Holi 2026: State-Wise Celebrations Across India

Source: www.hindutone.com | Your Complete Guide to Hindu Festivals

 Key Dates at a Glance

 Lunar Eclipse Alert: A rare lunar eclipse occurs on March 3, 2026 (3:20 PM – 6:47 PM IST). Holika Dahan must be performed after the eclipse, within the muhurat window of 6:22 PM – 8:50 PM.

 State-Wise Holi Celebrations

 1. Uttar Pradesh — The Heartland of Holi

Holi Dates: February 28 – March 4, 2026 (week-long in Braj region)

Uttar Pradesh is the undisputed capital of Holi celebrations. The Braj region — encompassing Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and Nandgaon — hosts some of the oldest and most spectacular Holi traditions in the world, deeply rooted in the mythology of Lord Krishna and Radha.

 Lathmar Holi — Barsana & Nandgaon

Date: February 28 – March 1, 2026

The legendary Lathmar Holi is unique to Barsana (Radha’s village) and Nandgaon (Krishna’s village). Women from Barsana playfully beat men from Nandgaon with wooden sticks (lathis), while the men shield themselves with leather shields — all in joyful re-enactment of Krishna teasing the Gopis. Thousands of devotees and tourists flock to witness this one-of-a-kind tradition.

• Venue: Shri Radhika Temple, Barsana; Nandgaon village
• Specialty: Women beating men with lathis in colorful processions
• Best For: Photography, cultural immersion, devotional experience

 Phoolon Ki Holi — Vrindavan

Date: March 2, 2026

At the famous Banke Bihari Temple and Prem Mandir in Vrindavan, priests shower devotees with thousands of flower petals — marigold, rose, and jasmine — instead of colors. It is an ethereally beautiful, fragrant, and deeply spiritual celebration.

• Venue: Banke Bihari Temple & Prem Mandir, Vrindavan
• Specialty: Holi played with flower petals, not colors
• Best For: Spiritual seekers, families, elderly visitors

 Holika Dahan & Rangwali Holi — Mathura & Agra

Dates: March 3–4, 2026

Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, hosts one of the grandest Holika Dahan celebrations in India. The main bonfire near Vishram Ghat on the banks of the Yamuna river is lit with elaborate rituals attended by thousands. Agra’s celebrations center around the Yamuna ghats and neighborhood mohallas, with lively dhol music and community gatherings.

• Must Visit: Dwarkadhish Temple, Vishram Ghat, Keshav Dev Temple
• Local Specialty: Mathura ke pede (milk sweets), gujiya, thandai
• Atmosphere: Devotional, festive, deeply traditional

 Holi Milan — Lucknow

Date: March 4–5, 2026

Lucknow celebrates Holi with characteristic Nawabi elegance and tehzeeb (refined culture). Holi Milan events — formal gatherings where people exchange sweets, apply gulal, and share warm wishes — are a city tradition. The chowks of the old city burst into color with music, mujra-style performances, and incredible street food.

• Specialty: Holi Milan gatherings, mujra performances, Lucknawi sweets
• Famous For: Sheermal, gujiya, and kulfi during Holi

 2. Rajasthan — Royal Splendor Meets Color

Holi Dates: March 3–5, 2026

Rajasthan’s Holi celebrations blend regal grandeur with folk traditions. The state’s magnificent forts, palaces, and desert landscapes provide an unmatched backdrop for one of India’s most photogenic Holi experiences.

 Royal Holi — Udaipur

Date: March 3–4, 2026

The Mewar royal family hosts a royal Holi celebration at the City Palace Complex, a tradition that has continued for centuries. The evening of Holika Dahan begins with a regal procession — horses, elephants, musicians, and soldiers in traditional attire march through the city. A ceremonial bonfire is lit by the royal head, followed by mesmerizing Gair and Kalbeliya folk dances.

