Holi is not merely a festival in India. It is a spectacle of color, music, devotion, and unrestrained joy. As winter fades and spring begins to bloom, streets across the country transform into open canvases splashed with pink, yellow, and green. The air smells of गुलाल and sweets, drums echo through neighborhoods, and strangers greet one another with laughter and color stained hands.
Yet Holi is not celebrated the same way everywhere. Each region adds its own tradition, history, and rhythm to the festival. From temple towns in Uttar Pradesh to royal courtyards in Rajasthan, here are ten of the best places in India where Holi unfolds in unforgettable ways.
1. Mathura
Holi in Mathura is as close to mythology as one can get. Believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, the city celebrates the festival with devotion and grandeur. The temples begin festivities days in advance, with devotional songs and ceremonial rituals setting the tone.
At the Dwarkadhish Temple, priests and devotees throw colored powder in an atmosphere that feels both sacred and jubilant. The celebration here is not confined to a single day. It stretches across a week, with processions, traditional music, and cultural performances weaving together faith and festivity.
2. Vrindavan
A short drive from Mathura, Vrindavan offers a deeply spiritual Holi experience. The town’s narrow lanes fill with devotees chanting Krishna’s name as clouds of color rise above temple courtyards. At Banke Bihari Temple, the celebration becomes an emotional spectacle as priests playfully shower devotees with color.
Vrindavan also hosts a unique celebration at the widow ashrams, where widows, once excluded from festivities, now participate in Holi with dignity and enthusiasm. The shift reflects both tradition and social change, making the festival here deeply meaningful.
3. Barsana
Barsana is known for its legendary Lathmar Holi. Rooted in folklore, the celebration reenacts a playful episode from Krishna’s life. Men from neighboring Nandgaon visit Barsana and are greeted by women armed with sticks. The men shield themselves with padded shields while crowd’s cheer.
Though symbolic, the event draws thousands of spectators each year. The atmosphere is charged with energy, laughter, and tradition. It is a vivid reminder that Holi can be both playful and rooted in centuries old stories.
4. Jaipur
In Jaipur, Holi blends royal elegance with public festivity. The Pink City celebrates with folk dances, traditional music, and cultural events hosted in heritage properties. In past years, even elephants have been part of pre Holi processions, though animal welfare concerns have reshaped some practices.
Hotels and palace courtyards organize curated celebrations for visitors seeking a safe yet authentic experience. Jaipur’s Holi is colorful but measured, festive yet refined, reflecting the city’s regal character.
5. Udaipur
Udaipur, with its shimmering lakes and palaces, offers one of the most picturesque Holi celebrations in India. The festivities often begin with a ceremonial bonfire known as Holika Dahan, sometimes hosted by members of the erstwhile royal family at the City Palace.
On the following day, the city’s streets come alive with color and music. Locals and visitors gather in open squares, celebrating against a backdrop of white marble architecture and blue waters. Holi in Udaipur feels theatrical, almost cinematic.
6. Varanasi
Few places match the intensity of Holi in Varanasi. The ancient city, known for its ghats and spiritual depth, transforms into a riot of color. On the eve of Holi, bonfires burn across neighborhoods, marking the triumph of good over evil.
The next morning, the lanes near the ghats fill with revelers covered head to toe in bright hues. Drums beat loudly, and bhang laced drinks make their traditional appearance. Yet amid the exuberance, there remains a spiritual undertone. Holi in Varanasi feels raw, unfiltered, and deeply rooted in local culture.
7. Delhi
The capital city celebrates Holi in diverse ways. From traditional neighborhood gatherings to large scale music festivals, Delhi offers something for everyone. Gated communities organize family friendly events with organic colors and safe environments.
Meanwhile, farmhouses and event venues host Holi parties featuring live DJs, rain dance setups, and elaborate food spreads. The celebration here reflects the city’s cosmopolitan character. It is both traditional and modern, intimate and grand.
8. Mumbai
In Mumbai, Holi arrives with a mix of Bollywood energy and community spirit. Residential societies celebrate with music and color in shared courtyards. Many cultural organizations host events that blend dance, food, and safe color play.
Beachside gatherings and ticketed Holi festivals add to the city’s vibrant scene. Yet beyond the glamour, Mumbai’s Holi remains rooted in neighborly warmth. It is common to see entire buildings come together in celebration before retreating indoors for festive meals.
9. Shantiniketan
In Shantiniketan, Holi takes on an artistic and poetic form known as Basanta Utsav. Inspired by Rabindranath Tagore, the festival here emphasizes culture over chaos. Students dress in yellow attire symbolizing spring and present songs, dances, and recitations.
The atmosphere is serene and refined compared to the high energy celebrations in north India. Colors are used gently, and the focus remains on welcoming spring through art and expression. For those seeking a graceful Holi, Shantiniketan offers a refreshing alternative.
10. Anandpur Sahib
In Punjab, Holi coincides with Hola Mohalla, a festival celebrated with martial displays and community gatherings. At Anandpur Sahib, Sikh warriors demonstrate traditional skills such as horse riding and mock combat.
The celebration is less about throwing colors and more about showcasing courage and community strength. Langars serve free meals to thousands, reinforcing the spirit of service. Hola Mohalla adds a distinct cultural dimension to the broader Holi season.
A Festival Beyond Color
Holi in India is not a uniform event. It shifts in tone and texture from town to town. In Mathura and Vrindavan, it feels devotional. In Barsana, playful. In Rajasthan, regal. In Varanasi, intense. In Shantiniketan, artistic. In Punjab, powerful.
Wherever one chooses to celebrate, a few principles remain constant. Respect local customs. Use safe and ecofriendly colors. Stay hydrated and mindful in large crowds. Holi is about joy, not recklessness.
As spring unfolds, the festival becomes a reminder of renewal. Old grievances are forgotten, friendships are revived, and communities come together in shared celebration. To witness Holi in India is to see the country at its most expressive, where color becomes language and laughter becomes tradition.