Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India 2026 | Top 7 Colorful Destinations

When is Holi in India?

Below are the dates of Holi in India for 2026, 2027, and 2028: -

Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India in 2026

The Rangwali Holi 2026 is celebrated all across India, but the real essence of the celebration can be best enjoyed at specific destinations. Here are some of the places to visit on Holi 2026: -

1. Mathura and Vrindavan

Holi is the favourite festival of Lord Krishna, and what can be a better place than celebrating the festival in the land of Krishna? For this, Mathura and Vrindavan are the best destinations to celebrate the festival of colours, engaged in dance, music, and colour. You can find the best celebration at the Banke Bihari temple, where you can start your day with Phoolon ki Holi and the Rangutsav. Apart from this, make your Holi 2026 a memorable one after visiting the Dwarkadhish temple in Mathura. At this temple, there a week-long Holi celebrations, with different activities, like traditional bhajans, Lathmar Holi, and dance performances. 

2. Barsana 

Holi in India 2026 is most famous in Barsana, especially for the Lathmar Holi, a playful ritual performed in the city. This is the main event, in which men from Nandgaon visit Barsana to tease women and throw colours. While women of Barsana defend themselves with Lathis. The whole celebration of Lathmar Holi is done in a good festive spirit, and it fills the city with laughter, devotion, togetherness, and joy. Holi 2026 in Barsana showcases a real bond between Krishnas and Gopis. 

3. West Bengal 

Holi celebrations in West Bengal uniquely take place, and the festival is known as Basant Utsav. This tradition is followed by students, participating in cultural performances, like dance, drama, poetry, and others. The students decorate the universities with rangolis, carry the prabhat pheris in the morning, and both boys and girls dress in yellow. Another exciting thing about this festival in West Bengal is that Holi is known as Dol Purnima, in which the idols of Radha and Krishna are placed on a palanquin, and they are taken around the main streets of Bengal. Women dance around the swings, sing devotional songs, while the men spray coloured water on others. 

4. Jaipur

Are you planning a trip during the Holi celebrations in India in 2026? If yes, then you must reach Jaipur. Start your day by visiting the City Palace, offering a royal Holi experience, as grand celebrations take place, combined with traditional folk arts, Ghoomar dance of Rajasthan, live music, the use of organic colours, and taste delicious sweets like malpua and Gujiya. For a more joyful experience, you must not miss the chance of visiting the Govind Dev Ji Temple, organising devotional singing and traditional ritual practices of Holi. 

5. Udaipur 

A vibrant fest of colours is celebrated in Udaipur, blended with cultural shows and royal traditions. Various places are there in Udaipur are where Holi 2026 is celebrated in a mesmerising way, such as the city palace and the Jagdish Chowk. For a joyful experience, the first place you must visit is the Jagdish Chowk, where people gather to play with gulal, dance to the Holi tunes, and take blessings at the Jagdish temple. If you want to experience the royal Holi celebrations in India, do visit the City Palace in Udaipur, engaged with folk dances and the bonfires. 

6. Punjab

Holi in Punjab is known as the Hola Mohalla, and people here always celebrate their own style and elegance. During this celebration, Sikhs highlight their physical capability with martial arts performances, competitions, military exercises, sword fights, and mock wars. Throughout the day, the community feast is organised, known as the Langar, and it lasts till there are many takers. 

7. Delhi 

Looking for a variety of celebrations on Holi in India 2026? If yes, then you must visit Delhi, as people here embrace Holi with full enthusiasm. Right from street celebrations in Chandni Chowk to parties in Connaught Palace, you will get a colourful journey. Delhi will offer you a real Holi flavour, and the most famous event is the Delhi Moo Festival, adding high energy to your Holi celebrations. This Holi Moo festival is celebrated with live music, art, food, and organic colours. 

How is Holi Celebrated in India

In India, Holi is celebrated at a wide level and in different ways across all the regions in India. The Holi celebrations vary by state, but the feeling of joy remains the same throughout the country. So, let's explore how Holi in India 2026 is celebrated: -

1. North India

In the North India states, like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Punjab, Holi is celebrated with high intensity and zeal. The best Holi 2026, which you can experience in North India, is after visiting Mathura and Vrindavan, as you will feel a special connection with Lord Krishna. The celebration of the festival in these cities includes Phoolon ki Holi in Vrindavan, especially at Banke Bihari temple, where people play with flowers and colours. Another exciting Holi celebration, which you can enjoy, is in Barsana, featuring Lathmar Holi. 

2. South India

The Holi in India 2026 can be best experienced in the South India states, like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. The Holi in Kerala is known as Manjal Kuli, and it is celebrated in Gosripurum Thiruma’s Konkani Temple. Beyond this, you can have a joyful experience in Tamil Nadu, celebrated with religious ceremonies, following rituals and traditions along with delicious sweets. 

3. West India 

In the West Indian states, like Maharashtra, Holi is celebrated with Dahi Handi, where people form human pyramids to break a pot with yoghurt. Visit Rajasthan for Dhulandi 2026, especially in Jaipur, as the celebration goes beyond your expectations. The city people celebrate the festival by decorating their houses with flowers, drawing rangolis, throwing colours, and making traditional sweets, such as Gujiya and Shakarpara. 

4. East India

In East India states, like Bengal, Holi is well-known as Dol Jatra, and on this festival, people dress in shades of yellow, apply colours to each other, and sing Rabindra Sangeet. When visiting Orissa, Holi celebrations take place in the form of Dola Purnima, and the main attraction of Holi in this state is the procession of Radha-Krishna idols, walking across the streets. 

Conclusion

Holi in India is a true showcase of unity in diversity, as it reflects joy, love, and togetherness. From the Lathmar Holi in Barsana to the Basant Utsav in West Bengal, every Holi celebration adds an exciting touch to the festival of colours. In India, Holi is celebrated in different ways, and each of them exhibits a rich cultural heritage and facilitates social harmony. So, plan your trip to India during Holi 2026, each offering royal vibes to all visitors. Book the efficient India tour packages by Travejar and celebrate the festival at its best. 

FAQs

Q1. Which city has the best Holi in India?

Ans. There are two best places in India for Holi celebrations, and these are Mathura and Vrindavan. In these cities, various kinds of celebrations take place, like the Phoolon ki Holi and Rangutsav. 

Q2. When is Holi in India in 2026?

Ans. Holi in India is on 4th March, 2026. 

Q3. What are the special dishes on Holi in India?

Ans. The special dishes on Holi in India are Gujiya, Malpua, and Puran Poli. 

Q4. How is Holi celebrated in India?

Ans. Holi in India is celebrated with colours, dance performances, singing, homemade sweets, and exchanging gifts. 

Q5. Which is the famous Holi celebration in Barsana?

Ans. Lathmaar Holi is celebrated in Barsana, which is a playful tradition where women beat men with sticks, and they defend themselves with shields.