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Best Places for Holi Celebration in India 2024

India is undoubtedly a land of colors, vibrant cultures, and traditions. One festival that rightly depicts the land of diversity is the festival of colors - Holi. It is one of the most joyous and vibrant festivals, which marks the arrival of the spring season and the victory of good over evil. As India is a diverse country, the festivals here are celebrated diversely. Due to regional and cultural variations, Holi isn’t celebrated in just one way. There are many best places to celebrate Holi in India with unmatched enthusiasm, making it an unforgettable experience for travelers and locals. 

One of the best Holi celebrations India happens at Mathura and Vrindavan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Here, the festival lasts for days with different rituals like Phoolon ki Holi, Lath Maar Holi, and many more, immersing you in the magic of Lord Krishna. One of Holi's most emotional celebrations is witnessing the Widow’s Holi at Vrindavan. Now, dressed up in white sarees, they smeared colored powder on each other and rejoiced in the festivities with their Lord Krishna. Pack your bags and join the locals in the revelry by smearing colors on each other and dancing to the beats of drums. The energy and excitement during Holi are sights to behold for an unforgettable Holi experience. 

Another famous Holi festival celebration is the royal Holi celebrations in Udaipur. Here, one can participate in Holi celebrations at City Palace, Gangaur Ghat, where one can witness traditional Rajasthani folk dances and music performances and savor the local delicacies. Imagine celebrating the festival of colors aligned with the ghats with the backdrop of stunning forts and palaces. Sounds like a Bollywood movie, right? But travel to Udaipur to make your dream come true and create memorable memories of the Holi festival. 

From the lively streets of Vrindavan and Barsana to the holy ghats of Varanasi or celebrating Holi with the backdrop of the Himalayas, every destination offers its charm and traditions to celebrate this festival of colors with full zeal and enthusiasm. So, don't forget to pack your white clothes and enjoy the colors festival in India. 

List of 13 Best Places To Celebrate Holi in India

1 Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
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In Braj, Uttar Pradesh, Mathura is one of the best places in India to celebrate Holi. The city is famously known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna and a place where you can celebrate Holi in many unique ways. The festival of colors is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm, where locals and tourists participate in unparalleled celebrations. The city comes alive with vibrant colors, music, and dance performances, making it a popular destination for people to celebrate Holi. Temples in Mathura, like Dwarkadhish, also host one of the biggest and most energetic Holi festival celebrations. At Dauji Temple, a few kilometers from Mathura, where Harunga festivities kickstart. Celebrated a day after the festival, this ritual sees men pouring color-tinged water over women, who tear their shirts and thrash the men with them. From morning chants and Bhajans to playing with Gulaal to colorful processions from the Vishram Ghat to Holi Gate and several music and dance festivals, you can experience it all in Mathura during Holi. 

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Agra Mathura Vrindavan Tour For 2D and 1N
Agra Mathura Vrindavan Tour For 2D and 1N
1 Nights / 2 Days
Mathura Vrindavan Tour For 3 Days and 2 Nights
Mathura Vrindavan Tour For 3 Days and 2 Nights
2 Nights / 3 Days
2 Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
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The list of best places for the Indian Holi celebration is incomplete without including Vrindavan.  The place is renowned for its association with Lord Krishna and Radha. Holi is celebrated with top-notch thrill and excitement, leading tourists worldwide to come to Vrindavan and participate in the colorful and lively Holi celebrations. Here, the celebrations in the town are not your ordinary celebrations; they are a week-long fiesta that begins with ‘Lathmar Holi.’ One of the most famous places in Vrindavan during the Holi time is the Banke Bihari Temple, which is decorated with vibrant colors, and the devotees engage in a lively and fun-filled celebration, smearing colors on each other’s faces and dancing to traditional music. Another addition to the most popular places to celebrate Holi festival is the Radha Raman temple, in which priests shower flowers on the devotees. So, pack your bags and experience the magic of Lord Krishna. 

