Holi, the festival of colours, welcomes spring and celebrates the victory of good over evil. The main day is playful, loud and messy, with coloured powder and water thrown freely, and it can be a joyful experience for visitors who prepare well. For travellers who want more than a single day, Mathura and Vrindavan, the towns associated with Krishna, offer a longer, more traditional celebration. This guide covers dates, where to go, how to stay safe and respectful, and a simple four-day plan.
Holi 2027 Dates
According to most panchang sources, Holika Dahan, the bonfire on the eve of Holi, is on Sunday, March 21, 2027, and the main day of colours, Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi, is on Monday, March 22. Some websites list different dates, so rely on established panchang sources and local announcements, and confirm with your hotel. In the Braj region, celebrations begin about a week earlier. Programmes usually include Laddu Holi and Lathmar Holi in Barsana, Lathmar Holi in Nandgaon, temple and flower Holi in Vrindavan, and post-Holi events such as Dauji's Huranga the day after. Local calendars may vary by a day, so treat the dates below as a guide and check the official programme.
- Around March 15 to 17: Laddu Holi and Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon.
- March 18 to 20: temple Holi and festivities in Vrindavan, Mathura and Gokul.
- March 21: Holika Dahan across the region.
- March 22: Rangwali Holi in Mathura, Vrindavan and across India.
- March 23: Huranga at Baldeo (Dauji) in the Braj area.
What Is Lathmar Holi?
In Barsana and Nandgaon, Lathmar Holi re-enacts a legend in which Krishna visits Radha's village and the women playfully chase the men with sticks. Men from one village visit the other, and the women strike lightly with wooden sticks while the men shield themselves. It is theatrical and good-humoured, with singing, music and colour. Visitors can watch from designated areas, but it is a crowded event, so go with a guide or host if possible and follow local instructions.
Where to Celebrate: Choosing Your Holi
Mathura and Vrindavan
This is the deepest traditional experience. Expect packed temples, strong devotional atmosphere, many different customs and large crowds. It suits travellers who are comfortable with intense, unpredictable scenes.
Jaipur, Pushkar and other tourist centres
These places host organised events and hotel celebrations that are easier to manage for first-timers. The atmosphere is more festive than devotional.
Delhi and larger cities
Public celebrations vary by neighbourhood, and many hotels hold private events. A hotel party or a local friend's invitation is often the most comfortable option.
A 4-Day Braj Holi Plan
Day 1: Arrive and settle
Travel from Delhi or Agra to Mathura or Vrindavan. Mathura is roughly 150 km south of Delhi, and about an hour from Agra by road, so combining the Taj Mahal with Holi is practical. Rest, visit a temple in the evening and learn the local programme from your host.
Day 2: Barsana or Nandgaon
Visit Barsana or Nandgaon for the Lathmar Holi event, using a guide or arranged transport, and leave plenty of time for crowds. Return to your hotel to clean up and rest.
Day 3: Holika Dahan
Spend the day gently, visiting temples and markets, and watch the Holika Dahan bonfire in the evening from a safe distance. Some tour operators visit villages with traditional rituals, which may be a better choice for observers than participants.
Day 4: Rangwali Holi
Join the celebrations in the morning, since public play usually runs from early morning until early afternoon. Return to your hotel before the crowds peak and avoid evening travel where possible.
Safety and Consent: Practical Advice for Tourists
- Consent matters: play with people who invite you. Do not throw colour at anyone who does not want it, and leave if you feel uncomfortable.
- Solo women and groups: crowds can be rowdy. Stay in groups, avoid isolated streets, and consider joining an organised event or hotel celebration. Report harassment to hotel staff or local police.
- Protect your eyes and skin: choose natural or herbal colours, apply coconut or other oil to skin and hair beforehand, and use sunglasses or goggles.
- Protect your gear: use a waterproof pouch for phones and passports, and leave valuables in the hotel safe.
