Holi 2026 Date in India + Best Places to Celebrate & Book
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Holi 2026 in India
Holi, the festival of colours, is one of India’s most joyful and widely celebrated festivals. Marking the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil, Holi brings together people across ages, regions, and cultures. Streets fill with music, laughter, colours, and festive foods, while temples and homes host rituals rooted in centuries-old traditions.
For travellers and holiday planners, knowing the Holi 2026 date in India early is essential, as flights, trains, and accommodations in popular destinations get booked months in advance. If you are already wondering holi kab hai in 2026 or planning a colourful getaway, this guide covers dates, timings, best places to celebrate, and smart booking tips.
When is Holi 2026?
Holi in 2026 will be celebrated on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, while Holika Dahan will take place on the evening of Tuesday, 3 March 2026.
Holi follows the Hindu lunar calendar and is observed on the full moon (Purnima) of the Phalguna month. Because it is a lunar festival, the date changes every year in the Gregorian calendar.If you are searching for when Holi is in 2026 or planning Holi trips from Mumbai/Delhi, block 3–5 March 2026 on your calendar. Many destinations host multi-day celebrations leading up to the main day.
Holika Dahan and Rangwali Holi Timings
Holi has two main parts:
1. Holika Dahan (Chhoti Holi)
Celebrated on the night before Holi, large bonfires are lit to symbolise the burning away of negativity and the triumph of devotion and righteousness.
2. Rangwali Holi (Dhulandi)
The next morning, people play with gulal, coloured water, music, and festive treats like gujiya and thandai. Celebrations usually begin by 8 AM and peak before noon.
Exact muhurat timings may vary slightly by city, so checking local calendars closer to the date is wise.
Why Celebrate Holi in Iconic Destinations
While Holi is celebrated across India, certain towns and cities elevate the experience with unique traditions, temple rituals, and community events. Celebrating Holi in these iconic destinations allows travellers to:
- Witness age-old rituals tied to mythology
- Experience regional variations of Holi
- Join organised, culturally immersive celebrations
- Combine a festive trip with a memorable Holi weekend getaway
For many international and domestic travellers, these places answer the question of where to celebrate holi in india 2026.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
Holi’s roots lie in Hindu mythology, especially the legend of Prahlad and Holika, symbolising faith and the victory of good over evil. Another strong association is with Lord Krishna and Radha, whose playful colour games in Braj (Mathura–Vrindavan–Barsana region) shaped how Holi is celebrated today.
Beyond mythology, Holi represents renewal, forgiveness, and social harmony. Differences are set aside as people greet each other with colours and sweets.
Best Places to Celebrate Holi 2026
Mathura: Krishna’s Birthplace Holi
Mathura, believed to be Lord Krishna’s birthplace, hosts some of the most vibrant Holi festivities in India. Celebrations begin days in advance, especially around Rangbharni Ekadashi.
Unique Traditions and Significance
Mathura’s Holi is deeply devotional. Temple rituals, bhajans, and processions recreate Krishna’s playful spirit. Flower Holi (Phoolon ki Holi) replaces colours with fragrant petals in some temples.
Top Things to Do in Mathura during Holi
- Dwarkadheesh Temple (7–8 AM): enter early, stand in the courtyard, join gulal play and bhajans
- Phoolon ki Holi: reach 45–60 mins early for temple entry and flower-petal showers
- Holi Gate & Chatta Bazaar (9–11 AM): watch dhol processions, play colours, eat gujiya/thandai
- Krishna Janmabhoomi (late morning): attend bhajans and calmer colour Holi
- Vishram Ghat (sunset, Holika Dahan): watch bonfire, aarti, and parikrama
Best Places to Stay in Mathura
Vrindara Niwas
Vrindavan: Radha-Krishna Phoolon ki Holi
Vrindavan’s Holi is spiritual, musical, and deeply emotional. The town celebrates divine love through colours, flowers, and kirtans.
Special Events and Spiritual Vibes
Highlights include Phoolon ki Holi at Banke Bihari Temple, kirtans at ISKCON, and Raas Leela performances.
