The time has come to make those 2025 March long weekend plans because Holi is just around the corner, and picking the best place to celebrate Holi is not an easy task. Whether it’s cultural immersion among the 14 different types of Holi celebrations, or crazy party scenes, there are too many choices. So, where should you go to get drenched in colors, dance to dhol beats, and sip on that legendary bhang thandai? Whether you want to experience Lathmar Holi in Barsana, a royal celebration in Udaipur, or an all-out party in Goa, we’ve got you covered.
Get ready to pack your white clothes (they won’t stay white for long!), because here’s the ultimate guide to the best place to celebrate Holi in 2025!
Holi dates for 2025: 13th and 14th March.
10 Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India in 2025
1. Mathura & Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh – The Best Place to Celebrate Holi Traditionally
No place celebrates Holi with as much devotion and grandeur as Mathura and Vrindavan, with the crowd going crazy with all-out devotion. There’s one best place to celebrate Holi for everyone, check these out:
- Widow’s Holi in Vrindavan – Women breaking taboos and enjoying the hell out of a festival that once tried to hold them back? These are the real badasses!
- Phoolon ki Holi at Banke Bihari Temple – Instead of colours, get drenched in sweet-sweet flowers in this beautiful tradition.
- Lathmar Holi in Barsana – Women “beating” men with sticks? Sign us up!
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2. Jaipur, Udaipur and Pushkar, Rajasthan – Where the party at
Rajasthan goes all out in Holi celebrations with non-stop parties, incredible feasts and insane fun. These cities are some of the most fun places to visit during holi, and they attract thousands of tourists every year. Jaipur has the Elephant Festival, Udaipur goes royal with Mewar Holika Dahan procession and Pushkar of course has the backpacker’s Holi. Keep in mind this is a full blown-out fest so expect traffic, increased ticket prices and a lot of crowd, so if that sounds like you then Rajasthan is the best place to celebrate Holi for you!
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3. Shantiniketan, West Bengal – The Lit Fest
West Bengal loooves Rabindranath Tagore and if you have any doubt about it, this section will clear that right up. Not only is the Nobel laureate worshipped at the universities, they have managed to bring it out on the streets and celebrate his genius. Basanta Utsav in Shantiniketan is a cultural spectacle that blends Holi with literature, music, and dance. Students of Visva-Bharati University, founded by Tagore, dress in yellow (symbolizing spring) and present mesmerizing performances of Rabindra Sangeet (Tagore’s compositions), poetry recitals, and folk dances.
The atmosphere here is sophisticated, artistic, and unlike any different types of Holi celebrations in India. Visitors often travel to Shantiniketan specifically to witness this graceful and intellectual take on the festival.
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4. Hampi, Karnataka– The Unusual Spots
There are gems in the south that need you to explore them, and this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of them. Hampi turns the dial up the heat with colour fights, balloons, drumming, dancing and brilliant feasts. It is definitely an underrated destination when it comes to Holi and you can expect pretty and serene scenes, chilling against the ancient temple backdrop amidst lush greenery.
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5. Goa – Beachside Best Place to Celebrate Holi
Goa’s Holi is all about beach parties and music festivals. A lot of beachside resorts organize Holi events with rain dances and live performances with EDM, live music, concerts etc. The beaches are an excellent backdrop for such a lively festival. Goa can be one of the best places to celebrate Holi if you are with a group of friends.
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6. Shangarh, Himachal Pradesh – Colours in Snow
If your idea of Holi involves more scenic vibes than chaotic color wars, then Shangarh in Himachal Pradesh is your best place to celebrate Holi. Dance to folk tunes, feast on local delicacies, and soak in the Himalayan charm—because who said Holi can’t be both colorful and calming?
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7. Sangla, Himachal Pradesh – A Unique Holi celebration
Holi in Sangla Valley is a unique mix of traditional Kinnauri culture and vibrant celebrations. It is celebrated uniquely as part of the four-day Faguli Festival. People distribute ‘Totu’ prasad, and celebrate Holika Dahan. People gather at the Bering Nag Temple, where residents perform folk dances and reenact scenes from the Ramayana, dressed in traditional attire. Visitors are welcomed with ‘Phasur’, a local wine, and greeted with dry colors and snow, blending elements of both Holi and Diwali. If you want to have a ‘proper’ Holi that sets your standards high, Sangla is the best place for you to celebrate Holi.
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8. Maharashtra – Cultural Immersion + Parties
Maharashtra’s Holi celebrations, known as ‘Rang Panchami,’ focus more on color play and water fights. It is your typical take on Holi. But there’s one thing though, there’s a unique aspect of Holi in Maharashtra is the tradition of breaking the ‘Dahi Handi’ (curd pot), inspired by Lord Krishna’s childhood. Young men form human pyramids to break an earthen pot filled with buttermilk, symbolizing Krishna’s love for butter.
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9. Uttarakhand – Kumaoni Holi
Holi in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region is celebrated musically with ‘Baithaki Holi’ and ‘Khari Holi.’ These traditions involve gathering in community spaces to sing classical ragas and folk songs related to the festival. Unlike any other different types of Holi celebrations in India, the Kumaoni people focus on Music as a channel to express their spirituality and also, celebrate! It is a unique take on the festival that can be on your Bucket list and maybe, if you like to immerse yourself in the culture it can be the best place to celebrate Holi!
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10. Punjab – Holla Mohalla
In Punjab, Holi takes on a warrior-like spirit in the form of ‘Hola Mohalla,’ started by Guru Gobind Singh. Instead of playing with colors, Sikhs display martial arts, mock battles, horse riding, and other physical prowess. The celebration highlights bravery, discipline, and community bonding.
Did you decide what would be the best place for you to celebrate Holi?
Honestly, anywhere you can let loose, laugh till your stomach hurts, and end the day looking like a human tie-dye experiment! Whether it’s a flower-filled fest in Barsana, a cultural escape in Sangla, or a DJ-fueled color rave in Pushkar, there’s a Holi for every vibe.
FAQs About Top Places to Celebrate Holi in India in 2025
Where to go for holi in Delhi
Delhi isn’t really famous for Holi as people stick to their families. You can celebrate at temples but be careful as it isn’t safe.
Is Pushkar famous for Holi?
Absolutely! Pushkar hosts one of the wildest Holi parties in India and is among the first on people’s Holi celebration list. It attracts thousands of people every year.
Is Holi in Pushkar safe?
Yes, but with some precautions. Pushkar’s Holi is a wild street party, so avoid the densest crowds if you don’t like rowdy behavior, go with a group & keep valuables safe, wear full sleeves & cover your hair to avoid excessive colors & water attacks.
Where is Holi celebrated the most in the world?
India celebrates Holi the ‘most’ because it is the birthplace of the festival. Apart from that, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Mauritius also go for Holi celebrations. Other countries that host a lot of Hindus can also celebrate Holi, we can see that with Canada, North America, UK and Australia.