Of all of India’s religious celebrations, a festival of togetherness, Holi celebrates the eternal and divine love between Lord Krishna and Radha Rani and marks the arrival of spring.
Ever Wondered Where the Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India 2025 Are? Holi is not just about colors—it’s an emotion, an experience, and a festival that unites people across India.
But with so many places to visit, where should you go for the best Holi celebration in 2025? Whether you want a wild, vibrant street celebration or a peaceful Holi with family, we have got you covered.
1. Mathura & Vrindavan – The Birthplace of Holi
Have You Ever Celebrated Holi in the Land Where Radha and Krishna Played?
The Braj region in India, located between Delhi and Agra, is famous for being closely connected to Lord Krishna, the Hindu God who is most associated with the Holi festival.
The Bankey Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is the heart of Holi celebrations in this town, and it is deeply devoted to Lord Krishna. If you’ve seen pictures of a crowded area with people covered in bright colors like purple, red, and pink powders, it was most likely taken here.
During Holi, Mathura and Vrindavan become a colorful spectacle as locals and tourists come together to celebrate the arrival of spring and the playful spirit of Lord Krishna.
The celebrations here are not just festive; they are a divine experience, deeply intertwined with the cultural and religious heritage of the region
Iconic Holi Celebrations:
Lathmar Holi in Barsana – One of the most unique and thrilling events of Holi takes place in Barsana, a small village near Mathura. This is where the famous Lathmar Holi happens, and it’s a celebration full of excitement and energy!
Here, women from Barsana playfully hit men from the neighboring village of Nandgaon with sticks (lathis), all while the men attempt to protect themselves with shields.
The playful exchange of blows symbolizes the legendary tale of Lord Krishna teasing his beloved Radha, adding a lighthearted, yet thrilling twist to the traditional celebrations.
Phoolon ki Holi in Vrindavan – Another amazing Holi experience is Phoolon Ki Holi, celebrated at the famous Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. This version of Holi is unique because instead of using colors, flower petals are showered inside the temple.
Devotees and visitors gather to enjoy the beautiful and fragrant rain of petals, creating a peaceful and spiritual celebration.
Huranga at Dauji Temple – In the village of Dauji, near Mathura, another captivating event called Huranga takes place at the Dauji Temple. This event is a true riot of colors, with both men and women engaging in playful battles of water and colored powder.
People splash each other with water from buckets and throw colorful powders into the air, creating a lively and colorful mess. The temple turns into a lively spot where everyone, young and old, joins in the fun of colors and water.
How to Reach – Travel with Indian Travel House for a comfortable ride. Book taxi services in Delhi and take a long drive to Mathura with ease.
2. Pushkar – Experience Holi Like Never Before
Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India 2025 – Pushkar, a small town in Rajasthan, becomes a lively and colorful place during the Holi festival.
Famous for its peaceful atmosphere, holy lake, and rich cultural traditions, Pushkar takes the festival of colors to an entirely new level.
Want to Celebrate Holi with Tourists from Around the World?
Pushkar is the ideal destination for those looking to celebrate Holi with a global crowd. Whether you’re coming from nearby cities or a distant country, Pushkar offers a welcoming environment for everyone.
Massive Holi Bash – Thousands of People Dancing to Loud Music
Imagine thousands of people, both locals and tourists coming together, throwing colors in the air while dancing to energetic beats played by local DJs.
One of the highlights of Pushkar’s Holi celebrations is the massive Holi bash that takes place in the main square. The whole square turns into a burst of colors, filled with laughter, joy, and non-stop celebrations. The air is filled with the beat of traditional dhol drums, mixed with contemporary music, creating an unforgettable festival atmosphere.
Lakefront Celebrations – A Unique Holi Experience by the Pushkar Lake
If you’re looking for a calmer and more unique experience, celebrating Holi by Pushkar Lake is truly special. The Lake is surrounded by temples and Ghats offering a calm and peaceful setting for colourful celebrations.
You can also join in the tradition of throwing colors to the waters, creating a beautiful balance between the holiness and the festivities.
Pushkar’s Holi is the perfect combination of vibrant celebrations and calm, spiritual experiences making it a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to experience Holi in an unforgettable way.
3. Jaipur – The Royal Holi Celebration
Want a Grand Holi Celebration in a Palace?
Jaipur, the “Pink City” of India, offers an extraordinary way to celebrate Holi with its royal, colorful, and unique festival activities.
Jaipur’s Holi celebrations are unmatched, as the city combines rich history, royal heritage, and vibrant festivities. Here’s a closer look at what makes Holi in Jaipur so special:
City Palace Celebrations – Mix of Royalty and Tradition
At the heart of Jaipur is the City Palace, an iconic symbol of royal heritage.
Each year, the royal family hosts a lavish Holi celebration within the palace walls, making it the Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India 2025.
This event blends traditional Holi rituals with royal greatness, offering guests an unforgettable experience.
Visitors can expect to be welcomed into the palace with a shower of colors, traditional music, and a chance to witness the royal family’s participation in the festival activities.
The City Palace celebration includes a mix of music, dance, and ritual performances, where local artists showcase traditional Rajasthani folk dances and songs.
Jaipur’s Holi Parties – Exclusive Events with Music and Colors
If you’re looking for a more modern twist to your royal Holi celebration, Jaipur’s exclusive Holi parties are the way to go.