Things to do in Vrindavan on Holi:
- Banke Bihari Temple (8–10 AM): stand inside the courtyard for gulal throws, flower showers, and live bhajans
- ISKCON Temple mid-morning: join kirtans, dance in organised colour play, and take prasad
- Radha Vallabh & Radha Raman Temples: hop between them to watch traditional Braj-style Holi and dhol singing
- Nidhivan area (evening): attend bhajans and see smaller devotional gatherings after colour play
Barsana: Thrilling Lathmar Holi Experience
Barsana is famous for Lathmar Holi, where women playfully hit men with sticks, recreating a legend of Radha and Krishna.
The Playful Radha-Krishna Legend
According to lore, Krishna teased Radha and her friends, who chased him away with sticks. The ritual continues as a dramatic, symbolic event.
Barsana Holi things to do:
- Radha Rani Temple (6–8 AM): climb up early and watch Lathmar Holi in the main courtyard as women playfully strike shield-carrying men
- Temple terrace/barricade zones: stand behind barriers for a clear, safe view of the lathmar ritual
- Sriji Temple lanes: follow the Nandgaon men’s procession with dhol, songs, and colour throwing
- Barsana main market (by 11 AM): exit through market lanes after trying local gujiya and before dispersal crowds build
Checking the barsana holi schedule in advance helps plan better.
Jaipur: Royal Rajasthan Holi Festivities
Jaipur blends royal heritage with festive colours. Celebrations include temple rituals, folk music, and palace events.
Palace Processions and Folk Colors
Holika Dahan bonfires, Govind Dev Ji Temple celebrations, and cultural performances bring a regal feel.
Must-Visit Spots in Jaipur for Holi
- Morning aarti at Govind Dev Ji Temple
- Explore Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, and Tripolia Gate area between 9 AM–12 PM to witness local street Holi, sweet shops selling gujiya, and traditional dhol performances
- Walk through the City Palace surroundings to see traditional attire, folk musicians, and community colour play in a more cultural setting
- Watch folk dances like Gair and Kalbeliya beijing performed
- Visit local temples in the old city post-play (around noon) to attend Holi bhajans and aartis as the celebrations turn devotional
Book early; Jaipur is popular for Holi tour packages in India 2026, thus, the best accommodation gets booked early. Confused between Mathura and Jaipur? Your Choice Changes Everything.
Accommodation in Jaipur, India
Pebbles @ Casa V2
Grace @ Priana
Mustang Meadow
Udaipur: Mewar Royalty Meets Holi
Udaipur offers a royal Holi led by the Mewar royal family, often at the City Palace.
Elephant Processions and Palace Bonfires
Traditional processions, Gair dances, and a grand Holika Dahan ceremony create a spectacle.
Things to do in Udaipur during Holi
- Attend evening bonfire ceremonies
- Watch Gair and Kalbeliya dances at Manek Chowk or palace courtyards, where troupes perform with live drums; reach 30–45 minutes early to get a good viewing spot and photos
- Next morning, walk around City Palace gates, Gangaur Ghat, and nearby old-city streets between 9–11 AM.
- Play dry gulal Holi, visit sweet shops for gujiya and thandai, and observe smaller community colour gatherings around Jagdish Temple
Places to stay in Udaipur
Cosy @ Udaikot
Saket Loak by the Lake
Arna Villa
Varanasi: Spiritual Ghats and Bonfires
Varanasi mixes devotion with high-energy celebrations along the Ganges.
Holika Dahan on the Ganges
Bonfires and folk songs light up the ghats, reflecting spiritual symbolism.
