How to Go to Holi: Your Complete Guide to India’s Festival of Colors

Every spring, India explodes into color. Millions of people take to the streets armed with fistfuls of powdered pigment and water guns, turning entire cities into living rainbows. That’s Holi, and it’s one of the most exhilarating things you can experience as a traveler!

This guide covers the basics you need to know about attending Holi in India in 2026, including where to go, how to get there, what to expect, how much it costs, and what to pack so you don’t ruin your favorite pair of shoes.

What is Holi?

Holi is a Hindu spring festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. It’s one of the oldest festivals in the world, with roots in Hindu mythology that go back centuries.

The most popular origin story involves a demon king named Hiranyakashipu who demanded that everyone worship him. His son, Prahlad, refused and stayed loyal to the god Vishnu instead. The king’s sister, Holika, tried to kill Prahlad by sitting with him in a fire (she had a magical cloak that made her fireproof), but the cloak flew off and protected Prahlad instead. Holika burned, Prahlad survived, and the tradition of lighting bonfires on the eve of Holi – called Holika Dahan – was born.

The other big legend involves the god Krishna, who was self-conscious about his blue skin. He playfully smeared colors on the face of his love, Radha, so they’d match. That act of playful love is the reason people throw colored powder at each other during Holi.

Today, Holi is a two-day national holiday in India. The first evening is Holika Dahan, where communities gather around bonfires. The second day is Rangwali Holi (also called Dhulandi) – that’s the big one, where the color-throwing happens. Most of the action takes place in the morning and wraps up by early afternoon.

Holi 2026: Dates, Location, and How to Get There

Dates

Holika Dahan falls on the evening of March 3, 2026. Rangwali Holi (the main color festival) is on March 4, 2026. These dates are based on the Hindu lunar calendar and shift every year, so if you’re planning for future years, double-check before booking.

In Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana, celebrations actually start about a week earlier with events like Lathmar Holi (February 25 in Barsana) and Phoolon Ki Holi (flower Holi) at the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan.

Where to Go

Holi is celebrated across all of India, but these are the top destinations for travelers:

Mathura and Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh) are the spiritual epicenter. Mathura is believed to be Krishna’s birthplace, and Vrindavan is where he grew up. Celebrations here are the most traditional and last the longest, roughly a full week. You’ll see temple rituals, flower-petal Holi at the Banke Bihari Temple, and the famous Lathmar Holi in nearby Barsana, where women playfully chase men with sticks. It’s chaotic, crowded, and absolutely unforgettable. Come here to experience Holi in its rawest, most authentic form.

Jaipur (Rajasthan) is the most tourist-friendly option. The city offers a mix of traditional neighborhood celebrations and organized hotel events with folk music, dance performances, and organic colors. If this is your first time in India, Jaipur is a smart pick because it’s easy to get to, well-organized, and part of the popular Golden Triangle route (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur).

Udaipur (Rajasthan) adds a regal twist. The Mewar royal family hosts a formal Holika Dahan ceremony at the City Palace, complete with decorated elephants, camel processions, and traditional Gair dances. It’s one of the most photogenic Holi experiences you’ll find.

Delhi goes big and loud, with intense street celebrations (expect color thrown at you by total strangers, including children and shopkeepers). The city also hosts large organized events like the Holi Moo Festival with live music, DJs, food vendors, and non-toxic colors.

Varanasi offers Holi with a spiritual edge. Celebrations happen along the ghats of the Ganges, and the atmosphere blends the festival’s playful energy with the city’s deep devotional character.

How to Get There

Most international travelers fly into Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi, which has direct flights from major hubs in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. From Delhi, you can reach all the major Holi destinations:

• Jaipur: About 5 hours by car or 4-5 hours by train. Jaipur also has its own international airport (JAI) with connections through Dubai and other Middle Eastern hubs.
• Mathura/Vrindavan: About 3 hours by car from Delhi. You can also take a train to Mathura Junction.
• Udaipur: A short domestic flight from Delhi (about 1.5 hours) or an overnight train.
• Varanasi: A domestic flight from Delhi (about 1.5 hours) or an overnight train.

If you’d prefer the flexibility of a rental car and driver (which is the standard way to get around in India – self-driving is not recommended for most visitors), having your own vehicle gives you the ability to visit multiple cities during the extended Holi celebrations.

Visa Information

US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand citizens all need a visa to enter India. The easiest option is the Indian e-Visa, which you can apply for online. The 30-day e-Visa can’t be applied for more than 30 days before your arrival date, so plan accordingly – or apply for the 1-year or 5-year e-Visa if you want more flexibility.

