New Delhi | 3 March 2026

Holi, the festival of colours, will be celebrated across India on March 4, 2026, with Holika Dahan observed a day earlier on March 3. While the festival marks the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring, its celebrations stretch beyond a single day and take unique forms across regions. From playful colour fights to martial displays and cultural performances, Holi reflects India’s deep-rooted traditions and regional diversity.

In Uttar Pradesh, Holi is famously marked by Lathmar Holi in the towns of Barsana and Nandgaon. Here, women playfully chase men with sticks, recreating a legend linked to Lord Krishna and Radha. Songs, colours and laughter fill the streets, making it one of the most distinctive Holi celebrations in the country.

In Punjab, the Sikh community celebrates Hola Mohalla, a tradition started by Guru Gobind Singh. Held mainly in Anandpur Sahib, the festival focuses on strength, discipline and courage. Martial arts displays, mock battles and horse riding take centre stage, giving Holi a bold and energetic character.

Other parts of the country add their own cultural touch. In West Bengal, Holi is observed as Basanta Utsav at Shantiniketan, with dance, music and yellow attire welcoming spring. Maharashtra celebrates Rang Panchami with large community gatherings, while Goa hosts the vibrant Shigmo festival. In Manipur, the five-day Yaosang festival blends local traditions with Holi rituals. Despite regional variations, Holika Dahan remains the unifying ritual, symbolising renewal, harmony and a fresh beginning.

Holi 2026: From Lathmar Holi to Hola Mohalla, India Paints Spring in Many Colours

Holi, the festival of colours, will be celebrated across India on March 4, 2026, with Holika Dahan observed a day earlier on March 3. While the festival marks the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring, its celebrations stretch beyond a single day and take unique forms across regions. From playful colour fights to martial displays and cultural performances, Holi reflects India’s deep-rooted traditions and regional diversity.

In Uttar Pradesh, Holi is famously marked by Lathmar Holi in the towns of Barsana and Nandgaon. Here, women playfully chase men with sticks, recreating a legend linked to Lord Krishna and Radha. Songs, colours and laughter fill the streets, making it one of the most distinctive Holi celebrations in the country.

In Punjab, the Sikh community celebrates Hola Mohalla, a tradition started by Guru Gobind Singh. Held mainly in Anandpur Sahib, the festival focuses on strength, discipline and courage. Martial arts displays, mock battles and horse riding take centre stage, giving Holi a bold and energetic character.

Other parts of the country add their own cultural touch. In West Bengal, Holi is observed as Basanta Utsav at Shantiniketan, with dance, music and yellow attire welcoming spring. Maharashtra celebrates Rang Panchami with large community gatherings, while Goa hosts the vibrant Shigmo festival. In Manipur, the five-day Yaosang festival blends local traditions with Holi rituals. Despite regional variations, Holika Dahan remains the unifying ritual, symbolising renewal, harmony and a fresh beginning.