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Agra Mathura Vrindavan Tour For 2D and 1N
Agra Mathura Vrindavan Tour For 2D and 1N
1 Nights / 2 Days
3 Udaipur, Rajasthan
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In Udaipur, the Holi is celebrated in the most imperial and grand manner, making it one of the best Holi celebrations in India. The festival is celebrated in Udaipur for two days. The celebration of Holi in Udaipur starts with Holika Dahan, one day before Holi. Known as Mewar Holika Dahan, the bonfire takes place on the grounds of the City Palace by the ruling Mewar King. On the second day, locals and tourists throughout the city rejoice in Holi. In several parts of old Udaipur, people play with dry and wet colors, water guns, and balloons. City Palace, Gangaur Ghat, and Manek Chowk are some of the best places to experience the enthusiasm of the Holi festival. 

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3 Days and 2 Nights in Rajasthan to Indulge in Whirlwind Tour of Jaipur and Udaipur
3 Days and 2 Nights in Rajasthan to Indulge in Whirlwind Tour of Jaipur and Udaipur
2 Nights / 3 Days
4 Days and 3 Nights in Rajasthan to Discover the Royal Heritage of Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur
4 Days and 3 Nights in Rajasthan to Discover the Royal Heritage of Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur
3 Nights / 4 Days
Magical Udaipur, Kumbalgarh & Chittorgarh Tour for 5D/4N
Magical Udaipur, Kumbalgarh & Chittorgarh Tour for 5D/4N
4 Nights / 5 Days
Rajasthan Tour Package: Udaipur, Ranakpur & Chittorgarh 5D/4N
Rajasthan Tour Package: Udaipur, Ranakpur & Chittorgarh 5D/4N
4 Nights / 5 Days
4 Pushkar, Rajasthan
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If you are looking for a place to celebrate Holi in India apart from the most touristy destinations, Pushkar is your destination. The festival of Holi in Pushkar is celebrated for 5 days from the actual date. Visitors and locals dance with sticks (Daandiya) on dhols and beats every night. Pushkar also hosts Holi Festivals, which are world-renowned, owing to which tourists from around the world especially go to Pushkar to play Holi. Besides that, almost all the street locals play, dance, and sing! No alcohol is served here, although you will find government-approved Bhang shops all over the city. 

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5 Hampi, Karnataka
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Hampi is one of the underrated Indian Holi celebrations. At the approach of Phalguna Purnima, you can hear sounds of ‘O rang barse bheege chunar wali rang barse’ and ‘balam pichkari’ on every street corner of the city of ancient ruins temples. Hampi drenches itself in the colors on this day when people celebrate spring by drumming and dancing with utmost zeal. Locals dress up in white attires and gather along the banks of the Tungabhadra River to enjoy the festivities. The city vibe will take you back to the Middle Ages when Holi was played in the ruins of the Vijayanagara Kingdom. Here, it is also customary to wash off those colors of the body by jumping in the river. 

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Karnataka Exploration from Bangalore to Hampi 8D/7N
Karnataka Exploration from Bangalore to Hampi 8D/7N
7 Nights / 8 Days
Hyderabad - Hampi Weekend Tour 3D/2N
Hyderabad - Hampi Weekend Tour 3D/2N
2 Nights / 3 Days
6 Jaipur, Rajasthan
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Jaipur’s colorful heritage, vibrant culture, and royal palaces offer a stunning backdrop, perfect for all your Insta-worthy pictures. It is a popular place to celebrate this festival of colors in India. The Pink City has a plethora of venues to celebrate Holi, most of which include forts, palaces, and divine temples. The City Palace hosts a yearly Holi celebration with cultural performances, music, and authentic Rajasthani cuisine. On Holi, you can also witness the procession of elephants painted in different hues. You can witness the festival's celebrations at the Govind Dev Ji Temple, the oldest temple of Radha Krishna in Jaipur. 

