India goes full-colour once a year, when the country welcomes spring with the Hindu festival of Holi. For centuries it has been held each March over one evening and the following day, the celebration having its origins in various legends. One tells of a female demon, Holika, who was so enraged by her nephew Prahlad’s devout worship of the Hindu god Vishnu that she tried to kill him in a fire, only for the flames to consume her, representing the triumph of good over evil. Another legend is based on Hindu god Krishna who, as a child, was said to have been jealous of the goddess Radha’s fairer skin. In an attempt to calm him, his mother told him to apply colour to Radha’s face to make her look more like himself. Whatever the origin story, millions across India now commemorate these tales by taking to the streets to light bonfires, dance and throw brightly coloured powder called gulal over each other in one of the world’s most vibrant and joyous festivals. Holi falls on March 14 in 2025 and March 4 in 2026. Here’s everything you need to know if you are thinking of going to India for Holi.
Become a subscriber and, along with unlimited digital access to The Times and The Sunday Times, you can enjoy a collection of travel offers and competitions curated by our trusted travel partners, especially for Times+ members
This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue
Where should I go?
Celebrations vary across regions, but the most famous festivities with city-wide powder-throwing and cultural performances take place in the northern towns of Mathura and Vrindavan, both in Uttar Pradesh, where Lord Krishna grew up. Rajasthan is a (slightly) calmer proposition for most tourists, with huge street parties in visitor-friendly destinations including Jaipur, Pushkar and Udaipur. Big cities including Delhi and Mumbai are also a safe bet, with organised events and festivals, often including performances from some of India’s biggest music stars alongside the traditional colour-chucking.