• Venue: City Palace, Gangaur Ghat, Fateh Sagar Lake
• Specialty: Royal procession, Gair dance, Kalbeliya dance
• Dress Code: Traditional Rajasthani attire adds to the experience
• Best For: Heritage lovers, photographers, culture enthusiasts

 Elephant Festival & Holi — Jaipur

Date: March 3–4, 2026

Jaipur celebrates Holi with an Elephant Festival at Chaugan Stadium — a parade of decorated elephants, camel rides, folk performances, and a grand Holi celebration with organic colors. The Pink City’s heritage hotels like Jai Mahal Palace and Rambagh Palace host exclusive Holi events.

• Venue: City Palace, Chaugan Stadium, Amber Fort lawns
• Specialty: Elephant Festival, heritage hotel Holi parties
• Local Treat: Ghevar, malpua, and thandai

 Jodhpur — The Blue City Turns Colorful

Date: March 4, 2026

Jodhpur’s Holi is celebrated with fervor across the old city lanes and near the iconic Mehrangarh Fort. The contrast of vibrant colors against Jodhpur’s blue-painted houses creates extraordinary visuals. Mehrangarh Fort hosts cultural events and live music programs during Holi.

• Venue: Mehrangarh Fort, Sardar Market, Clock Tower area
• Specialty: Holi amid blue city architecture, folk music events

 Pushkar — Bohemian Holi

Date: March 4, 2026

Pushkar, one of India’s holiest cities, draws a large international crowd for Holi. The ghats of Pushkar Lake, the famous Brahma Temple, and the desert landscape create a unique atmosphere. Live music, open celebrations near the lake, and a mix of Indian and global travelers make Pushkar Holi a joyful, multicultural experience.

• Venue: Pushkar Lake ghats, Main Bazaar
• Specialty: International crowd, open celebrations, live music
• Best For: Solo travelers, backpackers, global tourists

 Bikaner & Jaisalmer — Desert Holi

Date: March 4, 2026

Holi in Bikaner and Jaisalmer takes on a golden desert hue. Camels are decorated, folk singers perform under the open sky, and communities gather in the sands for a celebration that feels timeless. Heritage properties in Jaisalmer offer Holi packages with cultural performances and desert safaris.

 3. West Bengal — Dol Jatra / Basanta Utsav

Holi Date: March 3–4, 2026

In West Bengal, Holi is celebrated as Dol Jatra (also called Dol Purnima or Basanta Utsav) with unique cultural traditions quite distinct from North India. The festival has deep ties to the Vaishnava tradition and the life of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

 Basanta Utsav — Shantiniketan

Date: March 3–4, 2026

Shantiniketan (Bolpur), founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, hosts one of India’s most culturally rich Holi celebrations. Students and teachers of Visva-Bharati University dress in saffron and white, perform Tagore’s songs (Rabindra Sangeet), and celebrate the arrival of spring (Basanta) with flowers, colors, and dance. It is serene, artistic, and deeply moving.

• Venue: Visva-Bharati University campus, Shantiniketan
• Specialty: Rabindra Sangeet, classical dance, artistic Holi
• Best For: Art lovers, culture enthusiasts, literature fans
• Note: Book accommodation well in advance — very high demand

 Dol Jatra — Kolkata & Nabadwip

Date: March 3–4, 2026

In Kolkata, idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are placed on a decorated swing (dol) and carried in processions through the streets. Devotees apply abir (dry gulal) and celebrate with music and community gatherings. Nabadwip — the birthplace of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu — hosts massive Dol Jatra processions that draw lakhs of devotees.

• Venue: Nabadwip ghats, Kolkata neighborhood pujas
• Specialty: Idol processions, abir (dry color) play, community singing
• Local Treat: Sandesh, rasgulla, nolen gurer mishti

 4. Maharashtra — Rang Panchami & Shimga

Holi Dates: March 4–8, 2026

Maharashtra celebrates Holi over an extended period, with distinct traditions in different communities. The main celebration is Rang Panchami — held five days after Holi — which is considered the actual peak of festivities in many parts of the state.

