Holi 2025: Tourists Flock to India’s Festival of Colors

India is currently brimming with lively energy and happiness as Holi, the famous Festival of Colors, takes place throughout March. Visitors from across the globe are converging on the most celebrated locations to engage in the festivities. From Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, to the regal celebrations in Udaipur and the cultural charm of Shantiniketan, each city presents a distinct combination of history, tradition, and vibrancy.

Travel specialists emphasize the premier destinations where Holi celebrations are thriving, highlighting the rich customs that render this festival one of the most remarkable in the world.

Mathura: The Origin of Celebration

Mathura, recognized as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is alive with vibrant colors and spirited festivities. At the Shri Krishna Janambhumi Temple, devotees exchange flower petals instead of the customary colors, creating a unique and spiritual atmosphere. In contrast, the Sriji Temple becomes a hub for sweets, where attendees partake in color play while savoring traditional Indian treats like jaleba. The celebrations reach their peak with the enchanting Yamuna Aarti at Vishram Ghat, where thousands of lamps drift along the sacred river, illuminating the surroundings with a mystical light.

Vrindavan: A Sacred Festivity

Vrindavan, thought to be Krishna’s childhood abode, hosts some of the most fervent Holi celebrations. The festivities commence at the Bankey Bihari Temple, where flower petals cascade upon the devotees, providing a captivating beginning.

As dusk approaches, the Holika Dahan bonfire is lit, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The following day, throngs of people fill the streets, joyfully applying gulal (colored powder) on one another during the grand Vrindavan Holi, creating one of the most exuberant and lively displays of the festival.

Udaipur: Holi with Regal Elegance

Nestled in Rajasthan, Udaipur infuses a royal flair into the Holi celebrations. The City Palace hosts an extravagant event led by the royal family, featuring the opulent Mewar Holika Dahan ceremony. The festivities are further enhanced by a procession of horses and elephants, accompanied by traditional Rajasthani Gair dance performances.

On the following day, participants revel in a vibrant display of colors at Jagmandir Island Palace and Gangaur Ghat, where organic gulal fills the atmosphere. Set against the backdrop of Udaipur’s magnificent palaces and serene lakes, this Holi celebration is truly enchanting.

Shantiniketan: A Cultural Holi Celebration

For those in search of an artistic and cultural Holi experience, Shantiniketan in West Bengal presents a refined alternative through the Basanta Utsav (Spring Festival), a tradition established by Rabindranath Tagore.

Participants, adorned in hues of yellow and marigold that represent renewal and joy, take part in Bengali folk performances that include music, poetry, and dance. In contrast to the lively color battles typical of northern India, Basanta Utsav offers a graceful and harmonious celebration of spring.

Hampi: A Historic Holi Amidst Ancient Ruins

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi serves as a stunning historical backdrop for Holi festivities. The day commences with a grand chariot procession at the Virupaksha Temple, where devotees gather to engage in the festival’s religious significance.

As dawn breaks, the streets of Hampi come alive with vibrant colors, rhythmic drumbeats, and traditional folk music, seamlessly merging history with cultural practices. The Holika Dahan bonfires scattered throughout the city infuse the celebrations with a profound spiritual essence.

Chandigarh: A Modern and Energetic Holi

For a contemporary interpretation of Holi, Chandigarh is currently hosting Sunburn Reload Holi, one of India’s most exhilarating music festivals. Featuring renowned DJs, dazzling laser light displays, and lively color parties, this event transforms Holi into an open-air dance extravaganza.

While it may not possess the deep cultural and spiritual significance of traditional Holi, it draws a youthful crowd eager for a dynamic and modern celebration of the festival. Sunburn Chandigarh combines entertainment with the essence of Holi for an unforgettable experience.

Holi: A Festival That Unites India and the World

Holi transcends being merely a festival; it embodies a symbol of unity, joy, and renewal. From the sacred streets of Mathura and Vrindavan to the regal ambiance of Udaipur, the cultural richness of Shantiniketan and beyond showcases the festival’s universal appeal.