Holi, Rangotsav, or the festival of colors, is undoubtedly one of the most vibrant and joyful festivals in India. Although the festival is celebrated throughout the country with zeal and enthusiasm, there are certain places in India that are internationally known for Holi celebrations. If you are searching for some of the best places to celebrate Holi in India, this blog post reveals the ultimate list of the top 10 best destinations.
Holi, as you know, is one of the major festivals in India that is celebrated by people from all walks of life with great fervor and vigor. The festival symbolizes happiness, togetherness, and lots of masti (fun). During the Holi, people forget their differences and enjoy the celebrations together and in perfect harmony. A variety of dishes are made in homes and distributed among loved ones, colors are exchanged, and enthusiasm is at its peak. If you visit one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India, you will have an unforgettable experience. You see the culture, tradition, and how locals enjoy the festival.
In this blog post, we will talk about the top 10 destinations that are famous for celebrating the Rangotsav in unique styles with a high level of zeal and enthusiasm. Let’s continue reading further.
List of Top 10 Destinations for Holi Celebrations in India
Braj (Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana), Uttar Pradesh
When it comes to writing about the best places to celebrate Holi in India, no writers can resist talking about the holy cities of Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana in Uttar Pradesh. These cities are associated with Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. While Mathura is the birthplace of Krishna, Vrindavan is the place where Kanha spent a significant part of his childhood, and Barsana is the birthplace of Radha.
Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana are places in the state of Uttar Pradesh where Lord Krishna celebrated Holi with his consort Goddess Radha and the Gopis. The Rangotsav in Mathura begins a few days before the actual Holi date. Temples, streets, and lanes of the city become the center of colors and celebrations. Vrindavan also celebrates the festival in a more elaborate way. Barsana, the birthplace of Devi Radha, holds special Holi spirits and is the key attraction of Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan.
Braj Holi Highlights
- Lathmar Holi: Barsana Lathmar Holi is a famous event during Holi. Women from Barsana and Nandgaon beat men with sticks in the Holi spirit.
- Phoolon Ki Holi at Banke Bihari Temple: It is a special attraction of Hol in Vrindavan. It is a mesmerizing celebration with flower petals.
- Widows’ Holi at Gopinath Temple: It is the joyous event at Gopinath Temple in Vrindavan challenging the conventional norms.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi is the spiritual hub of India and is an internationally acclaimed tourist destination. Tourists and devotees from different corners of the world visit Varanasi to explore beautiful temples, holy ghats, and the Holy River Ganges. If you are visiting Varanasi for Holi celebrations, you will probably have yet another different experience. Varanasi is the place where the Rangotsav is celebrated culturally and religiously. The unique culture and tradition of the city are portrayed by illuminated Ganges ghats, the temples, and the narrow streets that exhibit the joyful aura. The holy city of Varanasi celebrates Holi with religion, colors, and joy. Thus, the festival begins with the sacred Ganga Aarti, followed by colors, music, and bhang-based cuisine. This is why it has been one of the most interesting and best places to celebrate Holi in India.
Highlights of the Celebration:
- Holi on the Ghats: Local people and travelers enjoy the Holi with colors beside the Ganges River.
- Bhang Thandai & Street Food: It is a special thing about Banarasi Holi. Your celebration is incomplete here without trying the special Thandai and festive treats like gujiya and lassi. Try festive treats like gujiya and lassi.
- Temple Celebrations: Special events organized at Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sankat Mochan Temple.
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, is famous worldwide for its royal celebrations during the Holi festival. Elephant parades, grand cultural events, and folk dances that are sadly lacking in other parts of India make Jaipur so distinctive. All cities celebrate Holi, but Jaipur has a festive spirit. The city has stunning palaces and magnificent streets, making it one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India. If you want to have a unique experience of the Rangotsav with a royal touch, Jaipur is the best option.
Jaipur Holi Highlights
- City Palace Holi: It is a grand Holi event celebrated in a royal way with mesmerizing cultural performances.
- Elephant Festival: Polo matches and festive parades with decorated elephants.
- Holi parties at Jaipur: Luxury resorts and clubs in Jaipur also host extravagant celebrations to celebrate the vibrant festival.
Udaipur, Rajasthan
Also known as the City of Lakes or the Venice of the East, Udaipur is a beautiful city in Rajasthan and one of the most romantic cities in the world. The beautiful city hosts some of the most magnificent Holi celebrations in India. Dotted with lavish palaces, lovely lakes, and a rich royal heritage, it is nothing short of one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India. The royal family of Mewar enthusiastically welcomes Holi with the Holika Dahan at the City Palace. Also, Udaipur’s best hotels and resorts organize mesmerizing Holi events and celebrations. If you want to celebrate your Holi 2025 in a grand way with elegance, Udaipur Holi is something that you should consider.
Highlights of the Celebration:
- Holika Dahan at City Palace: A large-scale procession of elephants, horses, and several folk art troupes.
- Colorful Celebrations at Jagmandir Island: A lavish Holi celebration with organic colors and music performances.
- Boat Rides on Lake Pichola: Go on a Holi Boat ride and enjoy Lake Pichola’s beauty.
Shantiniketan, West Bengal
Shantiniketan, a small town in West Bengal, is well-known for its aesthetic approach to festivals, particularly Holi. People here celebrate the Basanta Utsav, introduced by Nobel laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore, rather than the color battles of Holi. The students of Visva-Bharati College celebrate spring by wearing traditional yellow robes, singing folk songs, and dancing. Shantiniketan is one of the best places in India to celebrate Holi because of its bright colors, music, and poems. Holi in Shantiniketan is undoubtedly the most colorful and artistic way to celebrate the festival in India.
