birthplace and playground, Holi is a profound spiritual experience spanning an entire week. These twin sacred cities offer the most authentic connection to Holi’s mythological origins, where Holi is celebrated the most in India with deep religious significance, as the festival commemorates Krishna’s playful application of color on his beloved Radha.
Vrindavan’s festivities start at the Banke Bihari Temple, where priests shower devotees with sacred colors and hymns fill the air. The nearby narrow lanes burst with vibrant colors as thousands celebrate, including widows from local ashrams adorned with color.
In Mathura, the Dwarkadheesh Temple features traditional processions and a serene evening aarti along the Yamuna River, illuminated by floating lamps. To fully enjoy the festivities, consider staying at heritage haveli accommodations that doubles as a peaceful retreat.
3. Shantiniketan
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In Shantiniketan, West Bengal, Rabindranath Tagore reimagined Holi as Basanta Utsav (Spring Festival), infusing the traditional celebration with artistic expression. At Visva-Bharati University, students dress in yellow to symbolize spring and perform Tagore’s compositions using traditional instruments like ektara and dotara amidst blooming gardens and ancient sal trees.
For those seeking a more intellectual and artistic Holi celebration in India, Shantiniketan is an exquisite alternative. Unique to Shantiniketan is the use of colors made from flower petals and herbs, reflecting Tagore’s early environmental awareness. The festivities culminate in a communal feast featuring Bengali delicacies like narkel naru (coconut sweets) and patishapta (rice crepes with sweet fillings).
4. Kumaon
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In the Uttarakhand Kumaon region, Holi is celebrated as Kumaoni Holi, where music precedes color. The festival features distinct phases: Baithki Holi (seated singing gatherings), Khari Holi (standing processions with songs), and Mahila Holi (women’s musical gatherings).
Weeks before Holi, villagers gather in homes and community spaces for Baithki Holi sessions, blending classical ragas with folk tunes on traditional instruments like dhol and damau. As the festival nears, Khari Holi brings songs to the streets of Almora, Nainital, and Bhimtal, with processions winding through the mountains.
Professional Holiyars preserve the region’s unique musical traditions, sharing complex compositions rooted in local mythology and the changing seasons. For travelers, experiencing these authentic Holi celebrations in India amidst snow-capped peaks fosters deep cultural connections through the universal language of music. Local guesthouses often host these musical events, inviting guests to participate in the celebration.
5. Anandpur Sahib
At Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, Holi coincides with Hola Mohalla, a three-day Sikh festival highlighting martial prowess since the 17th century. Founded by Guru Gobind Singh to foster a military spirit among followers, this celebration showcases Sikh warrior heritage at the Kesgarh Sahib Gurdwara. This earns its place among the top Holi destinations in India for travelers seeking cultural depth beyond the typical color play.
The festival begins with traditional Holi colors as families gather. In the afternoon, thousands of Nihang Sikhs in blue robes showcase mock battles of gatka (Sikh martial art), featuring horseback riding, sword fighting, and archery that highlight Punjab’s history of resistance. Throughout the event, langar (community kitchens) serve free meals, illustrating the Sikh principle of equality. Nights are filled with kavishri (poetry) and kirtan (devotional music), adding spiritual meaning to the festivities.
6. Manipur
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In Manipur, Holi evolves into the six-day Yaoshang Festival, merging Hindu traditions with Meitei cultural elements. Starting on the full moon of Phalguna (February to March), Yaoshang symbolizes cultural exchange in India’s borderlands, making Manipur the best place to visit during Holi.
The festivities kick off with the burning of a thatched hut, representing the destruction of evil, echoing the Holika bonfire seen in mainland India. The athletic competitions and dance performances are unique to Manipur, particularly the Thabal Chongba, where women and men dance under the full moon’s glow.
Sports events engage the community with traditional martial arts and modern races, while local markets feature handcrafted bamboo water guns. Unlike the unrestrained color play seen elsewhere in India, the color application follows structured ritual patterns, with participants often forming orderly processions through villages.
7. Rajasthan
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Against the backdrop of Rajasthan’s majestic forts and palaces, Holi takes on a grand elegance, particularly in Jaipur and Udaipur. In Jaipur, the festivities begin with Holika Dahan at the City Palace, where the royal family leads a ceremonial pyre lighting. The following day, the Elephant Festival features beautifully adorned elephants, camels, and vibrant folk performances, reflecting the region’s royal heritage.