Things to do in Varanasi on Rangwali Holi
- Start at Assi Ghat around 8 AM, where travellers and locals gather for relatively friendly colour play; join groups playing with dry gulal, enjoy live dhol, and buy chai from nearby stalls between rounds
- Walk from Assi Ghat toward Tulsi Ghat and Jain Ghat by 9–10 AM to see smaller neighbourhood Holi gatherings, folk singing, and kids playing with pichkaris
- Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple lanes post-play (around 11 AM) to witness devotional Holi bhajans, flower offerings, and sweet shops selling gujiya and malpua
- Attend Ganga aarti spots in the evening after cleaning up to experience the calmer, spiritual side of Holi day
- Strictly exit the ghats by noon as bhang and alcohol consumption rise; pre-book a cab or e-rickshaw pickup point
- Travel in a close-knit group of 3–6 people, keep a fixed meetup point like a known café or ghat entrance, and share live location on phones
Places to stay in Varanasi
Terra Hue
Ivy @ Serenity by the Ganges
Sundale Apartment
Essential Planning Tips for Holi 2026 Travel
Booking Flights, Travel Early and Book Right
Book at least 3–6 months in advance. Plan travel between 1–5 March 2026 to cover key events. Demand spikes sharply for Braj and Rajasthan routes. For booking accommodation:
- Reserve early with flexible cancellation
- Choose stays near celebration areas
- Confirm check-in policies around festival days
Packing Essentials for a Mess-Free Holi
- Carry 2–3 sets of old, dark clothes you don’t mind staining permanently (colours often don’t wash out)
- Prefer eco-friendly or organic colors if you’re carrying your own colours
- Keep valuables minimal; avoid expensive watches, jewellery, or designer bags
- Carry a small sling or waist pouch with a zipper for essentials
- Keep some cash in a separate pocket in case digital payments fail
Skin, Hair, and Gadget Protection
- Apply a thick layer of coconut oil or mustard oil on face, arms, and legs 30–45 mins before stepping out
- Use SPF 30–50 sunscreen under the oil to prevent tanning and irritation
- Oil your hair well or braid/tie it to reduce colour damage and tangling
- Wear UV-protection sunglasses to shield eyes from powder colours
- Use waterproof, zip-lock pouches for phone, wallet, and documents
- Enable a screen protector and a waterproof phone case if possible
- Carry tissues, wet wipes, and a small towel in a sealed bag
Clothing and Comfort Must-Haves
- Wear full-sleeve cotton tops and full-length bottoms to minimise skin exposure
- Choose breathable fabrics; avoid heavy denim or synthetics in the heat
- Closed shoes or snug sandals with grip are safer than flip-flops
- Carry a light scarf or bandana to cover mouth and hair when needed
- Pack a complete change of clothes for after the celebrations
- Keep a plastic bag for storing colour-soaked clothes post-play
Safety Tips for Crowds and Colors
Crowd Navigation and Group Travel
Stick with your group at all times, especially in highly crowded areas. Pre-decide clear meeting points in case anyone gets separated. Use well-known routes and avoid isolated lanes or poorly lit streets. Keep your phone charged, carry some cash separately, and save local emergency numbers. If a space feels too crowded or uncomfortable, leave early rather than pushing through.
Extra safety tips for women: Travel in trusted groups, preferably mixed or family groups. Choose busier, well-policed celebration areas and avoid engaging with overly intoxicated strangers. A firm verbal “no” is acceptable if someone tries to apply colour without consent. Sunglasses and scarves can add a physical barrier, and app-based cab services are safer than random rides.
Health, Hydration, and Respectful Participation
Drink water frequently, eat light but regular meals, and take breaks from the sun. Use only skin-safe or organic colours when possible. Respect consent and always ask before applying colour, especially on the face. Protect your eyes and mouth, and wash off colours if irritation starts. Pace your celebrations so you don’t get exhausted early in the day.
What to expect during Holi in 2026?
Holi 2026 promises unforgettable memories, whether you join temple rituals in Braj, royal celebrations in Rajasthan, or spiritual gatherings in Varanasi. Plan early, book wisely, and celebrate responsibly to make the most of this vibrant festival.
FAQs
The Holi 2026 date in India falls on the 3rd of March, according to the Hindu calendar. Anyone asking when is holi in 2026 should plan travel and bookings at least one month in advance.
The Best places to celebrate Holi in India include culturally rich cities like Udaipur, heritage towns like Mathura, and organised festival destinations that host structured events and public celebrations.
To decide Where to celebrate Holi in India 2026, one should consider crowd levels, type of celebration, accommodation options, and local cultural programmes.
Yes, Holi tour packages in India 2026 often include accommodation, guided events, and festival access, making them convenient for visitors who want a planned experience.
It is advisable to book at least 4–8 weeks in advance, especially for popular destinations like Mathura, Vrindavan, and Jaipur. Accommodation and event passes often sell out quickly because Holi attracts both domestic and international travellers.
Yes. Many cities organise ticketed Holi events featuring DJs, organic colours, rain dance zones, and food stalls. These organised parties are popular among young travellers and are usually announced online closer to February.
No. Holika Dahan takes place one day before the colour celebrations. In 2026, it will be observed on the evening of 2 March, followed by Rangwali Holi on 3 March.
Cities known for well-managed celebrations include Jaipur, Udaipur, Delhi, and organised venues in Goa. These places typically have regulated events, security arrangements, and tourist-friendly environments, making them comfortable for visitors.