 Rang Panchami — Mumbai, Pune & Nashik

Date: March 8, 2026 (5th day after Holi)

Rang Panchami is the highlight of Holi celebrations in Maharashtra. In Mumbai, the celebrations are particularly vibrant in the Koli (fishing community) neighborhoods of Versova, Madh Island, and Colaba. Pune’s celebrations center around the Peshwa-era neighborhoods and residential colonies. Nashik celebrates with large community processions and gulal.

• Venue: Versova beach (Mumbai), Shaniwar Wada (Pune), Nashik ghats
• Specialty: Rang Panchami on the 5th day, Koli community celebrations
• Local Treat: Puran poli, shrikhand, and thandai

 Shimga — Konkan & Rural Maharashtra

Date: March 3–4, 2026

In the Konkan coastal region and rural Maharashtra, Holi is called Shimga. Communities light bonfires using old wood, dried leaves, and bamboo, and perform traditional Shimga Dahan rituals specific to their village traditions. Folk songs, dances, and community feasts mark the celebration.

• Specialty: Traditional Shimga bonfire, village rituals, folk performances
• Region: Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Raigad districts

 5. Punjab & Haryana — Holi with Dhol & Bhangra

Holi Date: March 3–4, 2026

Punjab and Haryana celebrate Holi with the infectious energy of bhangra music, dhol beats, and exuberant outdoor celebrations. The festival is especially vibrant in rural areas, where entire villages gather in open fields to play Holi together.

 Hola Mohalla — Anandpur Sahib, Punjab

Date: March 4–6, 2026

Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival instituted by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, celebrated the day after Holi. Anandpur Sahib hosts a breathtaking three-day festival of martial arts demonstrations, gatka (Sikh martial art) performances, horse riding displays, archery competitions, and massive religious processions of Nihang warriors in blue robes carrying weapons.

• Venue: Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib
• Specialty: Nihang warriors, gatka martial arts, massive langar (community meal)
• Best For: Cultural experience, photography, devotional journey
• Scale: Hundreds of thousands attend over three days

 Amritsar & Ludhiana — Bhangra Holi

Date: March 4, 2026

Amritsar celebrates Holi with visits to the Golden Temple and vibrant community celebrations in the city’s colonies. Ludhiana and Chandigarh host large Holi parties, music events, and bhangra performances. The energy is high, festive, and deeply communal.

• Specialty: Bhangra performances, open-air celebrations, dhol music
• Local Treat: Malpua, gujiya, lassi, and pinni

 Haryana — Dulhandi / Village Holi

Date: March 4–5, 2026

In Haryana, Holi is celebrated as Dulhandi, with a special tradition: newly married women return to their parental homes on the day of Holi. Open-field celebrations, traditional Haryanvi songs, and community fairs (melas) are hallmarks of Holi in Haryana’s villages.

• Specialty: Dulhandi tradition, Haryanvi folk songs, village melas

 6. Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand — Mountain Holi

Holi Date: March 3–7, 2026

Holi in the Himalayan states takes on a gentler, more spiritual character. The mountain landscape, cool spring air, and distinct folk traditions make these among the most unique Holi celebrations in India.

 Pahari Holi — Kumaon, Uttarakhand

Date: March 3–6, 2026

Kumaoni Holi (also called Baithki Holi and Khari Holi) is sung — not just played. Classical music forms the backbone of this celebration. Baithki Holi involves sitting gatherings where ragas are sung in phases: Harigana, Shringara, and Bhakti ragas sung progressively from Basant Panchami until Holi day. Khari Holi involves standing processions through villages with musicians.