Where to Stay

Book your accommodation at least one to two months in advance. Hotels fill up fast during Holi week, especially in Mathura/Vrindavan and Jaipur.

In Jaipur, you’ll find the widest range of options. Budget hostels, mid-range hotels, and heritage properties are all available. Many hotels and resorts host their own Holi celebrations for guests, which is a great way to experience the festival in a safe, organized setting before heading into the streets. Staying in the Old City puts you closest to the action.

In Mathura/Vrindavan, accommodation is more basic. There are guesthouses and budget hotels near the temples, but don’t expect luxury. Book the best option you can find early – availability disappears quickly.

In Udaipur, the lakeside hotels are the stars. Properties near the City Palace give you easy access to the royal Holi celebrations.

In Delhi, staying in central neighborhoods like Connaught Place or Hauz Khas puts you close to organized events and good transportation.

For group trips, look into vacation rental properties that give you a home base to clean up and regroup between celebrations. In Jaipur and Udaipur especially, you can find beautiful heritage homes and apartments through Vrbo that sleep groups comfortably.

What to Expect

The Main Event

Holika Dahan (the evening of March 3) is a communal bonfire. Neighborhoods gather, light the fire, perform prayers, and share sweets. It’s warm, intimate, and a great introduction to the festival’s spirit.

Rangwali Holi (March 4) is the main event. Starting early in the morning – usually around 9 or 10am – people hit the streets with colored powder (called gulal) and water guns (pichkari). The energy is absolute pandemonium. You will get colors on you – there is no avoiding it. Strangers will smear your face, throw powder in the air, and drench you with colored water. It’s joyful, physical, and a little overwhelming if you’re not ready for it.

By early afternoon (around 1pm), most of the color-throwing winds down. People clean up, visit friends and family, and share festive food and drinks.

Food and Drink

Holi has its own culinary traditions. Gujiya is the star – a sweet, fried dumpling filled with dried fruit, coconut, and khoya (reduced milk). You’ll find them everywhere. Malpua (a sweet pancake) and dahi bhalla (lentil dumplings in yogurt) are other staples.

The traditional drink is thandai, a chilled milk-based drink spiced with almonds, saffron, cardamom, and rose petals. Be aware that some thandai is made with bhang (cannabis paste), which is legal and traditional during Holi in India. Bhang can be quite potent for those unaccustomed to it, and the effects can last 12-24 hours. If you don’t want the bhang version, ask specifically for “plain thandai” or “without bhang.”

Cultural Etiquette

Holi is a Hindu religious festival, not just a party. Keep a few things in mind:

• If someone approaches you with color, it’s meant as a friendly gesture. Smile, accept it, and return the favor.
• That said, you can say no if you’re not comfortable. Stick to organized events if you want more control over the experience.
• Avoid aggressive behavior. The vibe is playful, not rough.
• Dress modestly, especially if you’re a woman. Full-length pants and a t-shirt with sleeves are the move.
• Be respectful at temples. Follow the lead of locals and any posted guidelines.

Safety and Crowd Tips

Holi is generally safe for tourists, especially in organized settings, but the crowds are huge and the energy is high. A few things to keep in mind:

• Pickpocketing is common in crowded areas. Carry only the cash you need and leave valuables at your hotel.
• Many shops and restaurants close during the morning celebrations and reopen in the afternoon.
• Some colors sold by street vendors contain harsh chemicals or metallic dyes. Stick to events that use organic, herbal colors, or buy your own in advance from a reputable shop.
• If kids approach you with water balloons or buckets, be prepared, because they will not hesitate.
• Stay with your group, especially during large street celebrations.

How Much Does Holi Cost?

India is one of the most affordable travel destinations in the world, and a Holi trip is no exception.

Flights: Round-trip flights from the US to Delhi typically range from $600 to $1,200, depending on timing and airline. From the UK, expect $400-$800. Booking through Expedia or Travelocity can help you find package deals that bundle flights and hotels.

Accommodation: Budget guesthouses start around $15-$30 per night. Mid-range hotels run $50-$150 per night. Heritage properties and luxury hotels in Jaipur or Udaipur can range from $150 to $500+ per night.

Food and drink: You can eat well in India for $5-$15 per day at local restaurants and street stalls. Nicer restaurants will run $15-$30 per meal.

Internal transportation: Trains between cities cost $5-$30, depending on the class. Hiring a car with a driver for the day is typically $30-$60.

