Whether you’re dancing in a packed city square or getting drenched with coloured water in a small village, Holi is an unforgettable experience that welcomes everyone. In this post, we will break down everything you need to know before jetting off on your adventure.

What is Holi?

Holi is a vibrant festival from India and Nepal, often called the “festival of colours” or the “festival of love.” It marks the arrival of spring and is a time for people to celebrate joy, friendship, and new beginnings.

During Holi, people throw brightly colored powders at each other, dance to music, enjoy festive foods, and generally let loose. It’s not just about fun. It’s also about breaking down social barriers, forgiving past mistakes, and coming together as a community.

When is Holi?

Holi falls on the full moon of the Hindu month Phalguna, usually in March. In 2026, it’s on March 4th, though some places celebrate for several days.

The festival is typically spread over two days, beginning with Holika Dahan, also known as Bonfire Night, which takes place the evening before Holi. Families and communities gather to light large fires, symbolising the burning away of evil, inspired by the legend of Holika and Prahlad. People sing, dance, and perform rituals around the fire, marking the start of the celebrations.

The next day is Rangwali Holi, the main celebration. People of all ages go out into the streets, throw colored powder (called gulal), and splash each other with colored water.

Top places to celebrate Holi

Holi is celebrated across India, but some destinations take the festival to a whole new level.

If you want to see Holi at its most colorful, go to Mathura and Vrindavan. These cities, where Krishna was born, celebrate for weeks with temple events and religious rituals.

For something different, Barsana is famous for Lathmar Holi, where women playfully chase and hit men with sticks, based on a story about Radha and Krishna.

Delhi has a modern, party-style Holi with big street gatherings, music, and DJ events. Jaipur’s celebration is more traditional and fancy, with elephants, folk shows, and parades.

If you want a fun, free-spirited atmosphere, Pushkar and Varanasi are popular. Pushkar is a lively color party with locals and travellers dancing in the streets. In Varanasi, Holi is more spiritual, with rituals along the Ganges River.

What to expect during Holi

Get ready to be splashed with color as soon as you go outside. Holi is loud, exciting, and full of energy. The streets are alive with music, dancing, and colorful powders flying everywhere.

People of all ages join in the fun, playfully throwing colored powder (gulal) on each other and saying, “Bura na mano, Holi hai!” (Don’t mind, it’s Holi!). The night before, bonfires called Holika Dahan are lit, with people gathering for prayers and stories to celebrate the victory of good over evil.

The music

Music is a big part of Holi and keeps the energy going all day. Traditional songs and popular Bollywood Holi hits play everywhere.

Many cities now have Holi music festivals, mixing traditional celebrations with DJs, electronic music, and huge crowds dancing in clouds of color. Whether at a temple event or a big party, the music will keep you moving all day.

The food

With all the dancing and color throwing, you will need some food and drinks. Holi is full of tasty street food. Gujiya, sweet pastries filled with nuts and khoya, is a popular treat. Dahi Vada, soft lentil dumplings in yogurt and spices, is cool and refreshing.

The most famous Holi drink is thandai, a milk drink with saffron, almonds, and sometimes bhang (cannabis). In some places, bhang is sold legally in special shops, making it a strong and well-known part of Holi.

7 Tips for travelling to Holi

Holi is an incredible experience, but a little preparation goes a long way in making sure you enjoy it to the fullest.

Wear white clothes as that is part of the fun. Choose lightweight, inexpensive clothing that you will not mind throwing away afterward. Also wear closed-toe shoes instead of sandals to protect your feet from the wet, colorful streets.
Holi colors are safe but can be tricky to clean, especially from hair and skin. A good trick is to rub coconut oil or moisturizer on your skin before heading out so the colours wash off more easily.
Sunglasses are a must, both for eye protection and to keep powder from getting in your eyes.
While Holi is generally a friendly and welcoming festival, stay aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-known public celebrations and avoid overly crowded areas where things might get too rowdy
If you try drinks with bhang, take it slow because they can be stronger than you expect, especially if it’s your first time. Most importantly, drink plenty of water. Dancing, sun, and color fights can be tiring, so keep water nearby.
Taking photos at Holi is fun, but you need to protect your camera or mobile phone. A waterproof bag or ziplock can keep it safe from color and water. If you really want good photos, using a GoPro or an old phone is a smart idea.
And finally, stay connected. Holi celebrations can get crowded, and it’s easy to lose track of friends.

Stay connected with an eSIM

Get an eSIM before you go so you have plenty of fast 4G/5G data for maps, keeping in touch with friends, and sharing all your colorful Holi photos. With this prep, you can focus on enjoying the festival without any stress. We recommend installing and activating your eSIM before you go because of local restrictions. Once you arrive, you’ll be connected right away.

Check our best eSIM plans for India below.👇