Holi – The Festival of Color, The festival signifies the win of good over evil, is one of the most beautiful festivals that represent the grand history and culture of India. It is one of the fewest festivals in the world where people from all religions, cast and colors come together on streets and apply colors to each other to wish a better joyful life. And there are many places in India where it is celebrated in different-2 ways like in Barsana you can witness the Lathmar Holi, Ladoo Ki Holi, Flowers Holi while in Punjab you can witness the warriors Holi or in Delhi, you can enjoy the musical Holi etc. So, if you’re looking for the best places to celebrate Holi in India then you must check out our list below –
Complete Schedule for Barsana, Vrindavan and Mathura Holi in 2022
- Day 1 – 11th March 2022 – Laddu Holi in Barsana
- Day 2 – 12th March 2022 – Lathmar Holi in Barsana
- Day 3 – 13th March 2022 – Lathmar Holi in Nandgaon
- Day 4 – 14th March 2022 – Phoolonwali Holi (flower holi) in Vrindavan at Banke Bihari Temple
- Day 5 – 15th March 2022 – Chaddi Mar Holi in Gokul
- Day 6 – 16th March 2022 – Windows Holi in Vrindavan at Gopinath Temple
- Day 7 – 17th March 2022 – Holika Dahan in Mathura at Holi Gate
- Day 8 – 18th March 2022 – Main Holi in Mathura – Play with color
- Day 9 – 19th March 2022 – Huranga Holi in Baldeo
1. Holi In Vrindavan
When it comes to Holi then Vrindavan, Mathura and Barsana are the places that come straight in our mind. Vrindavan is the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood with Goddess Radha and his friends.
Holi in Vrindavan is celebrated with lots of joy, flowers and colors. And Banke Bihari Temple is the center of Holi celebration in Vrindavan.
The week long celebration of Holi starts on 11th March and lasts till 19th March. On 14th March the priest of Banke Bihari Temple throw flowers on devotees of Lord Krishna and starts the celebration of Phoolwali (flowers) Holi. The whole event last for 20 to 30 minutes. And on the day of Holi, people gather around the Banke Bihari temple and start playing Holi by throwing colors on each other while dancing. On this day the entire Vrindavan gets filled with different shades of color.
What’s Special
Holi was one of the most loved festivals of Lord Krishna. And which could be the better place to celebrate Holi rather than Vrindavan where Lord Krishna used to play. Vrindavan is one of the few places in India where widows celebrate holi. On 16th March 2022 you can go the Gopinath Temple to witness the amazing celebration.
2. Holi in Mathura
The birth place of Lord Krishna, Mathura is the best place to celebrate Holi in India. The celebration of Holi starts a week before by decorating the temples and streets. In the week of Holi, the loud music of songs and hymns creates an ambiance that you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
According to the legends, the playing of colors in Holi started by the RadhaKrsishna in Vrindavan & Banaras, therefore, every year Mathura along with Vrindavan and Banaras, organize the grand celebration of Holi.
Dwarkadheesh Temple and Holi Gate held the biggest celebration of Holi so don’t miss these places.
What’s Special
From Phuloo Ke Holi (Holi of Flowers) to the lathmar holi or from rango ki holi to kichad ke holi, you can experience the various shades of Holi in Mathura. Also don’t forget to visit Gulal Kund to witness the Krishna Lila by locals.
3. Holi in Barsana (Braj Ke Holi)
The birth place of Radharani, the consort of Lord Krishna, Barsana is the most famous place to celebrate Holi in India. The lathmar Holi (Lath means stick and mar means beating) of Barsana is famous all over the world and why not because this place has the roots of this festival.
When men from Nandgaon come to Barsana to flag on Radharani temple then women from Barsana playfully beat men with sticks and men defend themselves with shields. It is one of the few events in the world you don’t want to miss.
What’s Special
Barsana is known for its famous Lathmar holi and Laddu Holi (people through laddu on each other to celebrate Holi).
4. Holi in Banaras
One of the oldest living cities in the world, Banaras is a popular place to celebrate Holi in India. The festival attends by both Indians and Foreigners who visit this city to play color on the bank of River Ganges.
The holi celebration in Banaras starts after the Holika Dahan when a great bonfire lit up to signify the victory of good over evil. On the second day of Holika Dahan, the main Holi celebration begin when people throw colors on each other, drink thandai (infused with milk, dry fruits and marijuana), eat gujia and ladoo.
You can witness the grand Ganga Arti at the Ghat of Banaras that takes place every day in the morning and evening.