• Region: Almora, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar
• Specialty: Singing Holi, classical raga-based music, cultural gatherings
• Best For: Music lovers, those seeking a peaceful Holi experience

 Holi in Hampi & Kullu-Manali — HP

Date: March 4–5, 2026

Kullu and Manali in Himachal Pradesh celebrate Holi with Pahari folk songs, the Nati (traditional Himachali dance), and colorful community gatherings in snow-capped mountain settings. Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj — home to Tibetan communities — celebrate with their own blend of Tibetan and Indian traditions.

• Specialty: Nati dance, Pahari folk songs, mountain atmosphere
• Location: Kullu, Manali, Dharamshala, Shimla

 7. Gujarat — Holika Dahan & Dhuleti

Holi Date: March 3–4, 2026

Gujarat celebrates Holi (locally called Dhuleti) with enormous community bonfires, folk music, and exuberant dancing. The state’s Vaishnava tradition gives Holi a devotional dimension, particularly in communities with connections to Nathdwara and Dwarka.

 Holika Dahan — Ahmedabad, Surat & Vadodara

Date: March 3, 2026 (Evening)

Gujarat’s Holika Dahan celebrations are among the grandest in India. Large community bonfires are lit in every neighborhood, accompanied by garba and raas (traditional Gujarati dance forms), bhajan singing, and puja rituals. The bonfires are carefully prepared with layers of cow dung cakes, wood, and dry grass.

• Venue: Neighborhood chowks, temple grounds across Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara
• Specialty: Massive community bonfires, garba dancing around the fire

 Dhuleti — Vrindavan of Gujarat (Dwarka & Dakor)

Date: March 4, 2026

Dwarka and Dakor host spiritually significant Holi celebrations with large temple processions and devotional Holi at the Dwarkadhish Temple (Dwarka) and Ranchhodrai Temple (Dakor). The celebrations draw thousands of devotees from across Gujarat.

• Specialty: Temple processions, devotional Holi, spiritual atmosphere
• Local Treat: Surti ghari, ghughra (Gujarati gujiya), mohanthal

 8. Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh — Tribal & Traditional Holi

Holi Date: March 3–5, 2026

 Indore & Bhopal — Grand Celebrations

Date: March 3–4, 2026

Indore — known as the cleanest city of India — celebrates Holi with enormous community events, cultural programs, and one of the country’s most organized Rangwali Holi celebrations. Bhopal’s old city neighborhoods (Hamidia Road, Ibtedai Ali Khan area) burst into color with dhol music and multigenerational community gatherings.

• Specialty: Organized community events, cultural programs
• Local Treat: Indori poha, gujiya, and thandai

 Tribal Holi — Bastar & Chhattisgarh

Date: March 3–5, 2026

In the tribal heartland of Bastar and other regions of Chhattisgarh, Holi is merged with local indigenous traditions. Madai festivals and tribal Holi celebrations involve traditional instruments (like the mandar drum and bansuri flute), forest flowers and natural colors, and community dances that reflect ancient folk customs predating formalized Hindu celebrations.

• Specialty: Tribal music, natural colors, forest-based traditions
• Region: Bastar, Jagdalpur, Dantewada

 Orchha & Datia — Historical Holi

Date: March 3–4, 2026

The historical city of Orchha — with its magnificent palaces and Ram Raja Temple — hosts Holi celebrations that blend spirituality with heritage. The Chaturbhuj Temple and Jahangir Mahal form a stunning backdrop for color celebrations.

 9. Bihar & Jharkhand — Phagua & Folk Holi

Holi Date: March 3–5, 2026

In Bihar and Jharkhand, Holi is called Phagua and is deeply embedded in Bhojpuri folk culture. The festival is marked by exuberant singing of Holi songs (Phag) in Bhojpuri and Maithili dialects, weeks before the actual day.

 Phagua Celebrations — Patna, Gaya & Muzaffarpur

Date: March 3–4, 2026

Patna’s Holi celebrations reflect the city’s layered culture — from old Patna’s Chowk neighborhood where traditional pichkari fights and gulal celebrations happen in tight lanes, to modern Patna’s parks and private Holi parties. Gaya — a center of pilgrimage — celebrates Holi after performing Pitru Puja at Vishnupad Temple.