These events are usually hosted at luxurious hotels and palaces, combining lively music, delicious food, and energetic dance performances.
Imagine celebrating in an open-air venue with the beautiful city architecture in the background, where you can dance to fun music, enjoy tasty food, and play with colors.
As part of this grand celebration, the elephants are often seen in the City Palace courtyard, where they join in the festivities, adding a majestic and traditional taste to the celebration.
Cultural Performances – Traditional Folk Music and Dance
Another highlight of the Jaipur Holi celebration is the beautiful Rajasthani folk music and dance performances.
Traditional instruments like the dhol, shehnai, and sarangi create an immersive cultural experience, while dancers perform classical and folk dances, such as Ghoomar and Kalbeliya, that fill the air with energy and charm.
No matter if you prefer the grandeur of the City Palace celebrations, the lively atmosphere of exclusive Holi parties, or the majestic elephant processions, Jaipur offers a Holi experience that is truly fit for royalty.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to celebrate Holi grandly and luxuriously, Jaipur’s palaces are the perfect place to do so.
4. Hampi – South India’s Most Unique Holi Celebration
Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India 2025 – Thought Holi Was Only Big in North India? Think Again!
Although Holi is mostly linked to North India, the festive spirit has spread throughout the country, including South India, where it is celebrated in its own unique and interesting ways.
One such place is Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which offers an interesting twist to the traditional Holi celebration.
In Hampi, the old monuments and temples of the Vijayanagar Empire create a unique setting for a lively and colorful Holi celebration. This historic place adds a special feel to the festival, where people celebrate with both respect and excitement.
Instead of the typical loud and crowded festivities seen elsewhere, Hampi hosts a unique Holi experience, where the celebration blends with the ancient atmosphere of the old heritage buildings.
Locals and tourists come together, playing traditional drums and dancing to folk music, which brings a deeper cultural and spiritual meaning to the celebration.
“It’s not just about throwing colors, it’s about creating memories while being immersed in a rich heritage.”
Temple Celebrations – A Blend of Spirituality and Fun
In many parts of South India, like Tiruvannamalai and Madurai, Holi is celebrated with respect and devotion in temples. People offer prayers and perform rituals before the color celebrations begin.
The way they celebrate is more peaceful and spiritual, focusing on tradition and the joy of the festival.
Temples across the region hold special prayers and rituals before the Holi celebrations begin, and the color festivities happen more spiritually.
Devotees and visitors apply colors to the deities and each other, as part of the religious celebration. It’s a perfect mix of spirituality, tradition, and fun.
Street Color Fights – A Celebration of Unity
In cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai, the streets come with energetic color fights, where both locals and tourists join in.
Streets transform into a sea of colors as people of all backgrounds come together to celebrate Holi.
It’s a fun, lively celebration where everyone is welcome. Whether it’s your first time or you’re experienced with Holi, the streets are full of energy and excitement. People of all ages join in, and the atmosphere is filled with laughter, colors, and happiness.
It’s the perfect place to enjoy the festival and have a great time!
5. Shantiniketan – A Cultural Holi Celebration
Want a Holi Celebration with a Cultural Twist?
This year, experience the true essence of Holi by visiting Shantiniketan, West Bengal, where the festival is celebrated with a cultural twist.
Instead of just colors and fun, it’s a celebration called Basanta Utsav, inspired by the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore, marking the arrival of spring with traditional music, dance, and poetry.
The town is filled with people wearing bright yellow, which represents spring. They enjoy traditional music, dance, and poetry.
The atmosphere is calm but lively, making it a celebration that touches your heart.
Traditional Holi Celebration – A Cultural and Artistic Festival
In Shantiniketan, Holi is not just about playing with colors, it’s about celebrating art and tradition.
The festival follows Rabindranath Tagore’s vision, where people enjoy traditional music, colorful processions, and artistic performances together.
The locals and visitors come together to celebrate both the arrival of spring and the rich cultural traditions of this beautiful area. It’s a place where art and tradition take center stage, allowing you to experience Holi more spiritually, far from the noise and crowds.
No Loud Music, Only Art and Colors – A Peaceful Holi Experience
What makes this celebration special is its peaceful charm.
Holi in many places is full of loud music and big crowds, Shantiniketan offers a calm and thoughtful atmosphere.
Here, the focus is on artistic expression, people gather to sing, dance, and recite Tagore’s poetry, all while celebrating with vibrant colors.
This Holi gives you the chance to connect with culture while celebrating the festival of colors in a unique, peaceful environment.
Best Way to Travel?
From the divine celebrations of Mathura and Vrindavan to the cultural extravaganza in Shantiniketan, Holi in India offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, rich in tradition, music, dance, and vibrant colors.
If you want to experience the peaceful side of Holi or enjoy the lively celebrations, there’s a perfect destination for you.
So, where will your Holi journey take you in 2025? Have you picked your destination yet?
Let Indian Travel House (ITH) take you there with comfort and ease. Travel stress-free with ITH’s Airport Transfer Services and make the most of your colorful adventure.
To make the most of this cultural Holi experience, it’s important to travel in comfort.
By using their reliable fleet of chauffeur-driven cars, you can avoid the hassle of public transport and enjoy a comfortable, relaxing ride to your destination.
Let’s make this Holi not just about colors, but also about creating unforgettable memories.