Organized Holi events: Many hotel and resort celebrations are included with your stay. Ticketed events in Delhi range from $10 to $50.

Rough budget estimates for a 5-7 day Holi trip:

• Budget: $800-$1,200 (including flights from the US)
• Mid-range: $1,500-$2,500
• Splurge: $3,000+

What to Pack for Holi

Your gear list for Holi is unlike any other festival on Earth. The single most important rule: do not bring anything you aren’t willing to sacrifice to the color gods.

• Old white clothes: White shows off the colors best for photos, but it will never be white again. Bring a couple of cheap white t-shirts or long-sleeve shirts and lightweight pants you can toss afterward. Long sleeves and full-length pants are recommended, especially for women.
• Waterproof phone pouch: Non-negotiable! Color and water will destroy your phone without one. The Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch (2-pack) is an Amazon bestseller with an IPX8 rating, fits phones up to 8.9 inches, and has a lanyard so you won’t lose it in a crowd. At under $10 for two, grab a pair and give one to your travel buddy.
• Sunglasses or safety goggles: Color powder in your eyes is painful. Cheap sunglasses work fine as long as they fit snugly, but if you want real protection, a pair of Dewalt safety goggles will seal out powder completely and cost less than $10. They’re not fashionable, but your corneas will thank you.
• Bandana or scarf: Wrap your hair if you have light-colored hair. Holi pigment clings to blonde and light brown hair and can take weeks to fully wash out. A cotton bandana multi-pack gives you options for your hair and face, plus extras to share.
• Coconut oil: Apply generously to your skin and hair before heading out. It creates a barrier that makes the color much easier to wash off afterward. Viva Naturals Organic Coconut Oil comes in a 16oz jar that’s easy to pack.
• Old shoes or sandals: Closed-toe shoes that you don’t mind ruining are ideal. The streets get wet and slippery.
• Waterproof dry bag: For your wallet, hotel key, and anything else you need to keep dry. The Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag (10L) is lightweight, rolls down tight, and even comes with a waterproof phone case. Clip it to your belt loop or sling it over your shoulder.
• Dust mask or bandana for your face: Useful in large crowds where powder hangs thick in the air. If you’d rather not breathe in gulal all morning, a pack of KN95 masks works better than a bandana for filtration.
• Portable charger: You’ll be out all morning, and your phone will work overtime for photos and navigation. The Anker 313 Power Bank (10,000 mAh) is compact, affordable, and holds about two full phone charges.
• Travel towel and wet wipes: For quick cleanups before you get back to your hotel. A quick-dry microfiber travel towel packs small and dries fast. A pack of biodegradable body wipes will get the worst of the color off your face and hands.

Pro Tips for Holi

1. Get the oil on early. Slather coconut oil on every inch of exposed skin and through your hair before you leave your hotel. This is the single best thing you can do to make cleanup easier. Without it, some colors take days to fully fade from your skin.
2. Start at an organized event. If it’s your first time, attend a hotel- or tour-company-hosted Holi celebration first. You’ll get the full experience with organic colors and a controlled environment. Then decide if you want to venture into the street celebrations.
3. Go early. The best energy is between 9am and noon. By 1pm, most of the action is winding down.
4. Carry small bills. Street food vendors, auto-rickshaw drivers, and shops that stay open during Holi may not have change for large notes.
5. Download offline maps. Mobile data can be spotty in crowded areas, and you don’t want to be wandering lost while covered in pink and green powder.
6. Don’t skip Holika Dahan. The bonfire ceremony the night before is quieter, more intimate, and gives you context for what the next morning’s celebration is really about.
7. Plan your re-entry. Have a change of clothes, flip-flops, and a towel waiting at your hotel. You’ll want a shower as soon as you get back. Some hotels set up outdoor washing stations specifically for this.

Ready to Travel?

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to experience something that’s completely unlike anything you’ll find at home, yes. There is nothing in the Western world that comes close to the sensory overload of Holi. The colors, the noise, the food, the energy of an entire country celebrating together – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Holi is best suited for travelers who are comfortable with crowds, don’t mind getting messy, and are excited about full participation. If you prefer to observe from a distance, you can absolutely do that at organized events, but the street celebrations are very much a contact sport.

If you’re already planning a trip to India, timing it around Holi is a no-brainer. You can combine the festival with visits to the Taj Mahal in Agra (just 1-2 hours from Mathura), the palaces of Jaipur, or the ghats of Varanasi. The weather in early March is ideal – warm days, cool evenings, and no monsoon in sight.

Featured image by John Thomas on Unsplash