Udaipur offers a more intimate Holi celebration in India at the City Palace, where the Maharana hosts guests with classical music. Local havelis also welcome community festivities using traditional organic colors. These make Jaipur and Udaipur the best cities for the Holi Festival in 2025 for those seeking to experience the royal heritage of India alongside traditional spring festivities.
8. Hampi
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In Hampi, Karnataka, Holi transforms the ancient granite landscape of this UNESCO World Heritage Site into a vibrant celebration. Centered around the historic Virupaksha Temple, the festival begins with special pujas before sunrise. As the day progresses, devotees apply gulal (colored powder) to one another, accompanied by regional Carnatic music, creating a unique South Indian interpretation of Holi that focuses on ritual and community rather than raucous play.
The afternoon light beautifully illuminates color-dusted stonework, enhancing the festivities as they extend to the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Here, locals and visitors share meals of regional specialties like bisi bele bath (spiced rice and lentil dish) and holige (sweet flatbread), embodying the spirit of unity associated with the festival. Adventurers can even kayak on the river to enjoy the celebrations from a different perspective, with the stunning 14th-century ruins as a backdrop.
9. Delhi
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For those wondering where the best place to celebrate Holi in India with modern amenities is, Delhi has reimagined traditional festivities into curated experiences. The flagship Holi Moo Festival at venues like Asiad Tower Gardens features various performances, from classical dhrupad to electronic DJs, attracting locals and international visitors.
Delhi’s multicultural character enriches the celebrations, as migrants share their regional traditions, particularly in historic neighborhoods like Old Delhi around Jama Masjid. Families have maintained traditions for generations, applying colors and sharing special treats like gujiya (sweet dumplings) and thandai (spiced milk drink often infused with bhang). For a deeper cultural experience, connect with local families in areas like Hauz Khas and Civil Lines to witness authentic Holi celebrations in India.
10. Mumbai
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Mumbai hosts one of the biggest Holi celebrations in India. The celebrations reflect the city’s dynamic energy and cinematic flair, infusing Maharashtrian customs with Bollywood glamour. The festivities range from celebrity-filled beach parties at Juhu Beach to intimate gatherings in neighborhoods like Colaba and Dadar. In these neighborhoods, the morning begins with ritual prayers before residents emerge for community celebrations where special Maharashtrian Holi delicacies like puran poli (sweet flatbread) and patishapta complement the usual festival treats.
As sunset paints the Arabian Sea, participants celebrate into the evening, often joined by Bollywood stars at high-profile events that support charitable causes. These events often feature choreographed performances, live music, and organic colors, creating Instagram-worthy moments against Mumbai’s iconic coastal backdrop. Moreover, the city’s diverse culture leads to unique fusion celebrations, with communities incorporating specific traditions, such as South Indian customs in Matunga and Gujarati practices in Borivali.
11. Sangla
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In the remote Sangla Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Holi rituals blend with indigenous Kinnauri customs amid towering Himalayan peaks and ancient cedar forests. This lesser-known destination offers one of India’s most visually spectacular settings for Holi celebrations in India. The celebrations begin with local priests at ancient wooden temples, followed by village elders leading processions through narrow pathways, where residents of all ages joyously throw colors from their balconies.
Kinnauri Holi is unique in integrating animistic beliefs and Buddhist influences, with local musicians playing rare instruments like the reshun and ravanhatta. Instead of synthetic pigments, the celebrations use natural colors from local flowers, barks, and minerals, preserving traditional practices. Community meals feature Kinnauri specialties such as siddu (fermented wheat bread stuffed with poppy seeds) and chaas (savory buttermilk drink) served in copper vessels.
Takeaway
Holi celebrations across India illustrate regional diversity, transforming shared traditions through local interpretations and uniting the nation while celebrating its differences. Whether seeking spirituality in Vrindavan, cultural richness in Shantiniketan, or warrior traditions in Anandpur Sahib, the best place to visit during Holi depends on your interests.
Holi in India falls on March 14th, 2025, though celebrations in Barsana, Mathura, and Vrindavan begin approximately one week earlier. Consider extending your journey to experience multiple regional celebrations before moving to your chosen main destination as the festival date approaches.
Ready to experience India’s most vibrant festival? Begin planning your 2025 Holi adventure now by securing the best flight and accommodation deals with OneAir.
*Banner photo by Dibakar Roy from Pexels
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