Holi, the festival of colors, is one of the most vibrant and joyous festivals celebrated in India. It marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. Holi 2024 is anticipated with great enthusiasm, and if you’re planning to experience this festival in its full glory, here are the top 10 places in Asia and India where you can celebrate Holi with unmatched fervor. You must travel there.

Here is the Best Guide to the Best Places to Celebrate Holi 2024

1. Mathura, Uttar Pradesh: The Birthplace of Holi

Best Places to Celebrate Holi 2024, Holi in Mathura is a spectacle to behold. As the birthplace of Lord Krishna, the city celebrates Holi with immense devotion and enthusiasm. The festivities start a week before the actual Holi date, with the famous Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon. The main Holi celebration takes place at the Dwarkadheesh Temple, where devotees gather to play with colors and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Don’t miss the colorful procession from Vishram Ghat to Holi Gate, which is a highlight of Holi in Mathura. Additionally, the Braj Ki Holi, which showcases traditional folk songs and dances, adds to the vibrant cultural experience. The streets are filled with people singing Holi songs and throwing gulal (colored powder) and water at each other, creating a lively and joyous atmosphere. The local delicacies, such as gujiya and thandai, add to the festive spirit, making Holi in Mathura an unforgettable experience.

2. Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh: A Spiritual Holi Experience

Next best Places to Celebrate Holi 2024 Just a few kilometers from Mathura, Vrindavan offers a divine Holi experience. The Banke Bihari Temple is the epicenter of Holi celebrations, where devotees are drenched in colors and flowers. The week-long festivities include unique traditions like Phoolon ki Holi (Holi with flowers) and Widow’s Holi, making Holi in Vrindavan a memorable experience. The atmosphere is further elevated by the enchanting sounds of bhajans and kirtans that resonate throughout the town. Devotees and tourists alike immerse themselves in the spiritual ambiance, dancing and singing in devotion to Lord Krishna. Another highlight is the Huranga Holi, a playful event where men and women engage in a spirited exchange of colors, reminiscent of the legendary love between Radha and Krishna. The sacred Yamuna River also becomes a site of jubilation, with people taking dips and offering prayers. As the sun sets, the streets of Vrindavan glow with the warmth of bonfires, marking the end of a day filled with devotion, joy, and unity.

3. Barsana, Uttar Pradesh: Lathmar Holi

Next Best Places to Celebrate Holi 2024, Barsana, the birthplace of Radha, celebrates Holi in a unique way with Lathmar Holi, where women playfully hit men with sticks while men protect themselves with shields. This tradition is a reenactment of the playful banter between Radha and Krishna. The celebrations in Barsana take place a few days before the actual Holi date and attract visitors from all over the world. The festive atmosphere is further enhanced by the spirited singing of Holi songs and the lively beats of dholaks and nagadas. Spectators from different parts of the country and even from abroad gather to witness this unique cultural spectacle. The vibrant colors, the joyous laughter, and the spirited interactions between the participants make Lathmar Holi a truly unforgettable experience. Additionally, the local sweets and delicacies, such as peda and khurchan, add a delightful flavor to the celebrations. The entire town of Barsana is adorned with festive decorations, creating a picturesque setting for this one-of-a-kind Holi celebration.

4. Agra, Uttar Pradesh: Holi with a Taj View

Best Places to Celebrate Holi 2024, The city of the Taj Mahal, Agra, celebrates Holi with great enthusiasm. The streets come alive with music, dance, and colors. The Holi celebrations in Agra also include traditional bonfires, known as Holika Dahan, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The city offers a perfect blend of cultural and historical experiences during the Holi festival. The majestic backdrop of the Taj Mahal adds a unique charm to the Holi celebrations, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors. The vibrant markets of Agra are filled with an array of colorful Holi merchandise, from natural and organic colors to festive attire. The local cuisine, especially the sweet treats like petha and ghevar, becomes an integral part of the celebrations, adding sweetness to the joyous occasion. The historical forts and palaces in Agra also host special Holi events, providing a regal touch to the festivities. The energy and spirit of Holi in Agra are palpable, as people from different communities come together to celebrate the festival of colors in unity and harmony.

5. Udaipur, Rajasthan: Royal Holi Celebrations

Best Places to Celebrate Holi 2024, Udaipur celebrates Holi in a royal manner with the Mewar royal family leading the festivities. The Holika Dahan ceremony at the City Palace is a grand affair, followed by a royal procession featuring decorated horses and camels. The next day, people rejoice in the play of colors, making Holi in Udaipur a regal experience. The streets of Udaipur are adorned with vibrant hues, and the air is filled with the melodious tunes of traditional Rajasthani music. The celebration continues with folk dances, cultural performances, and the exchange of sweets and greetings among the locals and visitors. The picturesque lakes and palatial architecture of Udaipur provide a stunning backdrop to the festivities, adding to the charm of the occasion. The royal touch to the Holi celebrations in Udaipur sets it apart, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and culturally rich experience during the festival of colors.

