Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Holi during the long weekends in 2025? Well, you're in luck this year. With Holi falling on March 14, 2025, this year's festival is paired with a long weekend, making it the ideal time to travel and experience the joy and madness of Holi in some of the best destinations across India. Whether you're looking for traditional festivities, a lively atmosphere, or something more offbeat, this long weekend gives you the opportunity to experience it all. From the iconic celebrations of Mathura and Vrindavan to the royal flair of Rajasthan, there are so many places to celebrate the vibrance of Holi in 2025. So, if you've been dreaming of a getaway where you can experience the festival in full color, this long weekend is your chance to do just that. In this article, we've curated a list of the best places to celebrate this festival during the long weekends in 2025.
Top 9 Destinations to Celebrate Holi in India
1. Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the best destinations to celebrate Holi, as it brings together spirituality and celebration in an extraordinary way. The ancient city’s Holi is deeply intertwined with its religious significance, and you’ll experience something truly wonderful here. During the Holi long weekend in 2025, you’ll find temples hosting special Holi prayers, local processions along the river, and vibrant crowds tossing flower petals and colors into the Ganges. The interplay of devotion and festivity sets Varanasi apart. You'll find lip-smacking food like sweets such as gujiya and jalebi, as well as local treats like kachori and chura in the area, which are perfect to savor after a day of celebrating. This long weekend of Holi will give you enough time to explore the city's spiritual roots while enjoying its colorful festivities in 2025.
2. Vrindavan and Mathura
Vrindavan and Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, are undoubtedly the heart of Holi celebrations. Here, the festival is celebrated with full fervor, showcasing centuries-old traditions. The entire region becomes a stage for playful Raas Leela reenactments, and the Holi here is unlike anywhere else in the world. During long weekends in 2025, these towns light up with the energy of thousands of revelers, immersing in the tunes of traditional bhajans. The celebrations embody love and joy, with people throwing colors to recreate the divine frolic of Krishna and Radha. You'll witness people in the streets dancing, singing, and playing Holi with gulal and processions, as well as large groups singing traditional songs. During your time there, feast on thandai, a traditional drink made with milk and nuts, along with local sweets like makhan, peda, gujiya, and malai. Plan the perfect Holi escapade in 2025 and celebrate the festival to the fullest with all your loved ones.
3. Barsana
Barsana, located near Mathura, is famous for its unique celebration of Lathmar Holi. This age-old tradition features women playfully chasing men with sticks while the men defend themselves using shields, creating a fun and lively atmosphere. The whole event is full of fun and laughter, making it one of the most exciting places to celebrate Holi. Be sure to try the delicious traditional sweets, such as peda and ladoo, which often accompany the celebrations. This long weekend is the perfect time to experience the one-of-a-kind Lathmar Holi with your friends and family, which offers a festive spirit unlike any other in the country.
4. Shantiniketan
For those looking to experience a unique celebration of Holi during the long weekends in 2025, Shantiniketan in West Bengal is definitely a great option. The cultural richness of Shantiniketan’s Holi makes it stand out. Here, people celebrate Basanta Utsav, a spring festival that coincides with Holi. This celebration is more refined and artistic, with students donning yellow attire and performing dance and music. During the festival, traditional Bengali sweets like sandesh and mishti doi are common, adding a delightful local flavor. It is a great place to visit and celebrate the festival of colors as well as the arrival of spring this year.
5. Delhi
Delhi’s Holi celebrations are an energetic blend of tradition and modernity, with massive street parties, live DJ events, and colors splashed everywhere. The city’s Holi is loud, colorful, and full of energy, and it’s perfect for those who enjoy a lively and modern twist on the festival. Here, Holi is a fusion of diverse cultures and modern-day partying. There are events that cater to all tastes with large crowds at a music festival or intimate gatherings with friends and family. The city also hosts public Holi events with live music, DJs, and performances, where you can dance and play with colors. You’ll also find pockets of traditional celebrations in local areas, with families hosting private parties in their homes. The long weekend this year ensures you get to experience both the modern and traditional sides of the city’s Holi celebrations.
6. Goa
A long Holi weekend getaway in Goa is the perfect way to combine your love of the beach with the excitement of Holi. The state observes Holi in a carefree manner, with beach parties, music, and of course- colors. Goa's Holi celebrations are more relaxed but equally vibrant, making it a perfect choice for visitors seeking an easygoing Holi experience. Beach parties, including loud music, colorful water balloons, and a fusion of Indian and foreign party culture, distinguish the festival. The calm pace and coastal surroundings make the festivities all the more enjoyable. Goa's seafood, especially fish curry and bebinca, are classics throughout the festival, suitable for refueling after a day of beachfront activities.
7. Hampi
Hampi is widely famous for its history and ancient temples. It is a great place to spend Holi during long weekends in 2025. The Holi celebrations here are quieter, with more focus on local customs and traditions. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to combine history with festivity during long weekends in 2025. The temple-filled landscape adds a spiritual and historical dimension to the typical Holi celebrations, offering a calmer but equally vibrant experience. Locals and tourists come together to play Holi in the city. The atmosphere is peaceful yet filled with the joy of the festival. Karnataka’s traditional cuisine, including dosas and idlis, is commonly served during Holi. Chiroti is another popular dessert during the celebrations. A long weekend trip here, during the festival, lets you enjoy the combination of Holi’s celebrations along with the exploration of Hampi’s stunning history.
8. Anandpur Sahib
Another cultural twist to Holi can be seen in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab. Known as Hola Mohalla, this festival blends Holi with displays of strength, military exercises, and traditional martial arts. The fusion of Holi with Hola Mohalla creates a festival like no other. You will witness martial artists displaying their skills, sword fighting, and synchronized exercises along with the celebratory colors. The atmosphere is both spiritual and celebratory, marked by processions featuring kirtans. For food, Langar is served at the gurdwaras, offering hearty, wholesome dishes like dal and chapati. It is a great option to plan and experience the festival of Holi during long weekends in 2025 with your friends and family.
9. Jaipur
Jaipur gives one of the most lavish and unforgettable experiences during Holi. The city hosts elaborate processions, with elephants and camels decked out in colorful garlands. The forts and palaces are adorned in vibrant colors, offering a regal backdrop for playing Holi. You will see elephant parades and grand celebrations at the Amer Fort, along with locals and tourists playing Holi together, creating a lively and royal atmosphere. Folk music, traditional dances, and the splashing of colors will immerse you in the vibrance of the festival. Do not miss Rajasthani delicacies like ghewar and mawa kachori, which are popular during Holi. This long weekend in 2025 will allow you ample time to explore the city's historic sites and participate in its royal celebrations during the festival of Holi.
