Holi 2026: Where to Catch the Biggest Colour Parties in India

Rang barse bheege chunar wali, rang barse…

A lot of people are already saying the same thing – Holi 2026 just feels different. Maybe it’s the way spring lines up perfectly with the Holi long weekend 2026, or maybe it’s just that India celebrates on a scale that feels almost unreal. Streets turn into dance floors. Strangers smear colour on each other like they’ve known each other for years. Sweets appear from nowhere. Drums echo through alleys that are centuries old.

For travelers looking for a Holi 2026 travel guide, this is the perfect place to start. The best places to celebrate Holi in India are already buzzing – flights filling up, hotels getting snapped, streets ready to explode in colour. Expect a mix of global travelers, devoted locals, and full-on Holi lovers. Come prepared. It’s going to be loud, crowded, and completely unforgettable.

1. Mathura – The Birthplace of Celebration
2. Vrindavan – Devotion in Every Colour
3. Barsana – The Famous Lathmar Holi
4. Udaipur – Holi by the Lakes
5. Pushkar – Spiritual but Wild
6. Shantiniketan – Basanta Utsav Elegance
7. Anandpur Sahib – Where Celebration Meets Valor
8. Hampi – Ancient Ruins, Modern Energy
Wrapping Up
FAQs – Holi 2026
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1. Mathura – The Birthplace of Celebration

Holi in Mathura
Image Credit: Dewang Gupta/Unsplash

Mathura Holi has a spiritual undertone before it actually becomes a colorful celebration. Since it is the birthplace of Shri Krishna, the celebrations here continue for almost a week before finally bursting into color. Travelers can secure a stay at the best hotels in Mathura, ranging between ₹2,500–₹6,000 during Holi 2026.

Where to celebrate:

Dwarkadhish Temple colour ceremony
Vishram Ghat riverside rituals
Dauji Temple’s Huranga water celebration

2. Vrindavan – Devotion in Every Colour

The Vrindavan Holi celebration kicks off with Phoolon ki Holi at the Banke Bihari Temple – petals before powder. This practice represents divine love and not madness. The widows of Vrindavan also get to celebrate in special inclusive events, which is a major social change that has taken place in recent years.

Travelers often choose all-inclusive Uttar Pradesh tour packages that include nearby sightseeing once the Holi celebrations settle down.

Where to celebrate:

Banke Bihari Temple
ISKCON temple kirtans
Prem Mandir evening illuminations

3. Barsana – The Famous Lathmar Holi

Holi celebrations — Women beating men with *lathis*
Image Credit: **CRS PHOTO/Shutterstock**

Barsana’s celebration recreates Krishna teasing Radha. Women happily beat men with sticks in Lathmar Holi, a tradition that has been practiced for generations and attracts thousands of people every year. It is a dramatic, noisy, and unexpectedly friendly event – one of the reasons so many travelers book cheap flights to Varanasi to experience Holi 2026 firsthand.

Where to celebrate:

Radha Rani Temple courtyard
Lathmar Holi main square
Nandgaon follow-up festivities

4. Udaipur – Holi by the Lakes

Udaipur Holi celebrations – where people from around the world come together
Image Credit: muratart/Shutterstock

Holi in Udaipur begins elegantly. The Mewar royal family traditionally participates in Holika Dahan at the City Palace, a custom tied to centuries-old Rajput traditions. The next day? Pure colour madness by the lakes.

If you’re planning to experience these celebrations, it’s wise to book a stay at the best hotels in Udaipur as early as possible, since rooms fill up quickly – especially with international travelers arriving for Holi 2026.

Where to celebrate:

City Palace bonfire
Gangaur Ghat celebrations
Lake Pichola waterfront gatherings

5. Pushkar – Spiritual but Wild

Holi in Pushkar
Image Credit: Pramod Tiwari/Unsplash

Pushkar mixes temple rituals with backpacker-style street dancing. Holika Dahan near Brahma Temple remains traditional, but by morning the main square transforms into a giant DJ-led colour storm.

Travelers often choose to stay at the best hotels in Pushkar near the ghats. For a more hassle-free experience, all-inclusive Pushkar tour packages can be a great choice, taking care of stay, transport, sightseeing, and Holi celebrations in one go.

Where to celebrate:

Pushkar Main Square
Brahma Temple vicinity
Rooftop cafés and hostels

6. Shantiniketan – Basanta Utsav Elegance

Holi at Bolpur, Shantiniketan
Image Credit: soumen82hazra/Shutterstock

Inspired by Rabindranath Tagore in the early 1900s, Basanta Utsav brings poetry, dance, and yellow attire to Holi celebrations, offering an artistic and truly uplifting experience that draws travelers from across the world every year. To get here, simply hop on cheap flights to Kolkata and join the crowds who come to celebrate.