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3 Days and 2 Nights in Rajasthan to Indulge in Whirlwind Tour of Jaipur and Udaipur
3 Days and 2 Nights in Rajasthan to Indulge in Whirlwind Tour of Jaipur and Udaipur
2 Nights / 3 Days
4 Days and 3 Nights in Rajasthan to Discover the Royal Heritage of Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur
4 Days and 3 Nights in Rajasthan to Discover the Royal Heritage of Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur
3 Nights / 4 Days
Delhi To Jaipur Package For 2 Days and 1 Night
Delhi To Jaipur Package For 2 Days and 1 Night
1 Nights / 2 Days
Charms of Chittorgarh with Jaipur & Ranthambore Tour Package 6D/5N
Charms of Chittorgarh with Jaipur & Ranthambore Tour Package 6D/5N
5 Nights / 6 Days
7 Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
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The festival of Holi in Varanasi is a sight to behold as India's oldest and holiest city turns into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. People from different corners of the world flock to this town to be part of something so wonderful. On the day of Holi, people gather around the Ganges to play with color, drink Thandai infused with homegrown bhaang, and dance like no one is watching. The streets of Banaras are painted in vibrant hues of Holi, making it one of the best destinations to enjoy the festival of Holi in India. The main celebration happens at the Assi Ghat, where you can gather with locals and dance to the beats. 

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8 Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
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Rishikesh is a small town in the northern state of Uttarakhand, known for its holy Ganges river and its yoga and meditation centers. The majestic Himalayas surround the city, and its picturesque beauty makes it an ideal place to celebrate the colors festival in India. The festival of Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Rishikesh, and the town comes alive with the colors of Holi. People of all ages and backgrounds come together to celebrate Holi in Rishikesh. The day starts with a traditional puja, where prayers are offered to Lord Krishna, the deity associated with Holi. People then take to the streets and begin smearing each other with colored powders called ‘Gulal.’ Children and adults alike participate in the festivities. The air is filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and the colors of Holi. 

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Multi Adventure from Dehradun to Rishikesh 6D/5N
Multi Adventure from Dehradun to Rishikesh 6D/5N
5 Nights / 6 Days
Rishikesh Retreat: Adventure and Camping Package 3D/2N
Rishikesh Retreat: Adventure and Camping Package 3D/2N
2 Nights / 3 Days
Delhi to Divine Gateway: Haridwar and Rishikesh Tour 4D/3N
Delhi to Divine Gateway: Haridwar and Rishikesh Tour 4D/3N
3 Nights / 4 Days
9 Purulia, West Bengal
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Purulia is a small West Bengal known for its unique Holi celebration in India called the Basanta Utsav.  This unique celebration observes dancers and people from all walks of life grooving to the beats of dhol all around the town. During the festival, people smear each other with colors and water while dancing to the beats. The visitors can also observe the traditional Chau dance when taking part in the festivities. One of the significant highlights of Holi in Purulia is the Ayodhya Pahar here, which blooms in red during the spring season, in which this festival is celebrated. This is because the Palash flowers bloom here and are spread throughout the entire region during this season, making it a mesmerizing sight. 

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10 Kumaon, Uttarakhand
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The Kumaoni, or Khadi Holi of Uttarakhand, is a captivating musical event. The locals in India celebrate the Holi festival by donning traditional attire such as Chudidaar, Nokdaar Topi, and Kurta Pyjama. They come together in groups, singing Khari songs and dancing joyfully. The music is performed using the traditional Dhol and Hurka instruments. Afterward, the crowd gracefully parades through the area, greeting those around them warmly. The festivities span two months. Kumaoni Holi is celebrated in various forms, such as Khari Holi, Mahila Holi, and Baithki Holi, making it a unique Holi festival celebration. The songs sung during these celebrations are in different ragas, and the festivities begin from the temple premises. The songs are arranged in a specific order corresponding to the time of day. The colors used in the Kumaoni Holi are also quite fascinating. The ingredients used in this product are derived from natural sources, including flower extracts, ash, and water.

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11 Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
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Hola Mohalla, is not just one of the most distinctive Holi celebrations in India. Still, it is also a vital component of Sikhism's cultural heritage. There is a more manly variant of Holi called Hola Mohalla, which features pretend battles and displays of bravery. Some of the most important parts of this kind of Holi are the many processions, the vibrant colors, and the ambiance filled with poetry and music. It is highly recommended that you celebrate Holi here at least once in your lifetime so that you may have a glimpse of a different side of the chaotic Holi that we are all acquainted with. Remember to participate in the Bhangra sessions and the Langar meetings in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab. 

