Holi

When: March, on the full moon of Phalguna each year, with exact dates that move annually.

Where: Across India - celebrations happen nationwide, with famous gatherings in Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana.

Cost: Free to join public events; some private parties and tourist packages charge fees.

Don’t miss: The Holika Dahan bonfire on the eve and the main Rangwali Holi colour-throwing the following day, plus the playful Lathmar Holi in Barsana.

Holi is a Hindu spring festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. Its origin stories include the legend of Prahlad and Holika and the playful episodes of Krishna and Radha; both religious and folk traditions are woven into modern celebrations.

Across India the mood varies by region: evenings begin with Holika Dahan bonfires, then dawn brings Rangwali Holi - people throw dry powders (gulal), spray coloured water with pichkaris and dance to drums. In temple towns like Mathura and Vrindavan the tone is devotional and theatrical, while urban centres host street parties, concerts and organised colour runs.

Holi falls in March on Phalguna Purnima, the full moon day of the Hindu month Phalguna; the date shifts each year in the solar-lunar calendar. The ritual rhythm is consistent: a bonfire (Holika Dahan) the night before to symbolise cleansing, followed by the main colour celebrations from morning into the afternoon (often spilling into the next day).

Local variants or extra days appear in some regions - for example, Lathmar Holi in Barsana and neighbouring villages has its own timetable and crowds, so check local calendars for exact timings if you plan to visit a specific town.

Fly into major international gateways such as New Delhi (Indira Gandhi International) or Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International) and then take trains or buses to festival towns; Mathura and Vrindavan are about 2 - 3 hours by road from New Delhi. For popular Holi centres arrive 1 - 2 days early; book trains and accommodation several weeks (or months for small towns) ahead of time.

• In India expect to get covered in powder and water: wear old clothes, sunglasses or swim goggles, and keep electronics in waterproof pouches.
• Respect local sensibilities: always ask before applying colour to strangers, and be cautious about photographing women and elders without permission.
• Use natural or skin-safe colours where possible and carry moisturizer and saline eye wash in case of irritation.
• Keep valuables secure and avoid large sums of cash; crowds are dense and pickpocketing can rise during festivities.
• If you intend to see Lathmar Holi or temple processions in Barsana or Mathura/Vrindavan, arrive early, follow local marshals and expect tightly packed crowds.
• Book trains, buses and hotels well in advance for popular centres; consider joining a small guided group if you prefer organised access and local insight.