12 Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India

There are many great 12 Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India, but some of the most popular ones are:

Best Places to Celebrate Holi in Mathura :

Mathura is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and is famous for its Holi celebrations. Mathura is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, who is associated with the festival of Holi. The city celebrates Holi for more than a week, with various events and festivities taking place.

One of the most popular events in Mathura during Holi is the Lathmar Holi, which takes place in the nearby town of Barsana. In this tradition, women beat men with sticks (or lathis) as a playful reenactment of Lord Krishna's teasing of his beloved Radha and her friends.

In Mathura, the Holi celebration begins with the throwing of flowers at the Dwarkadheesh temple, which is beautifully decorated for the occasion. This is followed by a colorful procession through the streets, where people throw colored powder and water at each other. There are also cultural programs, music and dance performances, and special food and drink during the Holi celebration in Mathura.

Overall, Mathura Holi is a unique and vibrant celebration of the festival of colors and attracts visitors from all over India and the world.

Best Places to Celebrate Holi in Vrindavan

Vrindavan is a small town in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, and is famous for its Holi celebrations. Vrindavan is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood, and is associated with the festival of Holi.

The Holi celebration in Vrindavan lasts for over a week and includes various events and festivities. One of the most popular events in Vrindavan during Holi is the Banke Bihari Temple Holi, where devotees gather to throw colored powder and water on each other. The temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights for the occasion, and the atmosphere is joyful and festive.

Another popular event in Vrindavan during Holi is the phoolon wali Holi, or flower Holi. In this tradition, people throw flowers at each other instead of colored powder or water. The Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir is the main location for this event, and the temple is decorated with beautiful flowers and garlands.

Overall, Vrindavan Holi is a unique and vibrant celebration of the festival of colors, and attracts visitors from all over India and the world. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of India and witness the joy and enthusiasm of the people during this festive occasion.

Best Places to Celebrate Holi in Barsana 

Barsana is a town in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, and is famous for its unique Holi celebration known as Lathmar Holi. The Lathmar Holi tradition is believed to be based on Lord Krishna's teasing of his beloved Radha and her friends, and involves women playfully hitting men with sticks (or lathis) as a form of reenactment.

During Lathmar Holi, men from the neighboring town of Nandgaon visit Barsana and are greeted with sticks by the women of the town, who are dressed in colorful traditional clothing. The men, who are also dressed in traditional attire, try to protect themselves from the playful blows by shielding themselves with shields.

The Lathmar Holi tradition takes place a few days before the main Holi celebration, and is a unique and colorful event that attracts visitors from all over India and the world. In addition to the Lathmar Holi, there are also other cultural events and performances that take place in Barsana during the Holi season. Overall, the Barsana Holi is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the unique traditions and rich cultural heritage of India.

Best Places to Celebrate Holi in Shantiniketan

Shantiniketan is a town in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, and is famous for its cultural celebration of Holi known as Basanta Utsav. The festival is a celebration of the arrival of spring, and involves music, dance, and poetry.

The Basanta Utsav celebration in Shantiniketan was started by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, who was a famous poet, writer, and musician. The festival takes place on the grounds of the Visva Bharati University, which was founded by Tagore in the early 20th century.

During the Basanta Utsav, students and faculty of the university dress in colorful clothing and perform traditional music and dance routines. The festival also includes performances by local musicians and dancers, as well as cultural programs and poetry readings.

Overall, the Basanta Utsav in Shantiniketan is a unique and vibrant celebration of Holi and the arrival of spring, and attracts visitors from all over India and the world. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of India and witness the joy and enthusiasm of the people during this festive occasion.

Best Places to Celebrate Holi in Agra

Agra is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, and is famous for being home to the Taj Mahal, one of the most iconic landmarks in India. While Agra is not known for its Holi celebrations as much as some other cities in the region, there are still some events and festivities that take place during the festival.

One of the most popular Holi events in Agra is the Taj Mahotsav, which is a cultural festival that takes place at the Shilpgram complex near the Taj Mahal. The festival includes traditional music and dance performances, local food and crafts, and a variety of cultural activities.

In addition to the Taj Mahotsav, there are also other smaller Holi events that take place in Agra, including cultural programs and musical performances. Many of the hotels and resorts in the city also offer Holi packages and special events for guests.

Overall, while Agra may not be as well-known for its Holi celebrations as some other cities in the region, there are still opportunities to experience the festival and the rich cultural heritage of India in this historic city.

Best Places to Celebrate Holi in Udaipur 

Udaipur is a city in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, and is known for its beautiful palaces, lakes, and rich cultural heritage. The city also has a unique and vibrant Holi celebration, known as the Udaipur Mewar Holi.

The Udaipur Mewar Holi celebration is a two-day festival that takes place at the City Palace, which was once the home of the Mewar royal family. The festival includes traditional music and dance performances, as well as cultural programs and a variety of food and drink stalls.

On the second day of the festival, a grand procession takes place, in which the royal family members and other participants ride on elephants and horses, accompanied by musicians and dancers. The procession ends at Manek Chowk, where the participants play with colors and water, celebrating the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.

Overall, the Udaipur Mewar Holi celebration is a unique and colorful event that attracts visitors from all over India and the world. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan and witness the joy and enthusiasm of the people during this festive occasion.

Best Places to Celebrate Holi in Pushkar 

Pushkar is a town in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, and is famous for its annual camel fair and its unique Holi celebration, known as the Pushkar Fair Holi.

