About This Festival
Holi marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil — and no festival in India is more viscerally joyful. The celebration has two major stages: Holika Dahan, a sacred bonfire on the preceding evening connected with the story of Prahlada and the victory of devotion over arrogance; and Rangwali Holi (Dhulandi), the day of colours when people throw coloured powder and water at one another, dance, sing and share food. On Holi morning, people take to the streets to throw powdered pigment and water at each other, turning every neighbourhood into a kaleidoscope of red, blue, yellow and green. The celebrations are particularly exuberant in Jaipur, where the royal family traditionally plays Holi from the balconies of the City Palace. In the Mathura and Vrindavan region, the festival begins a full week in advance with flower Holi and lath mar Holi (women beating men with sticks) — some of India's most spectacular and ancient celebrations. In the Braj region around Mathura and Vrindavan, the festival has a deep connection with the childhood stories of Lord Krishna and Radha. The festival is particularly spectacular in North India, especially Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Nandgaon, Jaipur, Delhi, Agra and parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
Where to Celebrate
Plan Your Visit
Holi in Jaipur is celebrated from the City Palace balconies — a sight like no other.
View JourneyTime your Jaipur days to fall on Holi for the royal City Palace celebrations.
View JourneyHoli in Jaipur pairs with Varanasi's ancient ghats on this spiritual circuit.
View Journey
October – March
Delhi · Agra · Jaipur · Delhi
October "“ March
Delhi · Neemrana · Jaipur · Bharatpur · Agra · Delhi
Om will design your itinerary to arrive at the perfect moment.
