Top 10 Places to Visit in India to Celebrate Holi

Holi, known as the festival of colours, is a lively and vibrant celebration cherished by people all over India. During this festive occasion, the entire country comes alive with an explosion of colours, joyous laughter, and festive spirit. It's a time when people gather with friends and family to smear each other with colourful powders and water, spreading happiness and cheer.

If you're looking to experience the magic of Holi in all its glory, we've curated a list of the top 10 destinations in India where you can immerse yourself in the festivities. From the bustling streets of Mathura to the serene beaches of Goa, these places offer a unique and unforgettable Holi experience.

And if you need financial assistance to make your Holi travel dreams a reality, consider applying for a personal loan for travel with KreditBee. With our hassle-free online process and quick approval, you can focus on enjoying the colourful celebrations without worrying about finances.

Places to Celebrate Holi in India

1. Mathura

   Mathura, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India, is known across the world for its vibrant and joyful Holi celebrations. The birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura celebrates Holi with grandeur and enthusiasm. Temples like Dwarkadheesh Temple and Banke Bihari Temple host special rituals and cultural performances. On the day of Holi, the streets are filled with residents and tourists dancing to the same music while throwing colours, singing, and performing traditional rituals.

2. Vrindavan

   Vrindavan, a city in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, is another Holi festival centre that has deep roots in Hindu mythology and spirituality. It attracts devotees and tourists not only from the country but also all over the world. Famous for its connection with Lord Krishna and Radha, Vrindavan's Holi celebrations last for a week. The "Samaj Holi" at Rangaji Temple involves a grand procession and throwing of colours. The rhythmic lifestyle and cultural richness of the city make Vrindavan a place to be for lovers of merriment on Holi's day.

3. Barsana

   Barsana, a town in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, is the home of the peculiar and colourful Lathmar Holi Festival. This is in accordance with the Hindu religion. Lord Krishna visited Barsana and got engaged in playful banter with Radha and her friends, who affectionately teased him with sticks. This tradition is observed during Holi when women symbolically hit men who are over them playfully using sticks. The Lathi celebrations in Barsana, most famously for their energy, noise, and cultural richness, are seen by people coming from nearby and abroad.

   Phoolon Wali Holi in Barsana is also a unique and vibrant celebration that is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and tradition. The celebration typically takes place a few days before the main Holi festival.

   The highlight of Phoolon Wali Holi is the use of flowers, particularly petals of different colours, which are showered upon the participants.

   This unique celebration in Barsana attracts a large number of tourists and visitors who come to witness and participate in the joyous festivities. Phoolon Wali Holi is not only a cultural spectacle but also a symbol of love, harmony, and the spirit of togetherness.

4. Jaipur

   Jaipur, the colourful capital city of Rajasthan, India, is a place where the old and the young come together during Holi. Often referred to as “the Pink City”, Jaipur celebrates Holi with great passion and spirit, which draws in both locals and tourists. Holi celebrations in Jaipur are closely tied with the most revered deity of the city, Lord Govind Dev Ji. It is called Phag Utsav, and the celebrations in the Govind Dev Ji Temple take place over a couple of weeks. This celebration is named after a month called Phalgun as per the Hindu calendar. It consists of singing devotional Holi songs, dances, and drama by artists; these are centred on Lord Krishna and Radha. The Hawa Mahal and City Palace, the city's characteristic monuments, are festively decorated with colourful lights, increasing the festive ambience.

5. Anandpur Sahib

   Anandpur Sahib, the town of Punjab state, India, is acknowledged for its colourful and spiritually motivating Hola Mohalla festivity, which is a grand production of great enthusiasm. The founding of Hola Mohalla by Guru Gobind Singh, who was the 10th Sikh guru, is a special event that occurs after the Sikh festival of Holi. It offers shastras demonstrations, mock combats, and breath-taking performances of brave Nihang warriors. The festival was concentrated on projected strength, united community, and Sikh ethics.

6. Hampi

   Hampi, located in southeast India in the state of Karnataka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its archaic past, grand architecture, and marvellous sceneries. Unlike some other Indian places that may be traditionally associated with the Holi festivities, Hampi offers a peaceful and atmospheric setting for those who would like to enjoy the festival in a much quieter manner.

7. Pushkar

   Pushkar, a holy city of Rajasthan, leaves a particular mark in connection with the Hindu festival of Holi. Pushkar is well-known for its tranquil lake and temples, which are as old as time and draw pilgrims, travellers, and partygoers of all sorts. Holi in Pushkar is celebrated with traditional fanfare and culturally observed dancing. The city's little streets illuminate with the cheerful splashing of colours and water balls, which creates a playful mood of sharing and peace.

8. Agra

   Home of the Taj Mahal - Agra invites the celebration of Holi amidst architectural splendour and historic grandeur. Both locals and visitors come to celebrate together, sharing vibrant colours, music, and cultural festivities. Tourists frequently complement their Taj Mahal journey with a Holi celebration in Agra, making it a multicoloured cultural discovery.

9. Goa

   Goa, renowned for its breathtaking beaches, rich culture, and thrilling environment, provides a one-of-a-kind and unerasable location for celebrating the Festival of Colours. The people visiting Goa during Holi will be able to see beachside parties, colourful events at hotels or resorts, and live street celebrations in certain areas. The festival is highlighted by the throwing of colours, music, dance, and the joys that permeate the coastal state.

10. Delhi

    Delhi, the lively and versatile capital of India, celebrates Holi most colourfully and festively, which truly reflects the city's rich cultural diversity. The streets are flushed alive with streaks of colours, music, and laughter as people of all ages join in the fun. The lively Holi festivities can be seen in the areas of Lutyens’ Delhi, Connaught Place, and Hauz Khas Village.

Conclusion

As you begin the process of celebrating Holi in India, immerse yourself in the rich texture of colours, culture, and traditions that characterise this beautiful festival. And in case you need some financial assistance to get your Holi travel dreams fulfilled, think of KreditBee’s travel personal loan. With hassle-free paperwork and end-to-end online processes, KreditBee can be of great help to you to celebrate this Holi at your favourite place. Apply now and make your Holi a celebration to remember!