Top 10 Places to Celebrate Holi in India (2025): Best Festivals, Traditions & Travel Tips 

1. Mathura & Vrindavan β The Birthplace of Holi
Why Visit?
Mathura and Vrindavan, the land of Lord Krishna, host the most legendary Holi celebrations in India. Here, Holi is celebrated for over a week with grand processions, temple rituals, and the famous Lathmar Holi.
Top Holi Experiences: Lathmar Holi (Barsana & Nandgaon): Women playfully beat men with sticks while men try to shield themselves.
Phoolon Wali Holi (Vrindavan): A unique celebration at Banke Bihari Temple, where flowers replace colors.
Widowβs Holi: A heartwarming event where widows in Vrindavan break age-old traditions and play with colors.
Best Place to Celebrate: Banke Bihari Temple & Dwarkadheesh Temple β Experience divine and colorful Holi rituals.
Travel Tip:
Book hotels in advance as thousands of travelers flock to Mathura-Vrindavan during Holi.
2. Barsana β The Unique Lathmar Holi
Why Visit?
Barsana, near Mathura, is famous for Lathmar Holi, where women chase men with sticks in a fun-filled battle of colors.
Best Place to Celebrate: Radha Rani Temple, Barsana β Watch the energetic Lathmar Holi play out before your eyes.
Travel Tip:
Wear old clothes and keep your belongings safeβcolor fights can get intense!
3. Jaipur β Royal Holi with Elephants & Folk Music
Why Visit?
Jaipur offers a royal Holi experience with grand celebrations in City Palace, traditional folk performances, and even elephant parades.
Top Holi Experiences: Royal Holi at City Palace: Witness Rajasthanβs regal Holi celebrations.
Holika Dahan at Govind Dev Ji Temple: Experience the sacred bonfire ritual.
Jaipur Holi Festival: Enjoy Rajasthani folk music, cultural performances, and gulal throwing.
Best Place to Celebrate: City Palace & Khasa Kothi Grounds β Experience the grandeur of Holi in Jaipur.
Travel Tip:
Jaipur hosts tourist-friendly Holi parties, perfect for those who want a safe and organized celebration.
4. Udaipur β A Royal and Luxurious Holi
Why Visit?
Udaipurβs Holi celebration is elegant and royal, featuring majestic processions, bonfires, and fireworks at the City Palace.
Top Holi Experiences: Mewar Holika Dahan: A regal affair where the Maharaja of Udaipur leads the celebrations.
Lake Pichola Holi: Play Holi by the lakeside with traditional folk music and dance.
Best Place to Celebrate: City Palace Courtyard & Jagdish Temple β Witness Udaipurβs unique and traditional Holi.
Travel Tip:
Book a lake-facing hotel to enjoy stunning views of Holi fireworks over Lake Pichola.
5. Delhi β Holi Parties and Street Fun
Why Visit?
Delhi hosts some of the biggest Holi parties, featuring DJ music, rain dances, and organic colors.
Top Holi Experiences: Holi Moo Festival: A lively party with live bands, DJs, and organic colors.
Delhi University Holi: Enjoy street Holi with college students playing with gulal and water balloons.
Best Place to Celebrate: Holi Moo Festival & Paharganj Street Parties
Travel Tip:
If you want a safe Holi, opt for private events with controlled color play and security.
6. Pushkar β Holi by the Holy Lake
Why Visit?
Pushkarβs Holi festival is a crazy street celebration where people dance on rooftops and throw colors in the air.
Top Holi Experiences: Main Square Holi Party: Join thousands of people dancing and celebrating with loud music.
Brahma Temple Holi Rituals: Witness traditional Holi prayers.
Best Place to Celebrate: Main Market Square & Pushkar Lake Ghats
Travel Tip:
Avoid carrying valuables as the crowd gets wild during Holi in Pushkar!
7. Hampi β Holi in Ruins
Why Visit?
Hampi is one of the few places in South India where Holi is celebrated with full enthusiasm, with color fights among the ancient ruins.
Best Place to Celebrate: Hampi Bazaar & Virupaksha Temple
Travel Tip:
Pair your Holi celebration with an exploration of Hampiβs UNESCO-listed ruins.
8. Varanasi β Holi and Ganga Aarti Magic
Why Visit?
Varanasi offers a spiritual Holi experience with colors, river rituals, and evening Ganga Aarti.
Best Place to Celebrate: Dashashwamedh Ghat & Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Travel Tip:
Enjoy Bhang Lassi (a traditional cannabis-infused drink) but in moderation!
9. Shantiniketan (West Bengal) β Cultural Basanta Utsav
Why Visit?
Shantiniketan celebrates Basanta Utsav, a graceful Holi celebration inspired by Rabindranath Tagore, featuring traditional dance, poetry, and songs.
Best Place to Celebrate: Visva-Bharati University Campus
Travel Tip:
Wear yellow attire to blend in with the festivalβs traditional theme!
10. Manipur β Yaoshang Holi Festival
Why Visit?
Manipurβs Yaoshang Festival merges Holi with indigenous traditions, featuring fire rituals, sports events, and color play.
Best Place to Celebrate: Kangla Fort & Imphal Valley
Travel Tip:
Explore Manipurβs cultural heritage alongside Holi celebrations.
Conclusion: Where Will You Celebrate Holi in 2025?
From royal Holi in Udaipur to wild color parties in Pushkar, each destination offers a unique way to celebrate. Whether you love spirituality, royalty, or music festivals, India has the perfect Holi experience for you!
Want to plan your dream Holi trip? Book with Rapture Holidays and experience a hassle-free, colorful celebration!
Call 8866686508 or visit raptureholiday.com to plan your Holi 2025 getaway!