6 best places to visit in India for colourful Holi celebrations

Vrindavan and Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, Jaipur, Pushkar and Udaipur in Rajasthan, and Shantiniketan in West Bengal, each have their own customs and traditions around Holi. (Photo credit: Shikher Singh via Wikimedia Commons 4.0)

Holi, the festival of colours, is a vibrant celebration that takes place across India. Each state of the country celebrates Holi in a slightly different way. This year, Holi is on March 25 - a Monday. Chhoti holi (to celebrate Radha and Krishna's love as well as the triumph of righteous Prahlad over his power-hungry father Hiranyakashyap and aunt Holika) is on March 24 Here are 6 of the best Indian cities to experience the joyous occasion of Holi:

1. Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

Vrindavan is known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and Holi here is a truly unique experience. The celebrations take place near the Banke Bihari Temple, where devotees celebrate with coloured powder and flowers.

Also check out Lathmar Holi in Barsana, close to Vrindavan, where women playfully chase men with sticks.

(AFP Photo/ Manan Vatsyayana)

2. Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

Mathura, which is also considered as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is visited for its traditional Holi celebrations. The primary celebrations are held at the Dwarkadheesh Temple, where people rejoice with coloured powder and water balloons.

3. Jaipur, Rajasthan

The Pink City comes alive with vibrancy during Holi. The celebrations here are awe-inspiring, with grand processions, elephant rides, and folk music performances. While in Jaipur, also witness the burning of the Holika bonfire that symbolises the triumph of good over evil.

Elephant festival on eve of Holi in Jaipur. (Photo credit: Pradeep Kumar Chatterjee via Wikimedia Commons 3.0)

4. Pushkar, Rajasthan

Pushkar hosts a distinctive Holi experience. The celebrations here take place alongside the Pushkar Lake, where people take a holy dip before partaking in the merriment.

5. Shantiniketan, West Bengal

Holi in Shantiniketan is a quieter affair as compared to other regions of India. Here, the festival is known as Basant Utsav, which translates to the ‘Festival of Spring.’ The revelry is marked by classic folk dances, music shows, and poetry performances.

6. Udaipur, Rajasthan

Holi in Udaipur is a regal affair. The festivities feature colourful processions, cultural dances, and boat rides on scenic Lake Pichola.