• Specialty: Bhojpuri Phag songs, folk music, Maithili Holi traditions
• Local Treat: Thekua, malpua, sattu sharbat

 Tribal Holi — Jharkhand

Date: March 4–5, 2026

Jharkhand’s tribal communities (Santhal, Munda, Ho) celebrate Holi with their own distinct traditions, incorporating tribal dance forms like Santhali Jhumur and natural colors made from forest flowers. The celebrations are communal, energetic, and rooted in the land.

• Specialty: Tribal dance and music, natural pigments, indigenous celebrations

 10. Odisha — Dola Purnima & Dola Jatra

Holi Date: March 3–4, 2026

In Odisha, Holi is celebrated as Dola Purnima or Dola Jatra (Swing Festival), a four-day celebration of the love of Radha and Krishna.

 Dola Jatra — Puri & Cuttack

Date: March 1–4, 2026

For four days, idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra (or Radha-Krishna) are placed on elaborately decorated swings (dola) and carried through towns in processions. Devotees shower the idols with abir (gulal), flowers, and sandalwood water. Puri’s celebrations around the Jagannath Temple are particularly grand.

• Venue: Jagannath Temple, Puri; Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar
• Specialty: Idol swing (dola) processions, abir celebrations
• Local Treat: Rasagola, chhena poda, malpua

 11. Kerala & Tamil Nadu — Holi with South Indian Flavor

Holi Date: March 4, 2026

While Holi is not traditionally a major festival in South India, it is celebrated with enthusiasm by North Indian communities, college students, and Hindu communities in urban areas.

 Holi in Thrissur & Guruvayur — Kerala

Date: March 4, 2026

Thrissur, known as the cultural capital of Kerala, celebrates Holi with community gatherings, particularly among North Indian communities and temple institutions. Guruvayur’s Krishna temple hosts a spiritually significant celebration with devotional songs and flower offerings.

• Specialty: Devotional Holi, flower offerings, Kerala-style sweets
• Local Treat: Payasam, unniyappam, banana chips

 Holi in Chennai, Coimbatore & Madurai — Tamil Nadu

Date: March 4, 2026

Tamil Nadu’s Holi celebrations have grown significantly, especially among young urban populations in Chennai and Coimbatore. College Holi events, housing society celebrations, and community parks host organized Holi events with organic colors, music, and dance.

• Specialty: Urban Holi events, college festivals, community parks
• Local Treat: Pongal, murukku, and traditional sweets during Holi

 12. Andhra Pradesh & Telangana — Holi Celebrations in Deccan

Holi Date: March 4, 2026

Holi is called Kamadahana in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, rooted in the legend of Lord Shiva burning Kamadeva (the god of love) to ashes. Holika Dahan is performed on the eve, with bonfires representing Kama’s burning, followed by Rangwali Holi.

 Hyderabad — Urban Holi

Date: March 3–4, 2026

Hyderabad — a cosmopolitan city — celebrates Holi with large-scale community events in Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills, Kondapur, and Gachibowli. IT parks and residential communities host organized Holi events with DJ music, colored water, and organic gulal. Old Hyderabad’s Charminar neighborhood sees traditional neighborhood celebrations.

• Specialty: Large urban Holi events, cosmopolitan atmosphere
• Local Treat: Hyderabadi biryani, double ka meetha, osmania biscuits

 Vijayawada & Visakhapatnam — AP Holi

Date: March 4, 2026

Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam celebrate Holi with community gatherings near the Krishna river and beach respectively. Temple festivities at Kanaka Durga Temple (Vijayawada) and Simhachalam Temple (Visakhapatnam) add a devotional dimension.

