Holi in India is not just a festival; it’s an explosion of colors, joy, and cultural traditions. Whether you’re looking for wild street celebrations, traditional rituals, or unique local flavors, there’s a perfect Holi experience waiting for you. Here are the top 10 places to celebrate Holi in 2025—from the iconic to the offbeat!
Holi will be celebrated on March 14, 2025. The evening of March 13, 2025 will be the Holika Dahan.
10 Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India in 2025
1. Mathura & Vrindavan – The Land of Krishna’s Holi
Holi celebrations here are legendary because this is where Lord Krishna himself played Holi! The entire Braj region (Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Nandgaon) celebrates with unmatched enthusiasm.
✨ Highlights:
✅ Lathmar Holi in Barsana & Nandgaon – Women playfully hit men with sticks while they defend with shields!
✅ Phoolon ki Holi in Vrindavan – Instead of colors, petals rain down at the Banke Bihari Temple.
✅ Widow’s Holi in Vrindavan – A heartwarming celebration breaking old societal norms.
2. Varanasi – Holi on the Ghats
Holi in Varanasi is an intoxicating mix of tradition, chaos, and devotion. The ghats turn into a riot of colors, followed by holy dips in the Ganges and mesmerizing Ganga Aarti.
✨ Highlights:
✅ Morning Holi parties on the ghats
✅ Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
✅ Local Bhang Thandai (traditional cannabis drink!)
3. Jaipur – Royal Holi Celebrations
If you want to celebrate Holi like royalty, head to Jaipur! The Pink City hosts a grander, more organized version of Holi, complete with elephants, folk performances, and lavish feasts.
✨ Highlights:
✅ Elephant Festival – A unique parade of decked-up elephants!
✅ Traditional Holi at City Palace
✅ Safe & family-friendly celebrations
4. Delhi – The Wildest Holi Parties
Delhi doesn’t do things halfway—Holi here is loud, crazy, and full of energy. Expect music festivals, pool parties, and streets overflowing with color.
✨ Highlights:
✅ Holi Moo Festival – A bohemian-style Holi music festival with DJs, colors & organic drinks
✅ Balam Pichkari Festival – A full-blown Bollywood Holi party
✅ Street Holi in Paharganj & Connaught Place – Join the locals for an unfiltered experience
5. Udaipur – Holi with Royal Traditions
If you love grandeur and tradition, Udaipur is perfect. The Mewar Royal Family hosts Holi Dahan, followed by a regal procession and fireworks.
✨ Highlights:
✅ Royal Holika Dahan at City Palace – A cultural spectacle
✅ Boat ride on Lake Pichola after Holi – To wash off the colors & unwind
✅ Luxury hotels host exclusive Holi parties
6. Pushkar – The Backpacker’s Holi Paradise
Pushkar’s Holi is insanely fun, high-energy, and backpacker-friendly. The main square turns into a massive color battle with non-stop EDM music, dancing, and bhang lassis.
✨ Highlights:
✅ One giant street party in Pushkar Chowk
✅ Holi music festivals with DJs & dhol
✅ Post-Holi bonfire at the desert camps
7. Hampi – Holi with a South Indian Twist
Holi isn’t a major festival in South India, but Hampi is an exception. This UNESCO heritage town comes alive with drum circles, dancing, and color fights among ancient ruins!
✨ Highlights:
✅ Celebrate Holi among centuries-old temples
✅ Drum circles & folk music performances
✅ More relaxed & peaceful compared to North India
8. Shantiniketan, West Bengal – Basanta Utsav
If you want a cultural & artistic take on Holi, head to Shantiniketan, the land of Rabindranath Tagore. Here, Holi is celebrated as Basanta Utsav, where students in yellow attire sing, dance, and play with colors in a poetic way.
✨ Highlights:
✅ Aesthetic & peaceful celebrations
✅ Bengali cultural performances
✅ Organic colors & eco-friendly celebrations
9. Goa – Beachside Holi Parties
Holi in Goa is all about beach parties, loud music, and free-flowing fun. If you love raving by the sea, this is your spot!
✨ Highlights:
✅ Holi parties at Vagator, Baga & Anjuna
✅ Sunburn Holi Festival – DJ sets & neon colors
✅ Holi boat parties & yacht celebrations
10. Anandpur Sahib, Punjab – The Warrior’s Holi
In Punjab, Holi meets valor in the form of Hola Mohalla. This unique festival is about martial arts, sword fighting, and horseback stunts performed by the Sikh community.
✨ Highlights:
✅ Traditional Sikh Gatka performances
✅ Langar (community feast) at the Gurudwara
✅ Bhangra performances & dhol beats
So Which Holi Experience is Right for You?
🎭 Want the most authentic Holi? Mathura & Vrindavan
🎶 Love music festivals & parties? Delhi, Goa, Pushkar
🏰 Prefer a royal & cultural Holi? Jaipur, Udaipur, Shantiniketan
🌿 Want a peaceful or offbeat Holi? Hampi, Anandpur Sahib
No matter where you celebrate, Holi 2025 is going to be epic. So, grab your white kurta, stock up on colors, and get ready for the most vibrant festival of your life! 🎨🔥
