Holi in India 2027: where to celebrate and how to fly from the UK

Holi dates for 2027

Holi falls on the full moon of the month of Phalguna. In 2027, the bonfires of Holika Dahan are lit on the evening of Sunday 21 March, and Rangwali Holi, when people throw colours, is on Monday 22 March. In the Braj region around Mathura, celebrations run for days, with Lathmar Holi in Barsana expected around 16 March, although local dates should be confirmed nearer the time.

Holi 2027 falls close to the UK Easter holidays, so flights in late March and early April can be busy. Book early if you are tied to school dates.

Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana

The Braj region, linked to the childhood of Krishna, holds the most famous Holi celebrations in India. Vrindavan’s temples, including Banke Bihari, are thronged with devotees, and Barsana and Nandgaon are known for Lathmar Holi, where women playfully beat men with sticks.

Mathura is a few hours from Delhi by road, and makes an easy add-on to a trip to Agra and the Taj Mahal. The crowds are enormous, so go with a local guide and keep a close eye on children and valuables.

Our tip: Wear old white clothes you can throw away, oil your hair and skin before playing, and keep phones in a sealed bag.

Holi with family in Gujarat

In Gujarat, Holi is a family festival, with bonfires on the night of Holika Dahan and colours the next day in villages and housing societies. Dwarka holds special celebrations for Krishna. The Gatwick to Ahmedabad non-stop is the easiest way home. See flights to Gujarat.

Hola Mohalla in Punjab

In Punjab, the day after Holi is Hola Mohalla, a Sikh festival of martial arts, horsemanship and community celebration at Anandpur Sahib. In 2027 it falls around 23 March. Our Sikh heritage guide explains how to get there, and the Birmingham to Amritsar non-stop is the most direct route from the UK.

Where to fly for Holi

Choose by where you want to celebrate.

Holi in Jaipur and Varanasi

Jaipur celebrates Holi with colour in the old city and events for visitors, and it combines well with the Golden Triangle. In Varanasi, Holi on the ghats is joyful and chaotic. See our flights to Rajasthan and Varanasi guides.

Staying safe at Holi

Holi is great fun but crowds can get rowdy, especially in the afternoon. Celebrate with family or a trusted group, choose natural colours where you can, protect your eyes, and stay away from very crowded spots if you are travelling with children or older relatives.

Bhang, a cannabis-based drink, is traditionally served at Holi in some places. Be cautious with anything offered to you, especially sweets and drinks from strangers.

Weather in March

March is warm and dry across most of north and west India, before the real heat of April and May. Days are hot in the sun and evenings are pleasant. Pack light clothes, sun cream and a hat.

Combining Holi with a holiday

Holi is a good moment to see the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, and to visit Mathura and Vrindavan on the way. Our Golden Triangle tour can be timed around the festival, with flights from the UK on one booking.

Before you fly

British passport holders need an Indian visa or an OCI card and the free e-Arrival card. Make sure your travel insurance covers you for the whole trip. Our e-Arrival card guide explains the online form.

Food and drink at Holi

Gujiya, the sweet filled dumpling, is the classic Holi sweet, along with malpua, dahi bhalla and puran poli in different regions. Thandai, a cooling spiced milk drink, is served everywhere, sometimes mixed with bhang, so ask before you drink it.

Street food stalls do a roaring trade on Holi afternoon. Wash colour off your hands before eating, and choose busy stalls where food is freshly made.

Holi with children

Children love Holi, but the big public celebrations can be overwhelming. A family Holi in a housing society or with relatives is safer and more fun for little ones. Use natural, skin-friendly colours, protect their eyes, and keep water pistols for the garden.

For the flight, see our guide to flying to India with children.

Respect and photography

Holi is a joyful free-for-all, but not everyone wants to play. Ask before putting colour on strangers, especially older people and women, and respect a no. Temples in Vrindavan and Mathura have their own customs, so follow the lead of local people and your guide.

If you want photos, protect your camera or phone with a waterproof cover. Colour gets everywhere and can damage electronics.

After Holi

Washing off the colour takes time, so plan a quiet evening. Coconut oil on skin and hair beforehand makes it much easier. Shops and offices often close on Holi, and travel can be difficult in the morning, so avoid planning flights or long drives on the day itself.

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