Are you ready to get drenched in colour, fun and music this Holi? This is your insider guide to celebrating Holi 2026 in the Wedding Affair way.
“Bura Na Mano, Holi Hai!” – the one line that lets you celebrate Holi in the most fun way. You laugh louder, hug tighter and throw colours to make strangers your friends in seconds. Everyone loves the vibe of Holi, no matter what one says about the mess. This day is a reminder to fill our lives with colours. Somewhere, Rang Barse is playing while someone is dramatically announcing, “Do me a favour, let’s play Holi!”
But here’s the secret that where you celebrate Holi makes all the difference. Because not everywhere is it safe and worth the experience. One might wonder what the best places to celebrate Holi in 2026 are.
From sacred towns soaked in devotion and colour in every corner to palace courtyards glowing with history and colours and high-energy parties that feel like music parties, Wedding Affair brings you a curated list of the best places to celebrate Holi in 2026.
In 2026, Holika Dahan will be observed on March 3, followed by Holi on March 4.
Table of Contents
- Holi Dipped in Tradition
- Mathura & Vrindavan
- Barsana & Nandgaon
- Anandpur Sahib
- Royal Holi
- Jaipur
- Udaipur
- Holi Party Destinations
- Pushkar
- Delhi
Holi Dipped in Tradition
Mathura & Vrindavan
If you want Holi in the purest, mythological and original form, go straight to Mathura and Vrindavan. The birthplace and playground of Krishna, respectively, give one the exact feel of the bliss and colours the festival signifies.
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Here, the festival stretches over several days. At the iconic Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, Phoolon Wali Holi replaces gulal with showers of flower petals. The air smells of tradition wrapped in flowers. The bhajans fill the corners with a subtle peace while colours swirl around.
In Mathura, temple courtyards, particularly the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, erupt in celebration, blending devotion with a sea of love, colours and drama. The place is emotionally charged, intense and crowded, but if you want to understand why this festival really exists, this is where you start.
Barsana & Nandgaon
In Barsana and Nandgaon, the mood shifts from devotional to pure theatrics. This is where Lathmar Holi is played. It is a centuries-old tradition where women (playfully and symbolically) chase men with sticks, reenacting Krishna teasing Radha and her friends. The men arrive shielded, and the women are armed with lathis. The crowds cheer at this sporting event while enjoying gujiya and thandai.
The celebrations typically begin a few days before Holi, so plan ahead. This year, the celebrations will take place on February 26. It’s loud, chaotic, and one of the most photographed Holi events.
Anandpur Sahib
Experience Holi in a completely different way, the Holla Mohalla, in the warmth and enthusiasm of North India at Anandpur Sahib. Celebrated by the Sikh Community, this expression of Holi moves beyond the day of colours to a display of martial arts, mock battles, and spiritual gatherings. The Nihang warriors perform breathtaking stunts on horseback while the processions move through the town with pride and precision.
The festival will run from March 4 to March 6 this year, carrying a strong reminder that colour can also yield courage.
Royal Holi
Jaipur
If you prefer celebrations the royal way, there is no better place than the Pink City. The Holika Dahan at the City Palace is a regal Holi event, steeped in traditional rituals, folk performances, and organic colours against opulent backdrops.
For immersive cultural experiences, Chokhi Dhani offers the best festive buffet, Rajasthani music and village-style celebrations in a controlled and luxurious setting.
The city does not shy away from the modern Holi parties. Jaipur brings the best DJ line-ups, themed decor and celebrity appearances for the celebrations. Events like Holitina 3.0 at Hotel Clarks and large-scale celebrations, Jaipur Holi Fest 2026 at Fun Kingdom, promise high-energy dancing and glamorous crowds.
Jaipur blends heritage with glamour, making it one of the best places to celebrate Holi if you love a little drama.
Read Also: 10 Holiday Destinations in India for History-Lover Couples
Udaipur
In Udaipur, Holi unfolds beside the lakes and ivory palaces. The royal family leads the Holika Dahan at the City Palace following the Mewar traditions of royal processions and ceremonial fires, a scene straight out of a period film. The celebrations spill over to Gangaur Ghat, where locals and visitors gather by Lake Pichola in a riot of colours at the Gangaur Ghat Holi Festival.
The private resorts host curated Holi events like Jashn-E-Rang 2.0 at Villa Le Palms, Hollywood Season 5 at Bamboo Saa Resort & Spa.
If you want colourful romance with your revelry, Udaipur is the answer.
Holi Party Destinations
Pushkar
Pushkar turns Holi into a global street carnival. The town square becomes a dance floor for high-energy celebration with drums echoing through the narrow lanes. Popular among young travellers and backpackers, people from across the world gather here for high-octane celebrations like the HoliPurim Festival 2026 at Virayax Holi Purim Village. Other hostels and stays host their own Holi parties. The vibe here is raw, uninhabited and unforgettable, perfect if you want colour, music and zero formality.
Delhi
Delhi does everything at scale, and when it comes to Holi, it is not far behind. From cultural gatherings like Holi Dazzle at Dilli Haat Pitamoura to large-scale festivals like Made In India- OG Holi Fest at JLN stadium and Rang De Delhi at Punjabi Bagh, the capital hosts some of the most organised Holi parties in the country. One can expect curated artist lineups, gourmet food stalls and ticketed entry.
Being a cultural salad-bowl, Delhi is where tradition meets modern life in a most vibrant, inclusive and unapologetically loud manner.
Read Also: 10 Underrated Indian Destinations You Need to Add to Your List
Whether you choose temple bells and flowers in Vrindavan, palace courtyards in Rajasthan, or dance floors in Delhi, make 2026 the year you celebrate boldly. After all, bura na mano, Holi hai!
FAQs
Question 1. Is it safe to attend Holi parties?
Stick to organised venues and ticketed Holi events and travel in groups while avoiding isolated areas for a safer experience.
Question 2. What should I wear for Holi?
Breathable whites, comfortable footwear and sunglasses are always the best option. Apply oil to hair and skin beforehand.
Question 3. When should I book for Holi?
Ideally,10-15 days before the events. Luxury stays and curated Holi Parties sell out quickly in popular destinations.
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