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Religious · Nationwide (Vrindavan + Jaipur peaks), India

Holi (Festival of Colours)

“The world-famous festival of colours — powder-throwing celebration of spring”

Holi is the Hindu "Festival of Colours" — 1-2 day festival celebrating spring. Everyone throws coloured powder + water on each other. Vrindavan + Mathura + Jaipur are the most epic celebrations. Bhang lassi (cannabis milkshake) is traditional. Rebirth + renewal spirit.

Upcoming dates

Next
2027
March 22-23 (Choti Holi + Rangwali Holi)
Following year
2028
March 11-12 (Choti Holi + Rangwali Holi)

Full moon day of Hindu month of Phalguna. Late February to late March (Gregorian). Choti Holi bonfire evening before Rangwali Holi (main colour day).

Duration
2 days (bonfire evening + colour day)
Crowd
Massive at Vrindavan/Mathura.
Budget/day
$50-150 mid-range
Book ahead
3+ months

Booking + planning tips

Best for: Adventurous travellers + photographers + open-minded festival-goers
  • ✓Book flights 3 months ahead — March is peak Indian tourism season
  • ✓Wear white/light clothing you don't mind trashing — colours are hard to wash out
  • ✓Coconut oil on skin + hair before playing = colours wash out easier
  • ✓Sunglasses protect eyes (some cheap colours are chemical)
  • ✓Vrindavan/Mathura has intense religious crowds — book hotels 3-6 months ahead
  • ✓Some hotels host organised safe Holi celebrations — good option for first-timers

Book hotels for Holi (Festival of Colours) 2027

Prices spike + hotels sell out during this event. Book 3+ months ahead.

Fly to Jaipur International (or Delhi DEL, Agra AGR)

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Frequently asked

When is Holi 2027?
March 22-23, 2027. Choti Holi (small Holi) is March 22 evening with bonfires. Rangwali Holi (colour day) is March 23. Date changes each year with Hindu lunar calendar.
Best place to celebrate Holi in India?
Vrindavan + Mathura (birthplace of Krishna, most intense religious celebration). Jaipur + Udaipur (safer + more tourist-friendly). Barsana has famous Lathmar Holi (women beat men with sticks) week before.
Is Holi safe?
Generally safe but crowded + sometimes rowdy. Solo female travellers should book with a tour group or hotel-organised celebration. Avoid cheap chemical colours (buy natural gulal in advance).
What to wear for Holi?
Old white/light clothing you'll throw away — colours stain permanently. Coconut oil on skin + hair before playing. Old shoes (or bare feet).
What is bhang?
Cannabis-infused milkshake traditional at Holi (legal in some Indian states). Popular in Varanasi. Take with caution — Indian bhang is potent + long-lasting.