TrekUnity
When
March
Attendance
nationwide — millions
Admission
Free
Setting
Outdoor
Holi is India's exuberant "festival of colors," celebrating the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil — a day (with a bonfire the night before) when people of all ages throw brilliantly colored powder (gulal) and water at one another, dance to music, and share sweets in a joyful leveling of everyday divisions.
Celebrated across India and beyond, the most famous festivities unfold in the Braj region (Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana) and in Rajasthan's Jaipur, where the Pink City makes a vibrant, tourist-friendly base for the color-soaked celebration.
Want to go? Turn Holi Festival into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
A day in March (the full moon of Phalguna)
Admission
Free in the streets · some organized events ticketed
Parking
Use taxis, autos, and organized events — the streets are chaotic and colorful on the day.
Nearest airport
Jaipur International (JAI) — ~20 min
Typical weather
Warm, dry Rajasthan spring — 80s °F; sun protection and clothes you can ruin.
Official website
Location
Jaipur, India
Where to stay
Rambagh Palace
A former royal palace, now a legendary hotel.
Samode Haveli
A restored heritage haveli in the old city.
Pink City guesthouses
Characterful stays near the bazaars.
Where to eat & drink
Rajasthani thali
Dal baati churma and a platter of regional dishes.
Gulab jamun & gujiya
The sweets shared during Holi.
Laxmi Misthan Bhandar
A beloved century-old sweets-and-snacks institution.
Nearby attractions
Amber Fort
The magnificent hilltop fort-palace above Jaipur.
City Palace & Hawa Mahal
The royal palace and the "Palace of Winds."
Braj region (day trip)
Mathura and Vrindavan, the spiritual heart of Holi.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + Pink City
- •Fly into JAI
- •Afternoon: City Palace + Hawa Mahal
- •Evening: Rajasthani thali
2Holi day
- •Morning: colors in the streets or an organized event
- •Afternoon: clean up + rest
- •Evening: sweets + music
3Amber Fort + depart
- •Morning: Amber Fort
- •Head to JAI
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Wear white you can ruin; oil your skin and hair first.
- Consider a safe organized Holi event, especially for first-timers.
- Add Amber Fort and a Braj-region day trip for depth.
Frequently asked questions
When is Holi?
A day in March, on the full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna (with a bonfire, Holika Dahan, the night before).
Where is the best place to experience it?
The Braj region (Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana) is the spiritual epicenter; Jaipur offers a vibrant, tourist-friendly celebration and a great base.
How should you prepare?
Wear white clothes you can ruin, oil your hair and skin to help the color wash out, protect your phone, and use organic colors where possible.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Holi Festival or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.