Holi, the Festival of Colours, is one of the loudest, most chaotic, spiritual, musical, emotional and unforgettable celebrations in India. For one day (and in some cities, an entire week), streets disappear under clouds of pink and yellow gulal, strangers become friends, temples echo with chants, DJs take over rooftops, and entire cities surrender to colour.

If you’ve been searching for the Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India, this is your sign to stop scrolling and start planning. From the sacred lanes of Mathura and Vrindavan to royal Rajasthan, from backpacker chaos in Pushkar to curated hostel parties across India, Holi isn’t just a festival; it’s a travel experience.

If you’re planning a Holi trip, this is your complete Holi travel guide 2026, covering:

• When is Holi 2026?
• Best places to celebrate Holi 2026 in India (Traditional v/s Party Vibes)
• How to Plan Your Holi Trip
• Holi 2026 FAQs
• So, Where Are You Celebrating Holi 2026?

When is Holi 2026 in India?

Holi 2026 will be celebrated on Tuesday, 3 March 2026. The festival takes place on the full moon (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Phalguna.

Hands holding Holi powder paint, view from above by FabrikaPhoto via Envato

Important Dates:

• Holika Dahan: Monday, 2 March 2026
• Rangwali Holi (Festival of Colours): Tuesday, 3 March 2026

If you’re planning your Holi 2026 travel itinerary, try reaching your destination at least one day early. In cities like Mathura and Vrindavan, celebrations begin several days before the main date.

Best places to celebrate Holi 2026 in India 

The best places to celebrate Holi in India 2026 range from deeply traditional temple celebrations in Uttar Pradesh to royal festivities in Rajasthan and high-energy party destinations across the country. 

Whether you want sacred rituals in Mathura and Vrindavan or full party vibes with The Hosteller’s Holi High 2.0, here’s where to go.

Traditional Holi: Where Culture Takes Over

1. Mathura

Holi in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, feels both spiritual and electric. The temples overflow with devotees, colours rise like smoke into the sky, and every corner carries mythology. If you want the most authentic traditional Holi in India, this is where it begins.

AI-generated image: Holi Celebrations in Mathura

Why Mathura is one of the best places to celebrate Holi 2026:

• Birthplace of Lord Krishna
• Temple-led celebrations
• Deeply rooted traditions

2. Vrindavan 

Vrindavan’s Holi feels poetic. Instead of colours, petals rain down inside temples. It’s softer, spiritual and deeply immersive. If Mathura is intense, Vrindavan is emotional.

AI-generated image: Phoolon ki Holi at Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan

Why Vrindavan is one of the best places to celebrate Holi 2026:

• Famous Phoolon Ki Holi
• Celebrations at Banke Bihari Temple
• Devotional atmosphere

3. Barsana

In Barsana, Holi becomes theatrical. Women playfully strike men with sticks in a ritual rooted in the Krishna-Radha legend. It’s bold, dramatic and one of the most photographed Holi celebrations in India. 

AI-generated image: Lathmar Holi in Barsana

Why Barsana is one of the best places to celebrate Holi 2026:

• Home of Lathmar Holi
• Cultural folklore tradition
• High-energy spectacle

4. Jaipur

Jaipur brings royal grandeur to Holi! Unlike the raw chaos of some cities, Holi in Jaipur, Rajasthan, feels structured yet vibrant. Expect folk music, dance performances, heritage backdrops, and community celebrations that balance colour with culture.

AI-generated image: People celebrating Holi in front of the Palace in Jaipur

Why Jaipur is one of the best places to celebrate Holi 2026:

• Royal palace events
• Cultural performances
• Traditional Rajasthani rituals

What to shop for Holi in Jaipur: While gulal and organic colours are easily available, Jaipur offers something unique — Gulaal Gota.

These are traditional handcrafted Holi colour balls made from natural lac (lakh), filled with fine dry gulal. The delicate shell bursts on impact, releasing a cloud of colour. Historically used in royal celebrations, Gulaal Gota remains a charming and distinctly Rajasthani way to play Holi.

5. Udaipur

Udaipur’s Holi begins with a ceremonial bonfire hosted by the royal family, followed by colourful celebrations the next day. It’s regal, organised and stunningly photogenic.

AI-generated image: Holi celebration at Udaipur's City Palace

Why Udaipur is one of the best places to celebrate Holi 2026:

• Grand Holika Dahan at City Palace
• Royal processions
• Scenic lakeside celebrations

6. Varanasi 

Holi in Varanasi is not polished; it’s powerful. The ghats turn into a riot of colour, music echoes through narrow alleys, and strangers smear gulal without hesitation. But what truly sets Varanasi apart is Masan Ki Holi. 