The Pushkar Fair Holi celebration takes place on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually falls in February or March. The festival includes music and dance performances, local food and drink stalls, and a variety of cultural activities.

One of the main attractions of the Pushkar Fair Holi celebration is the playing of colors, which takes place on the streets and in the main fairgrounds. The participants play with colored powder and water, and there are also performances of traditional music and dance.

In addition to the Holi celebrations, the Pushkar Fair also includes a variety of other cultural events and activities, including camel and horse races, folk music and dance performances, and a livestock show.

Overall, the Pushkar Fair Holi celebration is a unique and vibrant event that attracts visitors from all over India and the world. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan and witness the joy and enthusiasm of the people during this festive occasion.

Best Places to Celebrate Holi inPurulia 

Purulia is a district in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, and is known for its unique and vibrant Holi celebration, known as the Purulia Basanta Utsav.

The Purulia Basanta Utsav celebration takes place on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually falls in February or March. The festival includes music and dance performances, local food and drink stalls, and a variety of cultural activities.

One of the main attractions of the Purulia Basanta Utsav is the Chau dance, which is a traditional folk dance performed by the locals in the region. The dance is accompanied by drums, flutes, and other musical instruments, and involves intricate footwork and acrobatics.

In addition to the Chau dance, the Purulia Basanta Utsav also includes performances of other traditional folk dances and music, as well as the playing of colors, in which participants play with colored powder and water, celebrating the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.

Overall, the Purulia Basanta Utsav is a unique and vibrant event that attracts visitors from all over India and the world. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of West Bengal and witness the joy and enthusiasm of the people during this festive occasion.

Best Places to Celebrate Holi in Jaipur

Jaipur is a city in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan, and is known for its historic palaces, forts, and rich cultural heritage. The city also has a unique and colorful Holi celebration, known as the Jaipur Elephant Festival or Holi Festival of Elephants.

The Jaipur Elephant Festival is held on the day of Holi and features a grand procession of decorated elephants, camels, and horses, accompanied by musicians and dancers. The procession starts from the City Palace and ends at the Chaugan Stadium, where the participants play with colors and water.

In addition to the Elephant Festival, Jaipur also hosts a variety of other Holi celebrations, including cultural programs, musical performances, and food and drink stalls. Many of the hotels and resorts in the city also offer Holi packages and special events for guests.

Overall, the Jaipur Elephant Festival and other Holi celebrations in the city are a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan and witness the joy and enthusiasm of the people during this festive occasion.

Best Places to Celebrate Holi in Hampi 

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ancient city located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. The city is known for its stunning ruins and rich cultural heritage, and also has a unique and vibrant Holi celebration.

The Hampi Holi celebration is a three-day festival that takes place in the Virupaksha Temple, which is one of the most important temples in the city. The festival includes music and dance performances, cultural programs, and food and drink stalls.

On the second day of the festival, a grand procession takes place, in which the participants play with colors and water, celebrating the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. The procession ends at the main market area, where the participants continue to play with colors and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

In addition to the Hampi Holi celebration, the city also offers a variety of other cultural and historical attractions, including ancient temples, ruins, and monuments. The city is also known for its beautiful natural scenery, including the Tungabhadra River and the surrounding hills.

Overall, the Hampi Holi celebration and the city's rich cultural heritage make it a wonderful destination to visit and experience the joy and enthusiasm of the people during this festive occasion.

Best Places to Celebrate Holi in Mumbai

Mumbai is a bustling city on the west coast of India, and is known for its vibrant culture and diverse communities. The city has a unique Holi celebration that reflects the local traditions and customs.

The Holi celebration in Mumbai includes a variety of cultural events and activities, including music and dance performances, street plays, and food and drink stalls. The celebration takes place in various neighborhoods and areas throughout the city, and each area has its own unique traditions and customs.

One of the main attractions of the Mumbai Holi celebration is the playing of colors, in which participants play with colored powder and water. In some areas, the playing of colors is accompanied by music and dance, and participants may also exchange sweets and other traditional foods.

In addition to the Holi celebrations, Mumbai also offers a variety of other cultural and historical attractions, including the Gateway of India, the Elephanta Caves, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overall, the Mumbai Holi celebration is a vibrant and colorful event that reflects the diverse and rich cultural heritage of the city. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the joy and enthusiasm of the people during this festive occasion, and to explore the many attractions and activities that the city has to offer.

Best Places to Celebrate Holi in Delhi 

Delhi is the capital city of India and a vibrant hub of culture and history. The city has a unique and lively Holi celebration that showcases the diversity and richness of the local culture.

The Holi celebration in Delhi includes a variety of cultural events and activities, such as musical performances, dance shows, and street plays. One of the most popular events during the Holi festival is the "Holi Moo" music festival, which is held in different locations throughout the city and features a variety of international and local DJs and musicians.

Another popular aspect of the Delhi Holi celebration is the playing of colors, in which participants throw colored powder and water at each other. The playing of colors takes place in various parks and public spaces throughout the city, and is accompanied by music and dance performances.

In addition to the Holi celebrations, Delhi also offers a variety of other cultural and historical attractions, including the Red Fort, the India Gate, and the Qutub Minar, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overall, the Delhi Holi celebration is a colorful and lively event that showcases the diversity and vibrancy of the city's culture. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the joy and enthusiasm of the people during this festive occasion, and to explore the many attractions and activities that the city has to offer.