India is a land full of adventure places, grand palaces, ancient temples, majestic mountains, and serene lakes. But this lovely country is also famous for its colorful festival celebrations. With winter reaching its end here comes another season full of vibrant colors, pleasant weather, and new festivals. Holi is the upcoming festival that is standing on the doors of India. This festival of colors falls on the 18th of March in 2022. 

Holi in India is very popular among locals as well as tourists. Travelers visit India during the time of holi to color not only their skins but their souls and hearts with vibrant hues, traditional sweets, Dj parties, and whatnot. From North to South and West to East this festival is celebrated with enthusiasm irrespective of caste, creed, and religion. 

Bollywood flicks provide so many popular holi songs to dance to and celebrate this festival at Dj parties with your loved ones and friends. Holika Dahan, color celebrations, sweets like guzias & mathris, bhang thandai, bhang pakoras, dhol celebrations set the tone to celebrate holi in India. Colorful caravans, temple ceremonies, regal celebrations make holi celebrations in India fascinating to draw travelers far from the different corners.

Best Places to celebrate Holi in India in 2022 

1. Holi in Vrindavan
2. Holi in Mathura
3. Holi in Barsana
4. Holi in Agra
5. Holi in Pushkar
6. Holi in Jaipur
7. Holi in Udaipur
8. Holi in Shantiniketan
9. Holi in Purulia
10. Holi in Delhi
11. Holi in Mumbai
12. Holi in Anandpur Sahib
13. Holi in Hampi

Holi in Vrindavan

Vrindavan is Lord Krishna’s playland and holi is the main festival celebrated here with utmost joy. Banke Bihari Temple is the main epicenter of the holi celebrations in Vrindavan that received a huge influx of Hindu pilgrims. Holi celebrations continue for a week starting with the splash of flowers or ‘phoolon ki holi’ followed by widow holi completes a day before holi with the color splashing celebrations.

Another prime attraction in Vrindavan is the Gopinath Temple which experiences the famous color celebrations by widows. You will feel amazed to see that people bathed in colors in this Krishna land. Along with the gulal celebrations, a huge number of marigold flowers and devotional songs make the scene magical and add to the charm in Vrindavan holi. Visit Vrindavan for the best holi celebration in India and you will remember this moment for life.  

Holi in Mathura 

Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna and the place that witnessed his miracles and legends. Holi in Mathura is more pious and glorified because it has roots here. Especially during holi, Mathura is flocked with the devotees. To celebrate this colorful festival, temples in Mathura host decorated events. If you want a lifetime experience then do visit Mathura for astonishing and greatest holi celebrations in India.

In the late afternoon, the colorful holi celebrations commence from Vishram ghat and finish near Holi Gate. Dwarkadheesh temple is the major attraction for holi celebrations where devotees gather on the morning of holi. With music and dance as well as gulal aromatized atmosphere, devotees rejoice in the festive vibes. In the week before holi, Shri Krishna Janmasthan temple holds a famous show. 

Holi in Barsana

Another famous holi in India is Barsana’s lathmar holi. Barsana in U.P. is popular for unique holi celebrations in India which are known as Lathmar holi that intrigue people. This holi celebration comes up with a twist where men shield themselves from the playful beating by women. This is the tradition of Nandgaon and Barsana where women beat men with sticks and men have to safeguard themselves under the shields. Just before a week from the main holi, Lathmar holi takes place.

These cities are witness to the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha. According to legends, Lord Krishna used to visit Nandgao with his friends to color Radha and her friends. Then started this tradition of a playful affair between men and women which is now known as Lathmar holi. Laddoo holi at Shriji temple is also popular apart from the lathmar holi.

Holi in Agra

The holi festival in Agra is celebrated with much passion and fervor and brings colorful activities to partake in. This sets the tone of holi at the pinnacle in this city. People dance on the beats of DJs after gulping the glasses of bhang thandai set their party mode on. Dancing, partying, colorful parades, sweets, and folk songs are the highlights of the holi celebration in Agra.

Among travelers, holi celebrations in Agra are famous. In the crowds, colorful powder and water are thrown along with the bhang drinks. Foreigners enjoy holi in Agra by greeting each other, bathing in colored pools, and shaking their legs in the holi parties and events. 

Holi in Pushkar 

Holi in Pushkar celebrates with much passion and vigor. With live music and color splashing activities the main square hosts a grand party here. This excitement and celebration go on the next level with bhang thandai and dance parties. People throw color bombs, water balloons on each other and crow will enjoy the day at the max.

On the eve of holi, celebrations of holi in Pushkar begin with the Holika Dahan (bonfire of holi). As the flames go higher and higher, the cheering from the crowd adds charm to the ambiance. As a symbol of auspiciousness people take embers to their homes after the Holika Dahan. Then comes the next morning with vibrant color splashings, music, sweets, and parties that lit the day. 

Holi in Jaipur

The holi celebrations in Jaipur add the royal touch to this popular festival. The Pink city turns into the seven colors of Rainbow on holi. The royal family hosted gala celebrations in the palace to support the locales. Jaipur is among the top places to celebrate holi in India, Rajasthan Tourism organizes special holi parties at Khasa Kothi Hotel for the tourists. This event consists of traditional folk dance, song performances, a DJ party, and festive lunch.

