Holi is the festival of beautiful colours. It is the one iconic Hindu festival when people use colours to fill the happiness in their loved one’s lives. Whenever the festival rolls around, every year. It’s a time for welcoming spring, celebrating good over evil and the fun love between Lord Krishna and Radha. The family gets together to make its’ occasion which we celebrate with an array of homemade sweets. In 2026 Holi is marked by a 3-to-4-day affair.
India has a very diverse way of celebrating Holi which ranges from very spiritual temple rituals to royal processions and modern parties. If you are looking for the best Holi experience in India or the best place to go for Holi. We have some of the top destinations which stand out for their unique traditions, intensity and unforgettable experiences.
1. Mathura & Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh)
As the birthplace of Lord Krishna, these twin cities in Braj region host the most legendary and immersive Holi celebrations, mostly spanning weeks. In Vrindavan, the festivities kick off with Phoolon Ki Holi (Flower Holi) at temples like Banke Bihari and ISKCON, where devotees shower each other with flower petals instead of powder for a fragment, devotional twist. The streets come alive with bhajans, kirtans, and ecstatic colour-throwing. Mathura’s grand processions and temple rituals add to the spiritual fervor, drawing millions who seek a divine connection amid the chaos.
2. Barsana & Nandgaon (Uttar Pradesh)
Barsana & Nandgaon offer one of the most unique and playful traditions, Lathmar Holi. In Barsana, women playfully beat men with sticks (lathis) as men shield themselves with shields and sing teasing songs. The main Lathmar Holi in Barsana is a highlight, followed by Nandgaon’s reciprocal event. Colour fly, folk songs echo, and laddoos are thrown in for good fun. These villages provide a ritual, community-driven experience that’s less touristy than urban sports but incredibly authentic.
3. Jaipur (Rajasthan)
The Pink City turns into a royal playground during Holi. Celebrations mostly take place in heritage hotels, places like City Palace or Rambagh Palace, and organized events with elephant processions, folk performances, and elephant polo matches in some years. Jaipur’s Holi is more structured and family-friendly, traditional Rajasthani music, lavish thandai, and colour play in courtyards. It’s ideal for first-timers or those seeking a blend of heritage and festivity without overwhelming crowds. Many visitors call Jaipur one of the best Holi celebrations in India for its visual grandeur and royal vibe.
4. Pushkar (Rajasthan)
Pushkar’s Holi is free spirited and eclectic, attracting backpackers, hippies, and travelers from around the world. The town around the sacred Pushkar Lake hosts massive street parties with live music, DJs, camel fairs, and non-stop colour throwing. It’s less traditional but full of energy, trance music, international crowds, and a laid-back desert vibe. Pushkar offers a more relaxed, party-oriented Holi compared to the spiritual north.
5. Varanasi (Banaras)
Varanasi brings a profound, almost mystical dimension to Holi. On the ghats, especially during Masan Holi at Manikarnika, celebrations include rituals with ashes symbolizing life’s impermanence. The contrast of vibrant colours against the eternal Gangas and funeral pyres creates a deeply philosophical experience. Temple processions, Ganga aarti with colours, and street festivities make Varanasi unforgettable for those seeking meaning amid merriment.
6. Shantiniketan (West Bengal)
In West Bengal, Holi is celebrated as Basant Utsav at Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan, founded by Rabindranath Tagore. This cultural festival features classical dance, music performances, poetry, and gentle colours played with air. It’s elegant, artistic, and serene, far from the wild powder fights elsewhere. Ideal for those who prefer a refined, creative Holi experience.
7. Goa
Goa turns Holi into a coastal rave with beach parties, foam parties, DJs, and rain dances. Resorts and clubs host massive events where colours mix with sand, sea, and sunset views. In modern, energetic, and tourist-heavy-great for a fun, relaxed getaway if traditional rituals aren’t your priority.
8. Delhi
The capital hosts everything from community events in neighborhoods to upscale parties in hostels and farmhouses. Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk offers chaotic street Holi, while South Delhi has organized, music-filled gatherings. It’s accessible and varied, making it a solid choice for city dwellers or short trips.
Tips for Celebrating in 2026
- Book early: Accommodations in Mathura, Vrindavan, Jaipur, and Pushkar fill up fast.
- Safety first: Use natural colours, protect eyes/skin, stay hydrated, avoid driving after thandai, and respect local customs.
- What to Wear: Old white clothes that you don’t mind getting ruined.
- Travel Smart: Opt for guided tours in Braj region for safe navigation during peak chaos.
So, Where Will You Celebrate Holi 2026?
Holi is not just a festival but a celebration of joy, forgiveness and renewal. In the divine streets of Vrindavan, the playful lanes of Barsana and the royal palaces of Jaipur each location puts in their own take on this colourful tradition. Which will you choose to play Holi in 2026? What is the best place to celebrate Holi in India depends on your mood.
