15 Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India 2025

Are you looking for the best places to celebrate Holi in India in 2025? If yes, you are most probably on the right platform. Although you will find many articles and blogs on this topic, the list we have created is genuinely rich with authentic information. After reading this blog post on “15 best places to celebrate Holi in India, you will have a good idea about where you should go to celebrate this joyful festival this year.

Holi: The Festival of Colors

Holi or Rangotsav is one of those festivals that is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm across India. It brings people together in the most vibrant and joyful way. Plus, it presents the perfect time to forget about your worries, rivalries, and differences and, of course, celebrate life and play with colors. On this festival, the streets turn into a kaleidoscope of different colors as people from all walks of life come together to celebrate their joy and happiness. They dance, sing, and throw gulal (color powder) and water-based color solutions at each other in good fun. However, the festival of Holi is not just about colors; it is about spreading love, joy, and unity as well.

This year, Holi (Rangotsav) will be held on 14th March 2025. If you are looking for some of the best places to celebrate the festival of colors, you can consider prominent places like Mathura, Vrindavan, Jaipur, Pushkar, Varanasi, Delhi, Mumbai, and Hampi. There are other destinations that are also known for organizing Holi events with great zeal and enthusiasm. Don’t worry. You will come to know about other places to celebrate Holi in India by the end of this blog post.

Top Places for Holi Celebrations in India 2025

If you are looking to experience Holi, the festival of colors, in its truest and most unforgettable form, there are many places to do so. However, including all of them in a blog post is not possible. This is why we have curated a list of the 15 best places to celebrate Holi in India. Whether you are willing to celebrate your Holi with divine vibes at Mathura and Vrindavan, with the royal charm of Jaipur and Udaipur, or with the cultural richness of West Bengal, our list of 15 best places to celebrate Holi will empower you with authentic information. Wherever you go, Holi 2025 promises a colorful and joyous celebration! Let’s explore together the popular Holi destinations in India.

Mathura: Grand Holi

If you want to celebrate Holi this year with the divine vibe of Lord Krishna, Mathura is undoubtedly the best place. Located in the Braj region in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The holy city is also famous as one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India. During Holi, the city becomes a haven for people. You can see or participate in the most opulent celebration of this festival in the whole country. From morning chants and bhajans to playing purple gulal (abir) at the Dwarkadhish Temple, Holi in Mathura will mesmerize you and transport you into a different world filled with divine vibes. You can also join colorful processions from Vishram Ghat to Holi Gate and attend several music and dance festivals. And yes, do not forget to see Ras-Leelas and Matki Phod events in Mathura during Holi.

Vrindavan: Phoolon Wali Holi

Located at a distance of only 15 Km from Mathura, Vrindavan is another religious city in the Braj Boomi region in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Like Mathura, it is also associated with Lord Krishan because it is the place where Krishan spent part of his childhood. Every year, millions of devotees of Radha Krishna visit Vrindavan to seek divine blessings from the god and the goddess. Another important aspect of Vrindavan is that it is also one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India. Thousands of devotees of Krishan and Radha visit this holy city to celebrate Holi with flowers. This is why it is also called the Phoolon Wali Holi. Although Holi is celebrated everywhere in Vrindavan, the main celebrations take place in the Banke Bihari Temple, where the very first rituals of the festival start.

Barsana: Lathmar Holi

Situated in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh, Barsana is a historical town and the birthplace of the Goddess Radha, the consort of Lord Krishna. Like Mathura and Vrindavan, Barsana is also one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India. Your experience of Braj Holi celebrations may remain incomplete if you don’t experience the iconic Lathmar Holi in Barsana. It is a unique way to celebrate Holi in which women beat men with sticks. The Barsana Lathmar Holi generally takes place a week before the main festival and is one of the most fun-filled events that you will never want to miss.

Not only the Lathmar Holi, but you can also participate in other fun-filled events. One of the most important ones is the Sweet Ladoo Holi at the Shriji Temple. During this unique celebration, laddoos are distributed among the devotees in and around the temple. This even signifies the arrival of Kanha from Nandgaon to Barsana to meet Radha. You will also experience the divine vibes during Holi in Barsana as people sing a lot of melodious songs and bhajans in Braj Bhasha to praise Murlidhar and Radha.

Baldeo: Huranga Holi

Badeo is a small town near Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, at a distance of 25 kms. This historical town is associated with Lord Balarama (Baldeo or Daoji), Lord Krishna’s elder brother. It is believed that it is the place where Balarama Ji ruled. Apart from its religious and historical significance, the town of Baldeo is also famous as one of the best places for Holi celebrations in India. You can reach Daoji Temple at Baldeo after a half an hour’s drive from Mathura. Usually, people visit this place a day after Holi. You can see here a huge crowd congregating to witness the Holi celebration of its presiding deities.

