8 Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India

Holi festival of India is probably the most famous and playful celebration that attracts the most attention. Mobs of merrymakers smearing bright colored powders or Gulaal on each other and passionately dancing and singing is not just a sight to behold, but a gathering which you desperately want to be a part of. The good news is that Holi 2024 is just around the corner, and finally, you can unleash the crazy in you during the Holi celebrations. 

Holi in India is celebrated for many different reasons in different parts. At some places, it is a symbolic commemoration of a legend from Hindu mythology, and at some places, it is a festival to celebrate the good harvest and fertility of the land, but the one thing that remains the same; is the unlimited fun and happy images of people plastering each other with Gulaal.

8 Best Holi Celebration In India

Here, we have compiled a list of places where you can indulge in the best Holi celebrations in India. Keep reading till the end, and let us know where you will be celebrating Holi in 2024.

• Vrindavan
• Mathura
• Barsana
• Jaipur
• Udaipur
• Pushkar
• Shantiniketan
• Delhi

1. Vrindavan

Vrindavan is the epicenter of the Holi celebrations in India as it is the place where Lord Krishna grew up and started this colorful ritual. According to the legends, Krishna was jealous of Radha’s fair complexion and threw colors on her to even the score. The Bankey Bihari temple in Vrindavan is the hot spot where the most amazing celebrations take place. This is the place where those pictures of people covered in purple, pink, and red Gulaal were taken which you may have seen on Instagram.

2. Mathura

Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna which gives serious competition to Vrindavan in Holi celebrations. People from the nearby villages travel to Mathura in their open-backed bullock carts and lorries just to celebrate the festival of colors. The Dwarkadheesh temple is the main gathering point during Holi as a huge crowd of people comes in the morning to sing, dance, and chant under the clouds of Gulaal. The locals indulge in the festivities almost 40 days before the before Holi. Don’t be surprised if someone throws a bucket full of colored water on you, just chant Radhe-Radhe and have fun!

Also Read: 12 Unique Types of Holi Celebrations Across India

3. Barsana

The Holi celebrations in Barsana are quite different from Vrindavan and Mathura. The boys from Nandgaon approach the main Krishna Temple in Barsana in the afternoon of Holi until the ladies of Barsana block their way with heavy wooden sticks in their hands. The group of women then reign down on the men’s special leather shield - a spectacle that is worth a visit to Barsana and Nandgaon. This unusual but fun ritual is called ‘Lathmar Holi’ - ‘Lath’ means the wooden stick and ‘Mar’ means to hit. 

4. Jaipur

Until 2012, the Holi celebrations in Jaipur used to be dominated by an elephant procession, led by the Maharaja of Jaipur swaying atop a giant tusker in his gilded howdah. This event has been banned due to concerns over animal welfare but, Jaipur still manages to remain a Holi hotspot. The big gala hosted by the royal family of Jaipur in aid of local charities is one of the main attractions during Holi. The Khasa Kothi Hotel organizes the chicest Holi parties of all with the traditional Rajasthani folk music, dance performances, and Gulal play. For a more devotional atmosphere, you can head to Govind Dev Ji Temple at the heart of the City Palace, where Krishna and Radha idols are heaped with marigolds and serenaded with spiritual Holi bhajans. 

5. Udaipur

The Holi celebrations of the city of lakes are quite unique and regal. The Maharaja of Udaipur ignites the ceremonial bonfire in the central courtyard of the Palace of Udaipur on the eve of Holi; this ritual is known as ‘Holika Dahan’. Later, guests retire for cocktails and an extravagant dinner, followed by a display of fireworks. Locals and foreign travelers gather at the ‘chowk’ below the Jagdish Temple to indulge in the fun Holi Utsav.

6. Pushkar

The most religious place in India, Pushkar is famous for housing the only temple of Lord Brahma and the most amazing Holi celebrations. The lake-centered town is a haven for locals and backpackers to celebrate the festival of colors, and thousands of young people descend here when a big party is held at the main square. Techno music is played by the DJs instead of Bhajans and ‘Bhaang lassis’ are served which is a cocktail of cannabis, yogurt, and sugar traditional made on Holi morning. Don’t sip too much, or you will be celebrating Holi for days to come. Also, t-shirts aren’t allowed on male visitors; you need to be topless in this event. 

Also Read: 7 unusual festivals in India that you got to hear about

7. Shantiniketan

The Holi celebrations in Shantiniketan, Bengal are celebrated as Basanta Utsava which was started by the Nobel Prize winner Rabindranath Tagore in his Vishva Bharati University. During the Basant Mahotsav, the students of the university in Shantiniketan dress up in spring colors and organize a huge cultural program with traditional dances on Tagore’s poems. Color throwing on each other is done after the program. Basanta Utsava is now an integral part of Bengali culture and history that attracts foreign tourists to the region. 

8. Delhi

Being a metropolitan city, Delhi offers a mix of traditional and modern Holi celebrations. All kinds of Holi that are celebrated in India can be witnessed in different parts of the city. You may see children throwing water balloons from the top of the buildings on anyone who dares to pass by. Many party throwers organize Holi gatherings and blasting parties all over the city where you can celebrate the festival with organic colors in a controlled atmosphere to mark the festival of colors. 

Whichever place you are visiting to indulge in Holi celebrations, make sure that you book your tickets from Adotrip, because we aim to deliver the best travel experience. You can also book hotels and fun-filled tour packages. With us, nothing is far!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Best Place For Holi In India

Q: What makes a Holi celebration the best in India?
A: The best Holi celebrations in India are characterized by vibrant colors, traditional rituals, lively music, and a festive atmosphere that captures the true spirit of this joyful festival.

Q: Where can I find the best Holi festival in India?
A: The best Holi festivals in India are hosted in cities like Mathura, Vrindavan, Varanasi, and Jaipur, known for their rich cultural heritage and enthusiastic celebrations.

Q: What are the best places to celebrate Holi in India for a unique experience?
A: Seek out unique Holi experiences in destinations like Hampi, Shantiniketan, and Anandpur Sahib, where the celebration takes on distinct cultural flavors.

Q: Which city is considered the best place for Holi in India?
A: Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is often hailed as the best place for Holi due to its traditional and grand celebrations.

Q: Are there any specific rituals that make a Holi celebration the best in India?
A: Traditional rituals like Holika Dahan, Lathmar Holi, and the playful throwing of vibrant colored powders contribute to making Holi celebrations in India truly exceptional.

Q: Can you suggest offbeat locations for the best Holi celebration in India?
A: Explore offbeat locations such as Kasol, Pushkar, and Rishikesh for a different and memorable Holi experience away from the mainstream celebrations.

Q: What factors should I consider in choosing the best place for Holi in India?
A: Consider factors like local customs, cultural significance, and the scale of celebrations when selecting the best place for Holi in India.

Q: How do I find the best Holi celebration events in India?
A: Look for local events, cultural festivals, and community gatherings in advance to ensure you participate in the best Holi celebration in India.