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12 Barsana, Uttar Pradesh
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Barsana, a small town near Mathura, is another popular place to play this colors festival in India for a unique experience. It is the place where you can witness the iconic Lathmar Holi, which is famous worldwide, where men get playfully beaten by women with sticks. The Lathmar Holi of Barsana typically takes place a week before the main festival and is one of the most fun-filled events you will experience. Besides this, you can also take part in the sweet Ladoo Holi at the Shriji Temple in Barsana, where laddoos are distributed among the devotees in and around the temple, signifying the arrival of Lord Krishna from Nandgaon to Barsana to meet Radha. People also sing many folk songs in Braj Bhasha, along with bhajans praising Lord Krishna and Radha, to celebrate Holi in Barsana. 

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13 Sangla, Himachal Pradesh
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Sangla, located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, is a serene and picturesque destination uniquely celebrating Holi. The festival of colors is celebrated distinctively in Sangla, where people come together to celebrate in a traditional manner that is rooted in the local culture. Sangla offers a unique opportunity to experience the colors festival in India in a Himalayan setting. The town has several temples and shrines where devotees gather to perform puja and offer prayers to the gods. On the main day of Holi, people smeared each other with vibrant colors and exchanged sweets and delicacies. The locals also indulge in traditional dances and music, such as the Kinnauri Nati, made from flowers and herbs in the surrounding hills. It is a highly recommended destination to witness the festival of Holi in a unique and enchanting way. 

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FAQs About Where to Celebrate Holi in India

To celebrate the Holi festival in India, vacationers must plan to visit the trendy places of India where Holi is being celebrated with great enthusiasm. To immerse yourself in a divine and spiritually high Holi experience, you must visit Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana. However, Varanasi, Hampi, Pushkar, Jaipur, Sangla, Kumaon, and Purulia in West Bengal are other places in India where you can witness this festival. Apart from playing Holi, vacationers visiting these places will also enjoy delicious snacks made especially for the festival, i.e., Gujiya, chips, Papad, Thandai, Ladoo, etc.

If you are planning to visit Varanasi to play Holi, then you should be aware that you can get the epic Holi experience in Varanasi at Assi Ghat. At this ghat, people enjoy endless Gulaal holi (dry color), and to enjoy the festive to the fullest, vacationers must enjoy bhang-infused thandai (a refreshing drink made with milk and dry fruits) and laddoo. Each of these experiences is unique and compels vacationers to attend the festival every year. 

If you are in South India, then Hampi is the best place to witness the Holi festival celebration. Hampi’s temples host several events and activities for the festival. Holi is all about the blend of unity and diversity. The charm of this festival is so good that during this festival, you can see the amazing amalgamation of diverse cultures, lifestyles, music, colors, and fun. While the celebration is going on, instant friendship of unknown people can be seen via dance, offering food & drinks to each other. So, people from diverse walks of life come together in Hampi to enjoy this festival to the fullest. 

Yes, Holi is celebrated in the mountains, like in Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rishikesh, etc. Among several cities of mountains, Kinnauri Holi is one of the best Indian Holi celebrations. Here, Holi is a long week festival, and it is been celebrated in Kinnauri style. Kinnaur is a place where people celebrate it with their local music, dance, colors, and local wine made up of almonds. Sangla is another place where people celebrate the festival to the fullest, along with their regional and traditional dances, music, and authentic food delicacies. So, one must attend the same in between the snow-capped mountains, and it's a beautiful experience. 

Holi festival in India is a 2-day celebration. The first day is celebrated as the Holika Dahan. On this day, people set a bonfire to remember the story of Holika -the sister of Asura King Hiranyakashyap, who tried to kill his son, Prahlad, who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. The next day, people celebrate the festival by putting Gulaal on each other and exchanging sweets. The significance of the festival of colors in India is the triumph of good over evil, and the festival also celebrates the eternal love between the Lord Krishna and Radha.