Nepali temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Durga Temple are some of the most famous places to celebrate Holi in Banaras.
What’s Special
Playing color beside the Ganga Rives is the experience you’ll ONLY get in Varanasi.
5. Holi in Hampi, Karnataka
If you’re looking to take part in a grand celebration of Holi then it’s better to avoid south India but Hampi is an exception. On the occasion of Holi whole town gather at the ruins of the Grand Vijayanagar empire while dancing on drums and playing with colors. After the celebration people take a dip in the Tungabhadra river to cleanse the color. It is believed that a dip in this river will wash away all the sins.
What’s Special
Playing colors amid ruins of grand Vijayanagar empire and taking a dip in the river Tungabhadra.
6. Holi in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Celebrating Holi in Rangeelo Rajasthan is always be a special experience when the pink city of India transforms into a rainbow. Just like other parts of India, the celebration starts with Holika Dahan continuing on the second day while playing colors, and dancing to Rajasthani folk music.
One of the oldest temples of Jaipur, Govind Dev Ji Temple is the main highlight of the Holi celebration in Jaipur. Holi is associated with RadhKrishna that’s why this festival is celebrated with lots of joy in Govind Ji Temple. The celebration goes on for a week. People celebrate Holi in the temple with colors and flowers. The echo of hymns around the temple creates a magical atmosphere that every Holi lovers want to experience.
What’s Special
The elephant festival is the main highlight of the Holi celebration in Jaipur. In this festival, elephants are groomed with colorful clothes and paintings. Afterward, the elephants go on the roads of the city with bands and drums. Thousands of people walk and cheer throughout the journey.
7. Holi in Delhi
For all music lovers, Delhi is the best place to celebrate Musical Holi in India. On this day the whole city turns into a vibrant rally when people of all ages gather on street and throw colors, water balloons, and spray pichkari on everyone no matter you’re known to them or not. It looks completely magical when the clouds of colors cover the entire city.
What’s Special
Holi Moo Festival is the main highlight of Holi in Delhi where you can enjoy holi with the performance of many national and international artists. You need to book tickets in advance to get entry into the festival.
8. Holi in Pushkar
The Holi in Pushkar celebrates with much enthusiasm and joy. Pushkar host one of the biggest holi parties in which people from all over the world come together to celebrate festivals of color.
The holi party is organized by the locals at the main square with the protection of local police. It is a free party that starts around 7 in the morning on the next day of Holika Dahan. Anyone can join the party, play colors, and dance on Hindi music.
Every year Pushkar hosts around 1 million locals and foreign tourists. And that means you can spot lots of friendly foreigners in the party who love to play Holi with locals and take snaps.
What’s Special
The grand Holi party at the main square makes holi in Pushkar memorable. If you’re a blogger, Instagrammers or photographer then you’ll lot of content for the holi theme. Local police is very helpful and make sure you’ll have a great time at the party. But still, if you’re a solo female traveler then stay away from creeps.
9. Holi in Punjab
Visit Punjab and witness the warriors Holi where instead of throwing colors you’ll see the martial arts performance by Sikhs. The festival of Holla Mohalla attracts a large number of tourists especially Sikhs pilgrims on the occasion of the Holi festival.
The Holi celebration demonstrates the amazing performance of martial arts and equestrian skills in a three-day-long event.
What’s Special
Witnessing the martial arts performance on the occasion of Holi is something you’ll not find anywhere else in the world.
10. Holi in Shantiniketan, West Bengal
On the occasion of Holi, the Shantiniketan University of West Bengal gear up to celebrate the Basanta Utsav or Holi festival. In this festival, the students come up with colorful attire while yellow colors take the center stage. The students put up a huge cultural program for the visitors including dance performances on the songs of Rabindranath Tagore and throwing colors.
The cultural events at the Holi festival in Shantiniketan attract visitors from all around. It gives a stage to the students to show their talent and make the program enjoyable. Afterward, the teacher and students apply colors on each other to wish the best in their life.
- Dates – 16th March to 18th March 2022
What’s Special
The famous poet Rabindranath Tagore introduced Basanta Utsav in Bolpur, Shantiniketan. Afterward, Holi in Shantiniketan celebrates as Basanta Utsav or spring festival and became an integral part of Bengali culture. The live performance of students shows their culture and talents which is very interesting to experience.
So now you have an idea about how Holi is celebrated in different parts of India. Above we tried to give a glimpse of different types of Holi but we know that’s not enough. So you can choose your favorite destination and celebrate the festival of colors. No matter wherever you go but each place guarantees you to give an experience & vibe that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.