Top 11 Places to Celebrate Holi in India 2023

Holi – the beautiful festival of myriad hues is celebrated with great pomp and fervour across the country, marking the onset of spring and the harvest season. Whether it is Holika Dahan, guzzling bhang thandai (a refreshing glass of milk and saffron infused with dry fruits), or gorging on bhang pakoras (fritters)– everything helps set the tempo for Holi! However, Holi is celebrated in unique ways in different parts of India – from temple rituals, and royal celebrations, to vibrant parades & more, Holi is an emotion, captured in many ways! So, with the long-Holi weekend just around the corner, read on to know about the best places to celebrate Holi in India, for a memorable getaway! 

Mathura

If you are in Mathura for Holi, then check out the vibrant procession that is carried out through the streets from Vishram Ghat to Holi Gate, where children dress up as Radha and Krishna and ride on chariots. The procession is at its grandest around 3.00 pm. After the procession, Holika Dahan happens in the evening when big piles of wooden planks and tree branches are collected and burnt to ward off evil. On the day of Holi, amazing celebrations are organized at Dwarkadhish Temple where you can take delight in the festive fervor with music, dance, and chants as gulaal is scattered everywhere! 

Vrindavan

Vrindavan is a great place to see the colourful spectacle. Holi in Vrindavan is centered around the Banke Bihari Temple where the merriment continues for one whole week. The priests sprinkle colours on devotees and the ethos is enlivened with music and dance. You can also play ‘Phoolon Ki Holi’ which is unique to Vrindavan.

Barsana

Holi in Barsana is celebrated in the most unique way as - Lathmar Holi.  A Holi celebration with a twist - here women from Barasana and Nandgaon – the two suburbs of Mathura beat men with sticks, while men have to protect themselves! This playful affair is a tradition, borrowed from the folktales of Krishan and Radha. The event usually takes place a week before the main Holi festival so be sure to plan your trip around the same time! 

Shantiniketan

One of the best places to celebrate the Holi festival is Shantiniketan in West Bengal. Here, Holi is celebrated as Basant Uttsav, also called the spring festival, which was introduced by Rabindranath Tagore. Get clad in bright yellow on the day of Holi and participate in enthusiasm in cultural functions held both inside the Visva-Bharati campus, and outside it. With a long procession of music and dance including Rabindrasangeet performances and recitals, you can play Holi with dry colours.

Pushkar

Holi in Pushkar is celebrated with much vigour. Holi celebrations in Pushkar begin with the traditional Holika Dahan as wooden logs and garlands are thrown into the fire. The next day, a celebration is followed by a grand feast which where you can gorge on traditional Rajasthani dishes like dal baati, gatte ki sabzi, and sweet dishes. Dance to live music, engage in a game of colours, water balloons, and throwback glasses of bhang, thandai or lassi. 

Hampi

Holi festivities in Hampi happen around the ruins of the grand Vijayanagara Empire. Come here to experience the celebrations as the entire town comes alive with vibrant colours and music.  Gorge on traditional snacks like gujiyas, mathris, and malpuas and cap the day with a dip in River Tungabhadra that is believed to wash away the colour and your sins. 

Agra

After the festivities take off by the bonfire on the full moon night symbolizing the warding off evil, Holi in Agra is celebrated with much gusto by the residents and tourists alike. Doused in bright hues, everyone can be seen basking in the joy of the festival as glasses of bhang are downed with Holi delights! And to add to this, the colourful parades with folk songs amp up the festive spirit. 

Udaipur

Holi in Udaipur comes with a regal touch where the Maharaja lights the ceremonial bonfire in the courtyard of the palace—popularly known as Mewar Holika Dahan. The event is celebrated with a folk dance around the bonfire, followed by a royal procession that takes off from Shambhu Niwas Palace and concludes at Manek Chowk's royal residence.
You can wave at the royals while they are seated on bedecked elephants, horses, and camels before the celebrations culminate with lovely fireworks.

The next day people rejoice with the play of colours as narrow alleys come alive with festivities and traditional sweets and other delights are prepared and savoured.

Jaipur

Holi in Jaipur paints the Pink City into a rainbow! Holi celebrations take place at the royal palace that supports local charities. Other aspects like ‘Gulaal Gotas’ or ‘Water Cannon Bowls' make Jaipur Holi an affair to remember! Do seek blessings at the Govind Dev Ji Temple that witnesses a beautiful celebration at the time of Holi.
What’s more? Bollywood theme parties are also organized at various resorts and luxury hotels as well as chic venues, for group events.

Delhi

Holi 2023 can be a scintillating festival for you, if you’re planning a trip to the capital. While the roads are flooded with colour-filled water balloons, pretty pichkaris, and clouds of gulaal, you’ll find people dancing to the beats of dhols! Indulge in a play of organic colours, savour bhang delights and other lip-smacking treats, and have a gala celebration at the many private events and Holi parties across Delhi.

Mumbai

Holi in Mumbai is an exciting affair with resorts, clubs, and grounds of the city getting ready to shower pulsating Holi parties! Every corner of the city oozes with Holi cheer with the residents indulging in revelry with colours, music, and fun! Groove to fun beats at luxurious hotels, participate in rain dance or head to a water park to enjoy an unrestrained colour spray!

Ready to make some beautiful memories? Pack your bags now!