Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India 2024

Every spring, India comes alive with the colourful “Festival of Colours,” Holi, which turns the nation into a rainbow of happiness, music, and celebration. If you’re looking for a unique experience this year, check out the best places to celebrate Holi in India in 2024.

 Exploring the Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India 

Barsana, Lathmar Holi, Uttar Pradesh

Reality is always stranger than fiction, even though it may sound unusual at first. Not only are colours used to celebrate Holi, but lathis are also used in the Uttar Pradesh Braj area. According to their customs, women beat males with sticks during Lath Mar Holi. (Let’s now take a minute to accept reality.)

Rajasthan’s Udaipur

Known as the “City of Lakes,” Udaipur comes to life during Holi as a riot of colour. The festivities are set against the breathtaking backdrop of the tranquil Lake Pichola and the stately City Palace. Join the residents in singing, dancing, and painting each other bright colours.

Rajasthan’s Jaipur

During Holi, Pink City comes to life with elaborate processions, colourful street celebrations, and traditional performances. A happy combination of tradition and contemporary may be seen at the famous Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort. Take advantage of the bhang-infused thandai, a spiced milk beverage, or the classic Rajasthani sweets.

Maharashtra’s Mumbai

The Holi celebrations in Mumbai, a busy metropolis, have a more international flavour. The city is alive with activity, from rooftop get-togethers to beach celebrations. Celebrate with the locals along Marine Drive or Juhu Beach, where there will be live music, colour, and laughter.

In Karnataka’s Hampi

Holi takes place in the beautiful backdrop of Hampi’s historic ruins. Visitors and residents converge to celebrate among the stunning stone temples and rocks. The vivid colours set against the historical background create a dreamlike atmosphere.

The Madhya Pradesh city of Indore

Indore hosts a vibrant Holi carnival featuring live performers, rain dances, and water balloons. The banks of the Kanh River and the Rajwada Palace become focal points for festivities. Savour regional specialities such as jalebi and malpua.

Uttar Pradesh: Mathura and Vrindavan

Krishna’s birthplace is going to host some unhappy festivities. The Holi celebration in Vrindavan commences with a customary adoration to Lord Krishna on Vasant Panchami, the end of winter. Now for the strange part: Matki Phod is celebrated. This is an old custom in which butter is placed inside an earthen pot and suspended from above with a rope. While ladies toss colours to divert the men’s attention, a group of guys create pyramids and climb on each other’s shoulders in an effort to shatter the pot. 16 days of festivities are marked with live Krishna Raas-leela performances at various temples.

In 2018, the festivities will start on March 17 with a flower toss. People play with colours the day before Holi (March 21), and then there’s a procession that goes to Mathura.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

The Varanasi ghats witness a mystical Holi. At the banks of the Ganges, devotees congregate to carry out rituals, light candles, and make prayers. It’s captivating to see the vibrant blooms drifting down the river.

Pushkar, Rajasthan

Incorporate the beauty of Pushkar with the spiritual essence of Holi. Take in the sight of hundreds of people painting the town red (as well as blue, green, and yellow) during the “Rang Barse” (shower of colours) celebration held near Pushkar Lake.

Advice for a Happy and Safe Holi: 

Put on cosy, worn-out clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Use a moisturiser or coconut oil to shield your skin from the colours.

To keep hydrated and remove excess colour, always have a bottle of water with you.
Respect the traditions and customs of the area.
Celebrate sensibly and abstain from drugs and alcohol.

FAQ: best places to celebrate Holi in India