- Watch for drinks and snacks: some festive drinks contain bhang, a cannabis preparation, so ask before drinking anything offered to you.
- Avoid driving: roads are crowded and unpredictable, so use trusted drivers or walk.
See our scams and packing guide for general advice on staying safe in busy Indian locations.
What to Wear and Pack
Wear old, light cotton clothing that covers your skin, and dress modestly. White clothes make good colour backgrounds, but they stain permanently, so only wear what you are happy to lose. Wear sandals or shoes that can get dirty, and keep a spare set of dry clothes and a towel at your hotel. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, oil for skin and hair, wet wipes, a waterproof phone pouch and basic medicines. See what to wear in India for more tips.
Where to Stay and When to Book
Braj is small, and accommodation fills early. Book months ahead if possible, with free cancellation, and choose a place with reliable hot water and water supply. Many travellers stay in Vrindavan for temple access and a calmer atmosphere, and others stay in Mathura for transport links. If rooms are sold out, consider Agra or Delhi as a base and arrange a day trip, though the crowds and road closures make that tiring.
Getting There
The nearest major airports are Delhi and Agra, with roads and trains connecting to Mathura. Mathura Junction is a major railway station. Book train tickets early, since Holi is peak travel season; see our guide to using trains in India as a foreigner. Expect heavy traffic on the main days and plan to arrive the day before rather than on the morning of the festival.
Food and Drink
Holi food includes gujiya, a sweet dumpling, along with malpua, thandai and savoury snacks. Thandai is a cold, spiced milk drink that is sometimes made with bhang, so ask before ordering. Eat at busy stalls and drink bottled water. If you have allergies, ask about nuts and dairy in sweets.
Etiquette and Respect
- Respect temple rules, dress codes and photography restrictions.
- Do not target elders, people in religious dress or people who are clearly not participating.
- Learn to say "Happy Holi" or "Holi Mubarak" and accept greetings graciously.
- Avoid wasting water in drought-affected areas, and use dry or natural colours where possible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking late and being forced to stay far from the festival areas.
- Bringing expensive electronics or white clothing you cannot afford to ruin.
- Joining crowds alone without a plan or meeting point.
- Planning a flight or train on the evening of Holi, when roads are congested and exhausted.
- Ignoring local programmes and arriving after events have finished.
If you want help matching Holi dates to a route through Delhi, Agra, Mathura and Jaipur, use the contact form below. For a longer trip, read our India itinerary for first-time visitors.
Final Tips for Holi
Go with a flexible plan. Holi events can start late, finish early or move between locations, so keep a buffer in your schedule and rely on local advice. Carry a small bag with a spare phone cover, wet wipes and a hand towel, and agree on a meeting point with your group. Afterwards, wash colour off with plenty of water, moisturise your skin and rinse your eyes with clean water if they feel irritated. If you wish to take part but feel nervous, start with a hotel or family celebration before joining larger street events.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Holi 2027?
Holi (Rangwali Holi) is on Monday, March 22, 2027, with Holika Dahan on Sunday, March 21. Confirm with local sources.
Where is the best place to celebrate Holi in India?
Mathura and Vrindavan offer the most traditional multi-day celebration, while Jaipur, Pushkar and hotels in larger cities offer easier experiences for first-timers.
What is Lathmar Holi and when is it?
A tradition in Barsana and Nandgaon where women playfully strike men with sticks. In 2027 it is expected around March 16 to 17, so confirm the programme.
Is Holi safe for tourists?
It can be enjoyable with preparation. Stay in groups, respect consent, protect valuables and avoid unknown drinks that may contain bhang.
What should I wear to Holi?
Old, light cotton clothes that cover your skin, comfortable shoes you can sacrifice, and sunglasses. Oil on skin and hair helps remove colour.
How early should I book accommodation?
As early as possible, ideally several months ahead, with free cancellation, since rooms in Braj fill quickly.