After the completion of the rituals, the crowd exploded into one massive Holi celebration, which is also called the Huranga Holi. During the festival, people drench each other with water-filled balloons and buckets of colored water. Men and women engage in the playful battle of colors and water. The entire place comes alive with music, dance, and laughter as participants enjoy the festival in full masti mode. Turmeric and saffron yellow colors are predominantly used during the celebration.

Shantiniketan: Basanta Utsav

Shantiniketan is a place where Holi is celebrated in an incredibly artistic way. Located in the Indian state of West Bengal, this town is known for being home to the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore. Known as Basanta Utsav, the Holi festival here is nothing short of a grand celebration; it is deeply tied to the art and culture for which the state is known. If you are looking for one of the best places to celebrate Holi in a more cultural manner, Shantiniketan is the best choice.

The Basanta Utsav (Holi) in Shantiniketan was first introduced by Rabindranath Tagore at his Rabindra Bharati University. During this Utsav, people from all walks of life, along with the students of the University, dress themselves in yellow or saffron colored clothes. Then, they gather to celebrate with traditional dances, songs, and vibrant colors.  The entire town becomes a canvas for people to express themselves through art. They also apply gulal to each other and indulge in delicious, sweet treats. If you appreciate the arts and are looking for a Holi celebration that is more refined but still full of energy, Holi in Shantiniketan is the right choice.

Agra: Taj-astic Holi

Agra is not one of the best places to visit in India just because of the historical Taj Mahal and Agra Fort but also for the way it celebrates Holi. Interestingly, it is considered to be one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India. Here, you will not only see the fantastic Taj Mahal but also experience the Taj-astic Holi celebration. The grand Holi celebrations in Agra also attract tourists from all around the world, offering them the experience of the fun-filled Holi along with the opportunity to visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and other nearby attractions. Holi in Agra is celebrated with a lot of pomp and vigor. People play with bright colors, dance to exciting tunes, tuck into mouthwatering snacks and sweets, and gulp down glasses of thandai. The Holi celebration in Agra here is indeed as grand as the Taj Mahal.

Jaipur: Royal Holi Celebrations

Jaipur, the largest and capital city of Rajasthan, is not only a prominent tourist destination but also a major destination in India where Holi is celebrated in a royal way. During this joyous festival, you can see the entire Pink City (Jaipur) get transformed into a vibrant rainbow. You will experience a culmination of different fun activities and experiences, with incredible celebrations organized by the royal family at the palace.

That’s not all. Other functions around the city are also organized that will provide you an opportunity to witness a variety of Rajasthani folk music, dance, and traditional Holi play and exchange of gulal and colored water. Additionally, you will have a more religious and devotional Holi experience at the Govind Devji Temple in the City Palace Complex. At the temple, people offer marigold flowers to Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. Also, they sing joyous Holi Bhajans to praise the deities and seek their blessings. Indeed, Jaipur is a Holi hotspot in India.

Udaipur: Holi with a Royal Touch

Udaipur is another popular city in Rajasthan where you can celebrate your Holi with a royal touch. The Holi celebrations in Udaipur begin with the Holika Dahan ritual at the City Palace, performed by the Mewar royal family. This is known as the Mewar Holika Dahan, which is followed by a colorful procession from the royal family residence to the royal residence, Manek Chowk. Afterwards, guests retire for cocktails and a sumptuous dinner, followed by a fireworks display. Foreign visitors tend to gather in a group on the ‘chowk’ below the nearby Jagdish Temple the morning after to play with ‘gulal’ powder – the local tourist police keep order. So, you don’t see the kind of craziness that prevails in the local bazaars.

Pushkar: Holi with Divine Vibes

It will definitely be a great decision to head to the holy city of Pushkar to celebrate Holi this year. Pushkar is a sacred city in Rajasthan and one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India. Not only is the city known for its temples, a sacred lake, and many holy ghats, but also for the Holi celebrations. Locals celebrate Holi here in different styles with great zeal and enthusiasm. On the day of the festival, the entire city is filled with joyous vibes. You can witness the breathtaking sights of the celebration near the ghats and temples. People apply gulal to each other, distribute gujiyas, and have special thandai made from bhang. The most interesting part of the celebration is the Bhang Thandai competitions that add uniqueness to Pushkar Holi.

Varanasi: Holi on the Ghats of Ganges

Varanasi is known as one of the holiest cities along the Ganges River, and it’s also a great spot to experience Holi in India. The city has this special vibe that mixes spirituality with all the fun of the festival. When Holi comes around, the streets are packed with people throwing colors, dancing to drumbeats, and singing those catchy Holi songs.

