Top 5 Places to Celebrate Holi in India March 2025 [Updated]

When Is Holi 2025?

According to the Hindu calendar, Holi is celebrated on the Purnima (Full Moon Day ) in the month of Phalguna (February-March). In 2025, Holi will be celebrated on Friday 14 March. The eve of Holi, ‘Holika Dahan’, will be celebrated on Thursday 13 Mar 2025.

• Holi Festival Date In India 2025 - Thu, 13 Mar 2025

• Holika Dahan 2025 Date - Fri, 14 March.

Why Is Holi Celebrated With Colours?

The tradition of celebrating Holi with colours is associated with Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. Legend says, that once Krishna felt insecure about his blue colour and wondered whether Radha would like him or not because of his dark skin. 

Lord Krishna’s mother Yashoda, felt about it and asked Krishna to reach out to Radha and ask her to colour his face in any colour she wanted, and Radha did colour Krishna’s face. Since then Holi has been celebrated with colours symbolising the spirit of the Holi festival.

Top 5 Places To Celebrate Holi In India

India is a vast country, and with so much diversity, various regions have developed their unique way of celebrating the festival of colours. Here are some of the most sought-after places to celebrate Holi in India:-

Barsana’s Lathmar Holi

Barsana is a small town near Mathura. This town is steeped in Hindu mythology as it is renowned as the birthplace of goddess Radha. Barsana’s ‘Lathmar Holi’ is known across the world. Men from Nandgaon – Krishna's village – come to Barsana, where women welcome them by playfully hitting them with sticks. 

According to legend, Lord Krishna visited Radha's village, Barsana, during Holi and teased goddess Radha and her friends. In response, Radha along with her friends of Barsana playfully chases away Lord Krishna with sticks. 

Lathmar Holi is a recreation of this playful incident symbolising the mischievous and playful spirit of Holi. Lathmar Holi in Barsana offers a glimpse into ancient traditions and cultural richness making Barsana’s Holi a must-visit for everyone. 

Celebrating Holi In Krishna’s Town, Mathura

Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna and holds special significance during Holi. Mathura’s association with Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha adds a spiritual touch to the festive celebrations. If you are in Mathura you will be delighted to witness the colourful festivities. 

Mathura celebrates Holi with unique and years-old customs. Enjoy the Dwidha Dance, a traditional performance that showcases events from the life of Lord Krishna. The wide participation of people in these activities and the value that it brings to Holi make Mathura one of the best places to be in during Holi.

Vrindavan’s Phoolon Vali Holi 

Vrindavan is a town near Mathura. It is closely associated with Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. Vrindavan hosts a unique Holi celebration known as “Phoolon Vali Holi” where instead of using Gulaal (Coloured Powder) to play Holi, flower petals are used to play Holi. 

Another celebration called ‘Rang Barse’ is celebrated where people shower coloured water on each other using water guns called ‘Pichkaris’. 

Kapda Phaad Holi In Pushkar

Pushkar is a small tourist town near Ajmer, Rajasthan. Pushkar’s Holi festivities are unique and attract visitors from far and wide. Pushkar’s Holi is unique as it is a modern recreation of Holi celebration. 

The streets of Pushkar are filled with people dancing, singing, and smearing colours on each other on the day of Holi. Tourists along with locals come together to celebrate Holi on the streets of Pushkar.

Pushkar also has a special celebration called ‘Kapda Faad’ Holi where men tear strips off each other’s T-shirts or Shirts (It may sound concerning but it is absolutely safe). If you want to celebrate traditional yet modern Holi, Pushkar’s Holi is the place for you.

Delhi’s Capital Style Holi

Delhi celebrates Holi in a grand and Capital style. Delhi is known for its celebrations, and particularly Holi in Delhi is a mix of traditional and modern customs. In Delhi, you will witness celebrations in grounds, parks, residential colonies, and public places. 

You can join Holi parties and programmes where various performances are held so that your Holi becomes memorable. These events often include cultural performances, water balloon fights, and local food stalls. 

FAQs Around Holi 2025

Is Holi On Purnima?

Yes, Holi is celebrated on Purnima, the full moon day in the month of Phalguna according to the Hindu calendar

What Is The Significance Of Holi Festival In India?

Holi is important in Hinduism it symbolises the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of springs in India. 

What Is The Story Behind Holi?

Holi symbolises the triumph of good over evil. The festival is inspired by stories like the burning of Holika, Prahlad's devotion to Lord Vishnu, and Lord Krishna's playful acts during Holi.

Where Is Holi Celebrated In India?

Holi is celebrated across India, with each region having its unique way of celebrating Holi such as Barsana’s ‘Lathmar Holi’, Vrindavan’s ‘Phoolon Vaali’, and Punjab’s Hola Mohalla. 

Conclusion

Celebrating Holi in India is truly magical, it offers an opportunity to witness India’s ancient traditions, culture and festivals. The top 5 places to celebrate Holi in India - Barsana, Mathura, Vrindavan, Pushkar and Delhi - each offers a unique way to celebrate Holi. 

This diversity in celebrations has its own charm. Holi unites people in the spirit of joy and harmony. If you want to celebrate in India, consider these 5 destinations to make unforgettable and everlasting Holi memories. 

So why wait, Holi is not so far, pack your bags and book Holi Special India Tour packages with Travejar to experience the festivities first-hand.