Holi 2025: Holi is the festival of colours, which is one of the most vibrant and joyous celebrations in India, symbolising the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. Across the country, this festival is marked by lively traditions, from smearing each other with colours to cultural performances, temple rituals, and grand processions. While every region has its unique way of celebrating, some places take Holi to an extraordinary level with their deep-rooted traditions and festive spirit. Whether you seek the spiritual grandeur of Mathura and Vrindavan or the royal festivities of Rajasthan, these destinations promise an unforgettable Holi experience.
Here are some places in India to witness the festival in all its colourful glory.
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Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh:
Mathura and Vrindavan are famous for being the birthplace of Lord Krishna; these places offer the most traditional and vibrant Holi celebrations. In the Banke Bihari temple, the festivities of Holi actually start a day before, where people throw flowers at each other. On the day of Holi, the grand celebration takes place, where devotees soak each other with colours. A special procession from Banke-Bihari Temple to Mathura adds to the festive spirit.
Barsana, Uttar Pradesh:
Barsana is located near Mathura, which is famous for its unique Lathmar Holi, where the women chase the men with sticks and the men dodge with shields. This playful tradition takes place a week before Holi and is followed by Laddoo Holi, where people joyfully throw sweets at others in celebration. From Barsana, the festivities continue to Nandgaon, where the legends of Radha and Krishna come alive for the visitors.
Shantiniketan, West Bengal:
Celebrated as Basant Utsav, Holi in Shantiniketan is a cultural affair introduced by Rabindranath Tagore. The festival marks the arrival of spring, and students from Vishva Bharati University dress in vibrant attire and engage in traditional dance, music, and art performances, culminating in a colour-throwing spree. Open to visitors, this festival offers a soulful and artistic Holi experience.
Udaipur, Rajasthan:
Holi in Udaipur is a royal affair, celebrated with Holika Dahan, symbolising the victory of good over evil. The City Palace witnesses grand celebrations led by the royal family in a wonderful procession with decorated horses and traditional bands. A ceremonial bonfire is lit, representing the legend of Prahlad and Holika. The entire city comes alive with colours, dance, and music, forming an allure of this regal experience of Holi.
Jaipur, Rajasthan:
Once famous for its Elephant Festival, Holi celebrations in Jaipur have become a grand spectacle of dance, music, and colours. The city celebrates with great energy, cultural performances, and vibrant Holika Dahan celebrations.