Celebrated near the cremation grounds at Manikarnika Ghat, Masan Ki Holi is a deeply symbolic and intense ritual where ash replaces colour, a reminder of life, death and spiritual liberation. It is raw, philosophical and one of the unique Holi celebrations in India.

AI-generated image: Masan Ki Holi at the Ganges in Varanasi

Why Varanasi is one of the best places to celebrate Holi 2026:

• Holi at the ghats
• Masan Ki Holi
• Raw street energy
• Cultural immersion

7. Pushkar

Pushkar, Rajasthan, is one of the most popular destinations for party-style Holi in India, set against the traditional charm of Rajasthan. The celebration here blends heritage streets with high-energy music, creating a vibe that’s young, international and wildly electric.

If you’re looking for Holi with dancing, DJ beats and colour clouds filling the sky, Pushkar delivers the full festival madness.

AI-generated image: Holi celebrations in Pushkar streets

Why Pushkar is one of the best places to celebrate Holi 2026:

• DJ-led street celebrations
• A global backpacker crowd
• High-energy, music-driven atmosphere

Holi Parties in India – Holi High 2.0 by The Hosteller

Holi High 2.0 by The Hosteller brings organised celebrations across select destinations. 

Instead of unpredictable crowds and random chaos, expect: 

• Curated music & live DJ sets
• Safe, community-driven celebrations
• Stay + celebration in one place
• A social travel vibe that feels effortless

Holi High 2.0 by The Hosteller 

Where can you go for Holi High 2.0 in 2026?

1. Goa, Anjuna – Beachside Colour Blast

Sun, sand and colourful clouds at sunset. Beach energy meets Holi madness.

2. Jaipur – Royal Holi Vibes

Celebrate in the Pink City with heritage backdrops and festive energy.

3. Lonavala – Quick Holi Escape Near Mumbai & Pune

Drive up, check in, and celebrate in the hills without city chaos.

4. Jodhpur – Holi in the Blue City

Rooftop views, vibrant streets and that unmistakable Rajasthani vibe.

5. Kasol – Colour Storm by the Riverside

Parvati Valley energy, mountain air and music-filled celebrations.

6. McLeodganj – Holi in the Tibetan Mountain Vibes

Celebrate surrounded by mountains, prayer flags, and a global-traveller crowd.

If you’re searching for a safe Holi celebration in India 2026 with a social, stay-and-play vibe, Holi High 2.0 is designed for you.

Explore Holi High 2.0 events and book your stay early — spots fill fast during Holi week.

How to Plan Your Holi Trip

• Book your stay in advance with The Hosteller: Holi is one of the busiest travel periods in India, and accommodations fill up quickly across major destinations.
• Reach your destination at least a day early: In cities like Mathura and Vrindavan, celebrations begin before the main Holi date.
• Wear old or white clothes: White makes the colours pop beautifully. 
• Protect your electronics: Carry waterproof pouches for your phone, camera and valuables.
• Choose organic colours: They’re safer for your skin and better for the environment.
• Stay hydrated: Between the sun, music and dancing, you’ll need it.

Holi week gets packed fast, especially in cities like Mathura, Jaipur and Pushkar — so lock in your plans early.

If you’re looking for stays that combine comfort, community and celebration, explore Holi stays across India with The Hosteller and plan your Holi 2026 escape.

Holi 2026 FAQs

1. When is Holi 2026 in India?

Holi 2026 will be celebrated on 3 March 2026, with Holika Dahan on 2 March 2026.

2. What are the best places to celebrate Holi 2026 in India?

Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana are best for traditional celebrations, while Jaipur, Pushkar and Goa are popular for party-style Holi.

3. Which city has the most traditional Holi in India?

Mathura and Vrindavan are considered the most authentic destinations for traditional Holi celebrations. 

4. Are there special events for Holi parties in India in 2026?

Yes, several cities host special Holi parties in 2026 with DJs, music and organised celebrations. Holi High 2.0 by The Hosteller brings curated, stay-and-celebrate events across destinations like Goa, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Lonavala, Kasol and McLeodganj. 

5. Which cities are safest for tourists during Holi travel in India? 

Cities like Jaipur, Udaipur and Goa are generally considered safer for tourists during Holi, especially when attending organised celebrations. Opting for curated events like Holi High 2.0 by The Hosteller also ensures a more structured and secure Holi experience.

So, Where Are You Celebrating Holi 2026?

Mathura ke rang?

Jaipur ka royal swag?

Udaipur ki lakeside elegance?

Pushkar ki DJ waali madness?

Ya Holi High 2.0 ke full power travel vibes?

Because when the dhol drops and someone screams “Holi Hai!”, you don’t want to be watching it on Instagram, you want to be there.

This year, don’t just attend the festival.

Go full Balam Pichkari.

Say yes to colours, chaos and conversations with strangers who become stories. Travel for it. Plan it. Live it.