Shantiniketan Holi Highlights
- Basanta Utsav at Visva-Bharati University: A perfect blend of happiness, colors, music, and art.
- Energetic folk dances and captivating Rabindra Sangeet create a magical atmosphere.
- Organic colors & flower petals: Here, people use organic colors and flower petals instead of synthetic gulal and colors.
Hampi, Karnataka
Holi festival is known as one of the top celebrations in India. Hampi in Karnataka is no exception. Designated as a World Heritage site, the city provides a distinctive opportunity to participate in the celebrations of Holi in a unique manner. In general, Holi is not vividly celebrated in other cities in South India. But in Hampi, the entire surroundings burst with colors, music, and dance. There are even areas of ancient, long-forgotten temple ruins that serve as a picturesque backdrop for such significant events. People flock to Virupaksha Temple and the banks of the Tungabhadra River to participate in a restrained and customary celebration of Holi. Hampi stands out as one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India, as the city offers a blend of rich history and vibrant festivities for travelers to immerse themselves in.
Hampi Holi Highlights
- Colorful Celebrations at Virupaksha Temple: Locals and travelers congregate to play, engaging in the jubilant celebration with vibrant colors.
- Folk music and Dance: People dance to the tunes of loud drums playing on the streets.
- Tungabhadra River Holi Celebration: One of the most stunning spots to celebrate Holi is by the riverside.
Goa
It is no secret that Goa is known for its delicious cuisine, nightlife, vibrant bazaars, and beautiful beaches. It is one of the most happening places in the country and world as well. More interestingly, the state of Goa presents a carnival-like atmosphere when it comes to celebrating the Holi festival. Unlike Holi, which is mainly a temple festival in North India, Goa celebrates Holi in an entirely different way. You can see the celebration of Rangotsav in the form of large-scale parties on the beaches with electrifying music and gatherings of energetic people. People flock to clubs, resorts, and open green spaces to enjoy their Holi festival in a tropical way. Goa is all about color, music, and lots of fun. That’s why it is considered one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India, especially for party animals.
Goa Holi Highlights
- Holi Celebration at Baga and Anjuna Beaches: A large gathering of people, trumping music, energetic dances, and lots of masti.
- Shigmo Festival Processions: Colorful Goan folk dances, street processions display, and showcase of Goan cultural traditions.
- Lightning Holi in Resorts: Glitzy celebrations with star appearances, refreshing drink refills, rain showers, and high-energy dance and live shows.
Pushkar, Rajasthan
Pushkar is a holy city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, best known for the world’s only Lord Brahma temple, the Pushkar Camel Fair, the Pushkar Lake, and the Ghats. The sacred city is also known for its pious Holi festival. During the Holi festival, the entire city becomes the scene of a huge carnival. Thousands of people, including locals and tourists, take part in Pushkar Holi. The celebrations mainly take place around the ghats on Pushkar Lake. Here, people dance to loud DJ music and step into the colorful water. They enjoy the festivities to the fullest in perfect harmony. If you are looking for one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India, where you can experience the fun, color, and spirituality of the festival, Pushkar is one of the places to be.
Pushkar Holi Highlights
- Holi at the Main Square: A dynamic event full of music, dance, and the fun of throwing colors at one another.
- Holi around the Ghats of Pushkar Lake: A fun-filled event of dance and music, where colors are joyfully thrown among the crowd.
- Drum Circles and Folk Music: The fusion of traditional and modern beats sends a surge of energy through our hearts and bodies.
- Rooftop Holi Celebrations: Many hotels and hostels host exclusive Holi parties on their terraces with stunning views.
Delhi
Delhi, the capital of India, is one of the top destinations to experience the Holi festival in a truly unique way. The city offers everything from major music festivals to traditional temple festivals. Be it cultural Holi in temples, vibrant parties, rain dances, or live DJs, Delhi lives up to all expectations. Streets, parks, and clubs are transformed into places of color and joy and are the perfect place for those who like a mix of traditional and modern celebrations. With a mix of festive food and lively events, Delhi is one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India.
Delhi Holi Highlights
- Holi Moo Festival: Delhi’s largest Holi music festival, offering live performances and a splash of organic colors.
- Balam Pichkari Holi Party: A lively celebration with rain showers, DJ beats, and endless colors to play with.
- Traditional Holi at ISKCON Temple: A soulful experience filled with devotional music and a beautiful flower Holi.
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Mumbai’s Holi parties are something else. The city goes all out with Bollywood-style celebrations, filled with energy, color, and excitement. From glitzy, celebrity-packed events to huge music festivals, the entire city comes alive. Whether you are a local or a visitor, there is always something happening that pulls you right into the festive spirit. It is a celebration that blends the magic of Bollywood with the joy of colors, making it a must-experience event in Mumbai.
Mumbai Holi Celebration
- Vibrant Beach Parties: Spots like Juhu and Versova turn into big, color-filled parties. There is music, dancing, and a lot of fun right by the sea.
- Community Celebrations: Neighborhoods throw family-friendly events with colors, sweets, and games. It’s all about bringing people together.
- Bollywood-Style Celebrations: With Bollywood stars joining in, Holi in Mumbai becomes a pretty glamorous affair. It is a chance for fans to get up close and personal with their favorite celebs.
Conclusion: Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India
Wherever you decide to celebrate, Holi in India is an experience you will never forget. Every place has its own special way of celebrating. You have everything from the peaceful, spiritual vibes of Varanasi to the wild, energetic beach parties in Goa. Whether you want a royal celebration, a fun street festival, or something more cultural and artistic, India has something for everyone. Just pick the spot that fits your vibe and get ready to jump into the colorful, joyful madness of Holi 2025!