Holi 2024: Full list of destinations to celebrate Holi in India

Everyone is waiting to celebrate Holi in 2024. This year, Holi falls on March 25, 2024, which is Monday. A day before Holi is celebrated as Holika Dahan, also known as Choti Holi, which is on Sunday, March 25, 2024.

As this year’s Holi falls on a Monday, it’s a perfect long weekend, presenting an excellent opportunity for travellers to immerse themselves in the heart of Indian festivities, where ancient traditions meet modern celebrations.

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From the traditional rituals in the temples of Mathura and Vrindavan to the royal processions in Rajasthan and more, Holi is celebrated diversely in each region of India, capturing the essence of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Here’s a list of the top destinations in India to travel to, celebrate the festival of colours, and make the most of this long weekend.

1. Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

Holi 2024 long weekend travel: Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh (Source: Freepik)

Mathura and Vrindavan, situated in Uttar Pradesh, hold immense cultural and historical significance as the birthplace and childhood home of Lord Krishna. These cities are known for their traditional Holi festivities, like Lathmar Holi and Phoolon Wali Holi, where participants play with flowers and sticks.

Lathmar Holi involves women playfully hitting men with sticks, symbolising the playful teasing between Lord Krishna and the gopis and Phoolon Wali. Holi, on the other hand, is a celebration where participants play with flowers, spreading vibrant colours and fragrances in the air. It is a gentle and serene way to commemorate the festival, reflecting the essence of purity and beauty associated with Lord Krishna’s divine play. 

2. Shantiniketan, West Bengal

Holi 2024 long weekend travel Shantiniketan, West Bengal (Source Holidify)

Shantiniketan, a small town in West Bengal, celebrates Holi, known as Basanta Utsav, inspired by Rabindranath Tagore, with cultural performances, dances, songs, and poetry, followed by the usual exchange of colours. The Basanta Utsav celebration in Shantiniketan commences with the traditional early morning procession known as ‘Prabhat Pheris’ from the Visva-Bharati University campus to the Kopai River.

Participants engage in singing and dancing to the melodious tunes of Rabindra Sangeet, followed by people dressed in colourful attire, predominantly yellow, engaging in cultural programmes, dances, and music both within and outside the university campus. The festival culminates in the joyful exchange of coloured powders, symbolising the spirit of unity, joy, and renewal associated with Holi.

3. Udaipur and Jaipur, Rajasthan

Holi 2024 long weekend travel Udaipur and Jaipur, Rajasthan (Source: Incredible Indian and Leisure India)

Holi in Udaipur is famous for its royal celebrations held at the City Palace and other heritage sites. The festival is accompanied by folk music and dance, making the experience in this majestic place truly royal. A day before Holi, which is celebrated as Holika Dahan, hundreds of pyres are lit throughout the city, especially the one at the Jagdish Temple, which is the largest.

Similarly, the celebrations in Jaipur are equally magnificent, featuring beautifully painted and decorated elephants adorned with colours and taken on a procession, celebrated as the Elephant Festival.

4. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Holi 2024 long weekend travel Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (Source: khaberhindi.com)

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, offers a deeply spiritual Holi celebration along the ghats of the river Ganges, which lights up with rituals, bonfires, and vibrant colours, along with traditional music, dance, and the consumption of bhang.

A day before Holi, Choti Holi is celebrated and is marked by the lighting of bonfires, known as Holika Dahan, symbolising the victory of good over evil. Participants gather around these bonfires, offering prayers and seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being.

A unique aspect of Holi in Varanasi is the consumption of bhang, a traditional drink made from cannabis leaves, which is believed to enhance the festive spirit and induce a sense of euphoria.

5. Anandpur Sahib, Punjab

Holi 2024 long weekend travel Anandpur Sahib, Punjab (Source Ministry of Tourism)

Anandpur Sahib in Punjab observes Holi through Hola Mohalla, a festival that showcases Sikh culture through martial arts displays, mock battles by Nihangs (Sikh warriors) in action on the banks of the Charan Ganga, and the usual vibrant colours. Additionally, devotees visit the Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib during the three-day festival to seek the blessings of the Almighty.

6. Sangla, Himachal Pradesh

Holi 2024 long weekend travSangla, Himachal Pradesh (Source: CurlyTales)

For a Holi celebration amidst the Himalayas, Sangla is the place to be, as the festival here is celebrated with locals and visitors coming together to participate in traditional dances, music and cultural activities.

The use of natural colours derived from flowers, herbs, and plants adds an eco-friendly touch to the festivities, aligning with the valley’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.

Sangla’s Holi celebration stands out for its eco-friendly practices, making it a unique experience for those seeking a more serene and nature-centric festival experience.

7. Pushkar, Rajasthan

Holi 2024 long weekend travel Pushkar, Rajasthan (Source Youtube)

Pushkar, in Rajasthan, is known for its sacred sites and colourful marketplaces. During Holi in Pushkar, the town transforms, embracing a laid-back and hippie ambience that sets it apart from other traditional celebrations. The festival is marked by live music performances, cultural activities, and a vibrant atmosphere that resonates with the free-spirited vibe of the town.

From camel races, a hallmark of Rajasthan’s cultural heritage, to cultural performances showcasing traditional music and dance forms, Holi in Pushkar is a unique blend of cultural traditions, modern influences, and bohemian charm. 

8. Mumbai and Delhi

Holi 2024 long weekend travel Delhi (Source India Tours)

In the metropolitan areas of Mumbai and Delhi, Holi is celebrated with massive parties that feature music, dance, and an explosion of colours. Events like the Holi Moo Festival in Delhi and the vibrant celebrations in Mumbai create an urban vibe, making these cities hotspots for experiencing the festival’s contemporary and lively side.

No matter where you decide to celebrate, embracing local traditions, enjoying communal feasts, and participating in local rituals and dances will ensure your Holi 2024 is unforgettable.

Wishing all our readers a very Happy Holi 2024!