6. Jaipur, Rajasthan: Holi in the Pink City

Best Places to Celebrate Holi 2024, Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, celebrates Holi with great zeal. The city hosts various Holi parties and events, including the famous elephant festival, which is now replaced with a more animal-friendly version. The traditional Holi celebrations in Jaipur are characterized by music, dance, and a riot of colors. The vibrant atmosphere is further enhanced by the presence of folk artists performing traditional dances like Ghoomar and Kalbelia, adding a cultural essence to the celebrations. The streets and markets of Jaipur are bustling with activity, as locals and tourists alike shop for colorful attire and Holi accessories. The city’s historic landmarks, including the Hawa Mahal and Amer Fort, provide a picturesque setting for the festivities. The community spirit is evident as people from all walks of life come together to smear each other with colors, share sweets, and spread joy. The Holi celebrations in Jaipur culminate with a grand feast, where delicacies such as gujiya, dal baati churma, and kachori are savored, making the festival a gastronomic delight as well.

7. Hampi, Karnataka: South Indian Holi

Best Places to Celebrate Holi 2024, Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique Holi experience in South India. The celebrations here are marked by music, dance, and vibrant colors, set against the backdrop of the ancient ruins. The festive atmosphere, combined with the historical significance of the place, makes Holi in Hampi a must-visit destination. The festival begins with the lighting of the Holika bonfire, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The following day, the air is filled with the joyous shouts of revelers as they play with gulal (colored powder) and splash water on each other. The ruins of Hampi become a canvas for the colorful festivities, creating a surreal and picturesque setting. The local bazaars come alive with stalls selling traditional sweets, crafts, and Holi essentials. Tourists and locals alike participate in the celebrations, dancing to the rhythm of drums and enjoying the camaraderie. The Virupaksha Temple, a key landmark in Hampi, also becomes a center of activity during Holi, with special prayers and rituals being conducted. As the sun sets, the celebrations continue with folk music performances and storytelling sessions, making Holi in Hampi an unforgettable experience that beautifully blends tradition, history, and fun.

8. Shantiniketan, Kolkata: Cultural Holi

Best Places to Celebrate Holi 2024, In Shantiniketan, Holi is celebrated as Basanta Utsav, a spring festival introduced by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Students of Visva-Bharati University dress in yellow and perform cultural programs, including songs and dances. The serene and cultural ambiance of Holi at Shantiniketan is a unique experience. The festivities begin with the morning procession, known as Prabhat Pheri, where participants sing Tagore’s songs and welcome the spring season. The campus of Visva-Bharati University turns into a vibrant stage, with performances of Rabindra Sangeet, classical dances, and recitations. The highlight of the celebration is the play of colors, where students and visitors smear each other with abir (colored powder), symbolizing the joy and harmony of life. The entire community comes together, irrespective of age or background, to partake in the joyous occasion. Art exhibitions, craft fairs, and food stalls are also set up, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Bengal. Basanta Utsav in Shantiniketan is not just a celebration of Holi but a tribute to the spirit of unity, creativity, and the arrival of spring, making it a must-experience event for those seeking a deeper cultural connection.

9. Pushkar, Rajasthan: Holi with a Desert Flair

Best Places to Celebrate Holi 2024, The holy town of Pushkar celebrates Holi with enthusiasm and a touch of desert flair. The main square becomes the center of festivities, with music, dance, and colors filling the air. The traditional Holi bonfire and the play of colors by the ghats of Pushkar Lake add to the charm of Holi celebrations in Pushkar. The vibrant bazaars of Pushkar are adorned with colorful decorations, and the aroma of traditional Rajasthani cuisine fills the streets. The festivities are marked by folk performances, including the mesmerizing Kalbelia dance, which captivates the audience with its fluid movements and rhythmic beats. The camel safaris in the desert provide a unique backdrop for Holi celebrations, with tourists and locals engaging in the color play amidst the sand dunes. The spiritual ambiance of the town is heightened during Holi, with special prayers and rituals conducted at the Brahma Temple and other sacred sites. As the day progresses, the celebrations extend to the banks of Pushkar Lake, where people gather to wash off the colors and offer prayers. The serene setting of the lake, combined with the joyous atmosphere, creates a memorable experience for everyone involved. Holi in Pushkar is a perfect blend of cultural festivity, spiritual significance, and desert beauty, making it a distinctive and enchanting celebration.

10. Delhi: The Capital’s Holi Bash

Best Places to Celebrate Holi 2024, Holi in Delhi is an energetic affair with numerous parties and events across the city. From traditional celebrations in temples to modern Holi parties with DJs and rain dances, Delhi offers a diverse Holi experience. The Holi Cow Festival, now known as the Holi Moo Festival, is one of the most popular events, attracting both local and international crowds with its vibrant music, dance, and live performances. The festival showcases a mix of genres, from indie and electronic to folk and fusion, creating a lively atmosphere that resonates with the spirit of Holi.

In addition to music festivals, Delhi’s residential colonies and communities organize their own Holi gatherings, where neighbors come together to play with colors, share sweets, and enjoy traditional delicacies like gujiya and dahi bhalla. The historical landmarks of the city, such as the Red Fort and India Gate, provide a picturesque backdrop for the celebrations, adding a touch of heritage to the modern festivities.