Where to celebrate:

Visva-Bharati University campus
Cultural performance grounds
Student-led spring processions

7. Anandpur Sahib – Where Celebration Meets Valor

Sikhs celebrating Holla Mohalla in Punjab
Image Credit: **Sushil Prajapati/Shutterstock**

Founded in 1701 by Guru Gobind Singh, Hola Mohalla replaces colour fights with martial arts demonstrations and spiritual gatherings. While still part of India’s festival of colours season, it emphasizes bravery and Sikh heritage. Travelers planning a visit can secure cheap flights to Chandigarh, from where Anandpur Sahib is just a 2–3 hour drive.

Where to celebrate:

Gurudwara Sri Anandpur Sahib
Martial arts arenas
Community langar spaces

Also Read: Most Colorful Places in the World: Holi Rangeen Places ke Sang!

8. Hampi – Ancient Ruins, Modern Energy

Holika dahan in front of temple in Hampi
Image Credit: Berit Kessler/Shutterstock

In Hampi, the 14th-century Vijayanagara ruins turn into a vibrant playground during Holi. Celebrations begin with Holika dahan, temple prayers at Virupaksha Temple and then spill over to riversides and backpacker hostels. Travelers often stay at the best hotels in Hampi near the temple for easy access to all the festivities.

Where to celebrate:

Virupaksha Temple courtyard
Tungabhadra riverside
Local hostel gatherings

Want to see how Holi is celebrated globally? Start planning your international adventure with online visa services for 180+ countries.

Wrapping Up

By the time Holi 2026 arrives, colours will rise from temple towns, royal palaces, university campuses, and ancient ruins alike. These truly remain the best places to celebrate Holi in India, each offering something distinct – devotion, drama, royalty, rebellion, or reflection.

To experience Holi in India like a local, pick a destination, stay a few extra days, chat with people, savor gujiyas, join Holika Dahan, and wake up early for the colour play (don’t forget old clothes and a little coconut oil for your hair). Let it get messy. Let it be imperfect. That’s where the real fun is.

And when Holi 2026 ends and the colours fade from skin but not memory, come back and share which city felt like home.

FAQs – Holi 2026

Which date is Holi Festival in 2026?
In 2026, the main festival of colours, Rangwali Holi, will be celebrated on Wednesday, 4 March. The ritual bonfire, Holika Dahan, will take place on the evening of 2 March or the early hours of 3 March.

Where is the best place to celebrate Holi in India?
For the most authentic and soulful experience, Mathura and Vrindavan are widely considered the best places as they are the birthplace and childhood home of Lord Krishna. If you prefer a vibrant, backpacker-friendly atmosphere with electronic music, Pushkar is an incredible alternative.

Which state is famous for Holi in India?
Uttar Pradesh is the most famous state for Holi, as it hosts the world-renowned celebrations in the Braj region (Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana).

Where to celebrate Holi festival?
If you want tradition, head to Mathura; for royal grandeur, visit Udaipur; and for a scenic, community-focused vibe, Hampi or Rishikesh are wonderful choices. Each location offers a completely different “flavor” of the festival depending on your travel style.

Which place in India is best to visit in March?
Rajasthan is arguably the best destination in March because the weather is pleasantly warm before the summer heat hits, making it perfect for exploring forts and enjoying Holi. Rishikesh and Kerala are also fantastic options for those seeking outdoor adventure or wellness retreats during the spring.

What is the biggest celebration in India?
While Diwali (the Festival of Lights) is technically the largest and most widely observed national holiday, Holi is often considered the most exuberant and visually spectacular celebration.

What is the main attraction of Holi?
The main attraction is the “playing of colours,” where people smear each other with vibrant powders (gulal) and water to symbolise the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.

Is Pushkar famous for Holi?
Yes, Pushkar has become world-famous for its massive Chowk party, where thousands of locals and international travellers gather for a high-energy celebration featuring live DJs and “Kapda Faad” (shirt-tearing) traditions. It is often cited as the most energetic and photographer-friendly Holi destination in India.

Explore More:

Vibrant Holi Celebrations Across Different States Of India
International Festivals Similar to Holi
Best Countries to Visit in March: March Out to Your Dream Destinations

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Holi 2026: Where to Catch the Biggest Colour Parties in India

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Mathura – The Birthplace of Celebration

2. Vrindavan – Devotion in Every Colour

3. Barsana – The Famous Lathmar Holi

Also Read: Rang Barse Retreats: Best Homestays in Holi

4. Udaipur – Holi by the Lakes

5. Pushkar – Spiritual but Wild

6. Shantiniketan – Basanta Utsav Elegance

7. Anandpur Sahib – Where Celebration Meets Valor

Also Read: Most Colorful Places in the World: Holi Rangeen Places ke Sang!

8. Hampi – Ancient Ruins, Modern Energy

Wrapping Up

FAQs – Holi 2026

Explore More:

Akbar Travels Services

Best Flight Deals

Domestic Flights

International Flights

Best Hotel Deals

Apply Visa Online

International Tour Packages

Domestic Tour Packages

Packages by Themes

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