• Specialty: Temple Holi, beach celebrations, riverside festivities

 13. Northeastern States — Unique Spring Festivals

Holi Date: March 3–4, 2026

The northeastern states celebrate spring with their own distinct festivals, with Holi overlapping and merging with indigenous traditions in many areas.

 Manipur — Yaosang Festival

Date: March 3–7, 2026

Yaosang is Manipur’s version of Holi, lasting five days. It begins with Holika Dahan (bonfire) and continues with Thabal Chongba — a traditional moonlit dance performed by young men and women holding hands in circular formations. During the day, children go door to door asking for small gifts of money (Nakatheng), and color play happens in streets and neighborhoods.

• Specialty: Thabal Chongba folk dance, Nakatheng tradition, moonlit celebrations
• Best For: Unique cultural experience not found elsewhere

 Assam & Tripura — Doul Festival / Holi

Date: March 3–4, 2026

In Assam, Holi is called Doul Utsav or Doul Festival. Devotees carry idols of Radha-Krishna in processions called Doul (swings). Colorful bihu-influenced performances and community celebrations mark the day. In Tripura, the Vaishnava tradition is central to Holi celebrations, with temple processions and devotional singing.

• Specialty: Doul processions, Vaishnava devotional singing

 State-Wise Special Holi Sweets & Foods

 Colors of Holi — State Preferences

Color	Meaning	States Famous For It
Red (Gulal)	Love, fertility, marriage	UP, Rajasthan, Bihar
Yellow (Haldi)	Auspiciousness, spring, turmeric	Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka
Green	New life, nature, crops	Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal
Blue (Neela)	Lord Krishna, devotion	Mathura, Vrindavan (UP)
Saffron/Orange	Spirituality, courage, Hinduism	Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh
Pink	Joy, playfulness, togetherness	Bengal, Odisha

 State-Wise Holi Safety Tips

 Holi Muhurat Timings by City (2026)

 Note: All timings are approximate and based on March 3, 2026. Consult a local pandit or religious authority for precise timings after confirming the lunar eclipse end time in your city.

 Quick State Ranking — Best Holi Experiences by Category

 Most Authentic Traditional Holi

1. Mathura-Vrindavan (UP) — Lathmar, Phoolon Ki Holi
2. Anandpur Sahib (Punjab) — Hola Mohalla
3. Shantiniketan (West Bengal) — Basanta Utsav

 Most Photogenic Holi

1. Udaipur (Rajasthan) — Royal procession & Gair dance
2. Jaipur (Rajasthan) — Elephant Festival backdrop
3. Barsana-Nandgaon (UP) — Lathmar Holi

 Most Unique Holi Experience

1. Manipur — Yaosang / Thabal Chongba dance
2. Bastar, Chhattisgarh — Tribal indigenous Holi
3. Kumaon, Uttarakhand — Singing Pahari Holi (Baithki Holi)

 Best Urban Holi Parties

1. Delhi (Purana Qila, Hauz Khas Village events)
2. Mumbai (Versova beach, Juhu, housing societies)
3. Hyderabad (Banjara Hills, Gachibowli community events)

 Best for Families

1. Vrindavan (UP) — Phoolon Ki Holi (flowers, no harsh chemicals)
2. Udaipur (Rajasthan) — Safe, organized heritage Holi
3. Pushkar (Rajasthan) — Relaxed, open atmosphere

 About HinduTone

HinduTone (www.hindutone.com) is India’s trusted digital destination for Hindu festivals, puja rituals, temple guides, and cultural resources. We provide accurate, timely, and deeply researched content on all major Hindu festivals — from Holi and Diwali to Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, and beyond.

© 2026 HinduTone.com | All rights reserved. Content researched and published for educational and cultural purposes. For more festival guides, puja vidhi, and Hindu cultural resources, visit www.hindutone.com

Happy Holi 2026!  May the colors of Holi fill your home with joy, love, and prosperity. — Team HinduTone

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