Gulaal, sweets and thandai: Celebrate Holi in India
Coloured powder everywhere. Dancing in the streets. Smiling faces. Unique rituals. That’s Holi Festival.
Also called the Festival of Colours, you can’t find a more vibrant experience anywhere in the world than Holi. It’s fun, full of frolics and wow, what a colourful few days. This year, why not travel to celebrate Holi elsewhere in India to find new friends, experience different rituals and dive into Holi afresh?
Understanding the significance of Holi
Throw yourself into the magic
Holi marks the start of spring and falls on a full moon in the lunar month of Falgun. The essence of this Hindu festival is about coming together to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Colourful gulaal is thrown everywhere to create the vibrant colours of Holi. Water guns (pichkaari) are sprayed and there’s dancing and celebrating. And who can forget the traditional delicacies of gujiya and thandai. Effigies are burned the night before and the parties go on for days. Everyone in India has enjoyed Holi before, but when it comes to travelling across the country to celebrate Holi, there are some essential places to visit.
The Best Holi Celebrations in India
Holi festivities take place over seven days, starting with the Lathmar Holi on day one and culminating with the main Holi festival on day seven. Here’s where to travel to India for the best celebrations.
Barsana and Nandgaon: Lathmar Holi
Unique and lots of fun
Punjab
24th March 2024 in Barsana and on 25th March 2024 in Nandgaon
This is one of the most unique Holi celebrations in India – where thousands of devotees travel to Barsana and Nandgaon – and is tied in with story of Lord Krishna and Radha. Legend has it that Krishna wanted to spray colours on Radha, but when they entered Barsana, they were playfully greeted with sticks by Radha and her friends and chased out of the village. This same scene, popularised as Lathmar Holi is recreated every year in good humour, with men from Nandgaon and the women of Barsana. It’s a fantastic sight to behold for tourists.
Places to visit while celebrating Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon:
- Shriji Temple
- Radha Kushal Bihari Temple
- Maan Mandir Temple
Uttar Pradesh: Mathura Holi
All the colours
Punjab
24th – 25th March 2024
As the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura is home to one of the grandest Holi celebrations in India. The festivities take place at the Dwarkadhish Temple, and include vibrant processions, traditional rituals, folk music and a wild and playful Holi celebration where all the colours under the rainbow are thrown.
Gates open at 10.00am, and you’ll find a big bowl full of gulaal and flowers placed before the deity. Bhaang is also being prepared by the priests, which is offered as prashad to the devotees. Simply dance to the rhythmic beats of dhol and join in the fun.
Places to visit while celebrating Holi in Mathura:
- Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
- Dwarkadhish Temple
- Govind Dev Ji Temple
Vrindavan: Phoolon ki Holi
Showering in colourful flowers
Punjab
20th March 2024
For an intriguing Holi experience, head to Vrindavan – the city associated with Lord Krishna’s childhood and youth. The main Holi celebration takes place on the Ekadashi before Holi at the Banke Bihari Temple. Here Holi is played with flowers, instead of colours inside the temple. The temple priest (Pandit) showers colourful flowers at the devotees. What a spectacle to witness.
Places to visit while celebrating Holi in Vrindavan:
- Banke Bihari Temple
- Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir
- Radha Ramen Temple
Insider tip:
Make sure you’re at the temple before 4.00pm when the gates open up. The whole celebration lasts around 20-25 minutes. It’s easy to miss it if you’re not on time.
Maharashtra: Rang Panchami
Get ready to get wet
Punjab
30th March 2024
Though Rang Panchami is celebrated in a similar way and at a similar time as Holi, the celebrations are a little different. It’s mostly popular in Indore and Maharashtra and involves plenty of water as well as colour. The procession is headed by a water tank featuring two high pressure jets and two ceremonial water cannons used to colour everyone on the streets from head to toe. The streets are thronged by thousands of people, and the whole atmosphere is wild and electric.
Part of the Rang Panchami celebrations are combined with the local festivities of Shig Mahotsav, where people throw on colourful clothes and parade through the streets.
Places to visit while celebrating Rang Panchami:
- Shri Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur
- Shri Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai
- Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple, Pandharpur
Punjab: Hola Mohalla
Experience this Sikh festival
Punjab
25th -27th March 2024
This three-day Sikh festival celebrates the onset of spring and usually coincides with Holi. It’s centred on the city of Anandpur Sahib. And unlike Holi where the focus is on colour, the essence of Hola Mohalla is the display of battling ability shown through mock battles and martial arts displays. There’s also kirtan, music and poetry.
Places to visit while attending Hola Mohalla:
- Golden Temple, Amritsar
- Anandpur Sahib
- Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Bathinda
First Holi Festival in India?
Here’s what to expect if you’re new to experiencing this colourful festival
Bura Na Maano Holi Hai!
This is the vibe of Holi in a sentence! It simply means: let loose of your inhibitions, be playful, and don’t get offended when people throw colour all over you.
Throw yourself into the action
Holi is all about celebrating with friends and family. So even if you’re in a different city or state, you’ll be welcomed with open arms and a colourful embrace. It’s inclusive and welcoming for all.
You’ll still need to look after yourself
Keep yourself hydrated and well fed. As always, be mindful and respectful of other people, and you’re all set for a memorable Holi experience!
Handy tips for Holi:
Book early: Holi is a popular time to travel in India, so flights and accommodation can fill up quickly. Make sure to book your travel arrangements well in advance to get the best deals.
Dress appropriately: During Holi, people throw coloured powders and water at each other. It’s advisable to wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained. Also, opt for cotton clothes as they are comfortable and suitable for the warm weather during the season.
Stay safe: While Holi is generally a safe festival, it’s important to take some precautions. Travel in groups, don’t carry any valuables, and be aware of your surroundings. If you’re allergic to colours, consider carrying an anti-allergy medicine with you.
Average costs for Holi
While the fun is free, there are some costs when celebrating Holi. Here’s a list of what you can expect to spend on a Holi festival:
₹50 – ₹200 for a packet of gulaal
₹200 – ₹500 for a kilogram of gujiya
₹150 – ₹300 for a 750 ml concentrate mix of thandai (making up to 25 glasses)
₹100 – ₹500 for a decent water gun (pichkaari)
₹50 – ₹100 for a packet of water balloons
₹300 – ₹500 for cheap white traditional clothes
₹100 – ₹300 for sunglasses/bandanas
Holi is a festival like no other. People everywhere are in the party spirit, the colours are so bright and the sweet delicacies are always delicious. Your feet will hurt from dancing, your face will ache from smiling and your soul will sing.
Thinking of travelling around India for Holi? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
