Celebrating Holi festival in India had been on my bucket list for many years. When we planned our trip to the Golden Triangle, I knew we had to time it perfectly to coincide with the vibrant Holi festival celebrations in Jaipur. The excitement of experiencing this colorful and joyous festival firsthand was something I had always dreamed of.

Before our trip, I had heard quite an extreme mix of positive and negative things about celebrating Holi in India. Friends and travel blogs described the vibrant colors, joyful energy, and cultural significance, making it sound unforgettable. However, there were also many cautionary tales about crowds and rowdy inappropriate behavior, which made me both excited and a bit worried about what to expect.

About Holi Festival

What is Holi?

Holi, often referred to as the “Festival of Colors,” is a vibrant and joyous Hindu festival celebrated across India and in various parts of the world. It marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil, symbolizing the renewal of relationships and the joy of life.

The main day of Holi is marked by cheerful celebrations. People throw colored powders and water at each other, dance to music, and enjoy festive foods. Streets are filled with laughter, music, and vibrant colors.

When is Holi celebrated?

Holi usually falls in early March. The exact date varies each year based on the lunar calendar. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna. In 2024, we attended the Holi party in Jaipur on March 25th. Check the calendar ahead of time if you want to coincide your trip with the dates of Holi!

Best places to celebrate Holi festival in India

Jaipur

There are countless fantastic places to celebrate the Holi festival, but we ultimately chose Jaipur for a few reasons. As part of the Golden Triangle, Jaipur provided a unique Holi experience with the Dhulandi festival at the Khasa Kothi Hotel, organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Board.

After enjoying the lively and safer morning/afternoon celebration at the hotel, we headed to a local bar and dayclub called Sambre for even more fun. The party at Khasa Kothi Hotel was bustling and we had an amazing time! The bar/dayclub we visited later was also lively, but was a lot more intense. We encountered quite a few overly intoxicated men who were a bit aggressive with the colors.

Overall, we really loved celebrating Holi in Jaipur, but if we were to visit again, we might consider exploring another city.

Delhi

Delhi is where the Holi party really gets going! With a ton of diverse celebrations ranging from classic traditions to super fun modern parties, the city has a lively atmosphere. You can dive into everything from traditional events to wild Holi festivals with a big crowd of party-goers.

Mathura and Vrindavan

Mathura and Vrindavan are the ultimate spots for an authentic Holi experience. These cities are right at the heart of the Holi legends of Lord Krishna and Radha, so you can join in on traditional rituals and the super famous Lathmar Holi in Barsana.

Varanasi

Varanasi offers a more peaceful and spiritual Holi experience. Many celebrate by the Ganges River with all its ancient temples and serene surroundings. It’s the perfect mix of spiritual reflection and festive fun, offering a unique and culturally rich celebration.

Mumbai

Mumbai is all about modern, high-energy Holi celebrations. From vibrant beach parties at Juhu Beach to exciting events around the city, Mumbai’s contemporary vibe is perfect if you’re looking for a lively and cosmopolitan Holi experience.

Safety tips for Holi

Choose your Holi events wisely

With so many celebrations happening across the country, it’s important to pick ones that are both fun and safe. We had an incredible time at the Holi party at Khasa Kothi Hotel in Jaipur, organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Board. It was the perfect spot for us to dive into the festivities in a secure and festive environment.

Be mindful of the colors

To avoid skin problems or allergies, opt for natural, organic colors if possible. Make sure to protect yourself by wearing old (white) clothes, sunglasses, and a hat. We got our colors from reputable vendors, which made a huge difference. I remember getting sprayed with synthetic colors from a water gun, and those stains stuck around for almost a week! Natural colors are much gentler on your skin and less likely to stain.

Hydrate + wear sunscreen

Most of the celebrations take place outdoors, so it’s easy to get dehydrated or sunburned. Make sure to apply sunscreen and drink lots of water.

Keep an eye on your belongings

The lively Holi atmosphere can attract pickpockets, so it’s smart to keep your valuables secure. I found that using a money belt was a lifesaver amidst the bustling crowds.

Stay aware of your surroundings

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but remember if you’re going to drink alcohol, consume in moderation. At the Khasa Kothi party, they provided only water and soft drinks. If you find yourself at an event with alcohol, just keep an eye on your friends and enjoy responsibly.

Respect the local customs and traditions

Holi is a deeply cultural festival, so it’s important to follow local practices. While people will likely apply colors to you without asking, be sure to only apply colors to those who seem happy to join in. Avoid coloring anyone who doesn’t want to participate.

Celebrate in a group if possible

If you can, experience Holi with friends or join a Holi tour. It’s safer and more fun to enjoy the festival with others. Make sure to set a meeting point in case you get separated in the crowds.

What to wear to a Holi party

Most people wear white clothes for Holi because they showcase the colorful powders and are a festival tradition. I wore a white linen shirt and pants, which kept me cool and made the colors pop in photos. Dressing in white also helped me blend into the crowds and avoid unwanted attention.

I do not recommend wearing a dress, skirt, or low-cut tops as people can be aggressive with the colors. After the party, I washed my clothes in the shower at the hotel and kept them as colorful souvenirs—though be prepared for permanent stains!

We also brought scarves to cover our faces from the dust and colored powder. Sunglasses are also a must to protect your eyes!

Holi packing must-haves –

• Thick sunscreen with a high spf
• White clothes (preferably breathable linen)
• A scarf
• Sunglasses
• Waterproof case for your phone
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Oil for your hair and skin
• Coconut oil/sugar scrub to remove colors

Find my complete India Packing List here.

Tips I learned from my first time at Holi

• Even if you’re fully covered with clothes, the colors will still stain your skin. They seep through the fabric, so be prepared for vibrant skin hues after the celebration!
• Protect your skin from the colors by applying a few layers of oil and sunscreen before the party. This helps create a barrier so the colors don’t stain your skin as much.
• After the festival, use coconut oil and a sugar scrub to effectively remove the colors from your skin. It’s the best way to get rid of stubborn stains. I made this at home and brought it with me to India.
• Pack a plastic bag to store your clothes after the festival if you want to keep them as a colorful souvenir. Your clothes will be stained, so having a bag helps prevent any mess.
• If you have light hair, expect it to get dyed during Holi—my hair was pink and blue for 4-5 days afterward! Bring a clarifying shampoo or coat your hair with oil to minimize staining.
• If you’re going to a street party, local bar, or dayclub, be prepared for potentially aggressive behavior from drunk people. It’s all part of the festive chaos, so stay alert and safe.

Related posts –

The Ultimate 3 Day Jaipur Itinerary

12 Most Instagrammable Places in Jaipur – The Best Photo Spots

India Packing List – Everything You Need to Be Prepared

Golden Triangle Itinerary + Travel Guide

The Perfect Delhi Itinerary for 3 Days

Best Time to Visit The Taj Mahal + Tips For Your Visit

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