Holi Festival in India: Dates, Holika Dahan, Colors and What to Know as a Visitor

Holi is India’s festival of color, and it’s one of the loudest, messiest and friendliest events on the Indian calendar. People fill the streets and throw powder and water at each other to mark the arrival of spring. Visitors can take part, with a few sensible precautions.

Key facts

Date	full moon of Phalguna, usually March
Duration	two days; about 15 days in Mathura and Vrindavan
First day	Holika Dahan bonfire
Second day	Dhulendi, throwing of colored powder (gulal)
Foods	gujiya, kanji, thandai

When Holi happens

Holi falls on the full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually lands in March. It’s traditionally celebrated over two days, and because it follows the lunar calendar, the exact dates change every year. Check the current year’s dates before you book flights and hotels.

The two days

Holika Dahan, the first night

On the first evening communities light a bonfire called Holika Dahan. It remembers the story of Prahlad, a devoted follower of Vishnu, who was protected from a fire that his aunt Holika tried to use against him, and it’s seen as a symbol of good over evil. The fire is usually lit in a neighborhood square or a street, and people gather around it.

Dhulendi, the day of colors

The next day is the one most visitors know. People throw colored powder, called gulal, and water at each other, play drums and sing Holi songs. After the morning of play, people wash, change into fresh clothes and spend the evening visiting friends and relatives, hugging them and sharing sweets. Hindi sources say it’s a day for letting go of old quarrels.

The legends

The story of Prahlad, his father Hiranyakashipu and Holika is the best known, but the festival is also tied to other tales: the demoness Dhundhi, the Raslila of Radha and Krishna, and the rebirth of Kamadeva, the god of love. Different regions emphasize different stories.

Regional traditions

In Mathura and Vrindavan, the towns linked to Krishna, Holi lasts for about 15 days. In Barsana, near Mathura, there’s a well-known custom in which women playfully hit men with sticks. In Kumaon, gatherings of classical music begin days before the festival. Holi is most popular in the north, and it’s less widely celebrated in the south.

What to eat and drink

The classic Holi sweet is gujiya, a pastry stuffed with khoya and dried fruit. Other specialties include kanji, a fermented drink, and thandai, a cold milk drink. Hindi sources also list bhang among the festival drinks. It’s a cannabis preparation and can be strong, so be careful about accepting it.

Tips for visitors

• Wear clothes you can throw away. The colors stain.
• Protect your eyes, skin and phone. Sunglasses, a waterproof pouch and oil on your skin and hair help. Hindi sources note that chemical colors have largely replaced natural ones, so look for natural colors if you can.
• Go with a guide or a local host. Crowds can be rough, especially in the big cities.
• Ask before you color someone. Respect people who prefer not to take part.
• Expect closures. Government offices in most northern states close for the holiday, and some businesses do too.

See our Golden Triangle guide and our Jaipur guide for places to combine with a March trip, and our India tours.

Planning Holi with Absolute Asia Tours

Absolute Asia Tours has planned private trips in Asia since 1989. For Holi that means a guide who knows where to celebrate safely, hotels booked early for the festival dates, and a plan that keeps your sightseeing days clear of the closures. We’re rated 4.8 out of 5 across about 900 traveler reviews. Tell us your dates and we’ll plan from there.

Sources (read in Hindi, Hindi Wikipedia): होली, होलिका दहन, मथुरा, बरसाना. Last checked November 2026.

Holi festival: FAQ

When is Holi?

On the full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna, usually in March. The date changes each year.

What is Holika Dahan?

The bonfire lit on the first evening of Holi, which remembers the story of Prahlad and Holika.

How long does Holi last?

Traditionally two days. In Mathura and Vrindavan it’s celebrated for about 15 days.

What is gulal?

The colored powder people throw at each other on the day of colors.

What do people eat at Holi?

Gujiya, kanji and thandai are among the traditional foods and drinks.

Is Holi celebrated everywhere in India?

It’s most popular in the north and less so in the south.

Photo: Azimronnie, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.