‘Gulal Gotas’ and ‘Water Canon bowls’ are other aspects that make Jaipur Holi special. Some luxury hotels and resorts hosted Bollywood-themed parties as well. Holi songs, cheers, and hymns will add soulful impact to the environment. 

Holi in Udaipur

Holi in Udaipur is an imperial affair that involves the royal family of Mewar. Do visit Udaipur if you want to experience the royal holi in India. The celebrations of this festival start with the Holika Dahan in which the royal Maharaja lit up the ceremonial bonfire in the palace’s courtyard. A folk dance “Gair “ is performed by the royal family at the Holika Dahan ceremony.

Accompanied by the royal music band, the royal family members are seated on the Elephants, horses, and camels in this proceedings. The celebration ends with the cocktail serving and the fireworks playing. The next day people delight with the play of colors, water balloons, and gulal playing. The sweetness of the festival is also enjoyed by the traditional dishes prepared by the households. Celebration of holi in Udaipur is a lifetime experience. 

Holi in Shantiniketan

Holi in Shantiniketan was commenced by the famous renowned poet and Nobel Laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore as Basant Utsav (Spring Festival). It is celebrated uniquely in Bolpur near Kolkata, West Bengal. The university students wear colorful attires in which yellow remains dominant as a symbol of Spring.

A cultural program is organized where students partake in events of dance and singing and other activities. You will get an experience to cherish with memorable dance and songs. Shantiniketan is among the best places to celebrate holi in India as it is not only celebrated this festival of colors but also welcomes Spring in style. Teachers and students strengthen their bond by applying colors and gulal on each other faces by enjoying this festival together. 

Holi in Purulia

Purulia is a small village nestled well in West Bengal blessed by emerald landscapes, lush hills, and thick forests. Holi celebrations in Purulia make this place unavoidable. In Purulia, the holi is celebrated for three days before the main holi as Basanta Utsav around Bandhar Deul an ancient 8th-century temple. Chau dance, Darbari Jhumur, Natua dance, and songs of Baul musicians make this celebration more remarkable.

Purulia holi is unique in a certain way because its Ayodhya Pahar is bathed in red color during the season of holi. It is also known as the “Land of Palash” because of the shower of Palash flowers. Sip the local brew Mohua during the Holi celebration and enjoy the color splashes and music. 

Holi in Delhi

Holi in Delhi is a rowdy affair that transforms this metro city into a rainbow. If you are wondering where to go for the holi celebration in Delhi then Holi Moo Festival (previously known as Holi Cow Festival) welcomes you with open arms. There are renowned Indian and Foreign artists performing here at different stages. You will enjoy this grand holi carnival with bhang lassi, colors, and eclectic dishes.

You can enjoy safe and sound holi parties in Delhi with lip-smacking starters, organic colors, bhang drinks, and sprinklers. The Garden of five Senses, Frenzy Adventure, Janmashtmi Park, Maharana Pratap ISBT, Gamesforest, and Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium are some best places where you can enjoy holi celebrations in Delhi. 

Holi in Mumbai

Mumbai the city of dreams is another city on the list of holi celebrations in India. All the top-notch resorts, clubs, and grounds of the city danced in the holi parties in Mumbai. Every corner of this rejoices with the cheers and chants of holi celebrations. People are spoilt of choices where to go for holy celebrations as the city offers a plethora of places for the youths, celebrities, and tourists.

Groove to the tunes of famous DJs, dance with the Bollywood celebs, participate in rain dance and soak in the surrounding aura. The water parks in Mumbai also hosts holi parties or color parties that will take you to nostalgia. Have an amazing color party, music parties, and a lot of fun in Mumbai events. 

Holi in Anandpur Sahib

Holi in Anandpur sahib is a different one as compared to other cities of the country. Holi is celebrated with vibrant colors, gulal, bhang drinks, and music but here is a unique celebration of holi in Anandpur Sahib with martial arts, valor, love, and happiness. Hola Mohalla is the name of the event where Sikhs display pageantry. It is a three-day-long event in which people partake and shows their moves, martial arts, and celebrate with their loved ones.

To celebrate holi, it was organized by the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh in 1701. Nihangas showcases sword fighting, wrestling, turban tying, and physical agility by donning their traditional costumes. The main highlight of this show is Horse riding which attracts flocks of people. 

Holi in Hampi

Holi celebrations are more popular in North India as compared to the Southern parts of the country. But holi celebrations in Hampi are exceptions due to the presence of a large western group. Temples are decorated with colors and organized holi festivities. Hampi is counted in the list of best places to visit for holi celebrations in South India. People celebrate holi here delightfully and colorfully and then join the river Tungabhadra to dive in. You should visit Hampi for its unique holi celebrations.

Choose your favorite destination and places to celebrate holi in India among the above-mentioned places. There are more places which you can visit other than these places and colorfully enjoy holi.