The fun starts early in the morning and goes on all day. The energy is contagious. The ghats by the Ganges make for an amazing setting, with everyone, locals and visitors alike, coming together to share the joy. Holi in Varanasi is more than just throwing colors. It is about celebrating life, spirituality, and the city’s deep-rooted culture. If you ever get the chance, Holi in Varanasi will definitely be an unforgettable experience.

Purulia: Dol Festival

Purulia, one of West Bengal’s best-kept secrets, is also a great place to celebrate Holi in a very different way. Three days before Holi, Purulia, which is home to lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and dense forests, celebrates this festival. Holi, also known locally as the Dol Festival, is celebrated in Purulia around the 8th-century temple known as Bandhar Deul. During Holi, you can also experience a variety of folk performances, such as the Chau and Natua dances, the Darbari Jhumur, and Baul music, which gives the celebration a special touch. The Ayodhya Pahar in Purulia, which is drenched in red paint during the springtime when this festival is observed, is one of the main attractions of Holi. This is because, during this time of year, Palash flowers bloom here and throughout the region, creating a sight to behold.

Hampi: A Unique Holi Celebration

Holi may not be a big festival in South India. But it is still celebrated in a few cities and towns as a symbol of happiness and cheerfulness. One of the most notable exceptions is the historical town of Hampi in the southern state of Karnataka. In Hampi, Holi is a unique event that combines the fun of the festival with the history of the Vijayanagara Empire. On the eve of Holi, Holika Dahan is celebrated, which symbolizes the burning of the demon Holika. It also signifies the triumph of good over evil and the purification of negativity before the Rangpanchmi celebrations begin. Here, you can find many temples celebrating Rangotsav with great zeal and enthusiasm. People usually exchange colored powder (gulal) instead of the usual colored water. Traditional folk songs, dances and sweets are part of the festival.

Mumbai: Bollywood Style Holi

Mumbai, the City of Dreams, is yet another one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India. The city is known for its Bollywood-style Holi parties. From celebrity-studded events to high-energy music festivals, Holi celebrations in Mumbai are grand and glamorous. Here, you can experience the charm of Holi celebrations in a more modern and glitzy way. From Holi parties in homes, resorts, and clubs across the city to grand celebrations and events to mark the festival, you can experience it all in Mumbai. People from different parts of the world come to this city to experience the various lively and glamorous Holi celebrations that come with a wide range of activities, fun and frolic, and, of course, good food and drinks.

Delhi: Dil Wali Holi

Either say it “Dilli Wali Holi” or “Dil Wali Holi”; Holi in Delhi is one of the must-have experiences. The national capital is home to some of the hippest and most electrifying Holi parties in India. From music festivals with DJs to colorful parties with organic colors, food, and thandai, Holi celebrations in Delhi are something you definitely want to experience. On the day of Holi, locals flock to the lanes and streets of Delhi in groups and enjoy the festivities with color-filled water balloons, colorful phichkaris, and a gush of glowing gulal. At the same time, they also savor delicious snacks, food, and beverages, especially thandai. For these reasons, Delhi is undoubtedly one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India.

Kolkata: Cultural Holi

Holi, the festival of colors, is one of the most joyous celebrations in India, and Kolkata, the City of Joy, is no exception. It is one of the best places to celebrate Holi in the country and is known for celebrating the festival in numerous ways. From cultural events to traditional gatherings and lively parties, the Holi of Kolkata is a must-have experience. The festival is more than just having fun for Kolkata’s residents. It showcases a fine amalgamation of the different cultures and traditions of the state. The festival binds people together in perfect harmony.

People put their differences aside and share the collective happiness of life. They enjoy dancing and songs that you can experience everywhere in the city. If you are wondering where to celebrate Holi in Kolkata, you should visit the Eco Park, Vedic Village, Aquatica Water Park, or one of the many clubs and resorts in the city.

Conclusion: Best Places to Celebrate Holi

Holi in 2025 is set to be as colorful, lively, and vibrant as ever. With numerous wonderful places across India to celebrate the Rangotsav, you have many options to enjoy this festival in different ways and styles. Traditional Holi experiences in the cities of Uttar Pradesh? Holi joy in a more artistic ambiance in West Benga? Royal celebration in Udaipur and Jaipur?  Holi celebrations in the holy cities of Varanasi and Pushkar? Dilli Wali Holi or Bollywood Style Holi? Each destination offers something unique. The magic of Holi lies not only in the colors but also in how it brings people together and lets them put aside their differences.

So, pack your bags, grab your white clothes, and get ready for a Holi experience that will stay with you forever. The best part? You won’t just enjoy the colors, music, and dance; you will also create memories that will last a lifetime. Just remember, Holi is not just a festival; it is a celebration of life itself.