When is Holi 2025 in Delhi?

Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is a vibrant and joyous Hindu festival celebrated across India and Nepal. During Holi, people gather to play with colored powders, smearing each other in vibrant hues. Delhi is one of the best places to experience Holi in India.

When is Holi 2025 in Delhi?

Holi 2025 will start on Thursday, March 13th, and continue to Friday, March 14th in Delhi. It will last for 2 days. March 13 is the day for Holika Dahan, and, March 14th, is the main Holi day in which the "battle of colors" will take place.

In 2026, Holi will take place from March 3 to March 4 in Delhi.

How is Holi Celebrated in Delhi?

Holi is celebrated for 2 days in Delhi. The first day is for burning the Holi bonfire, and the second day is the main Holi day- when the color fight takes place. T

The First Day of Holi (Holika Dahan/ Choti Holi)- Setting Ritual Bonfire

The first day of Holi is known as Holika Dahan/Choti Holi, which is celebrated by burning the Holi bonfire.

In the evening, locals gather in open spaces or places near temples, to have a ritual bonfire known as Holika Dahan. They light a bonfire and then throw Holika statues (representative of evil in Hinduism) on the bonfire and burn them. This ritual signifies the triumph of good over evil. After burning, they apply ashes to their faces and sing and dance.

The Second Day of Holi - "Fighting" with Colors

The second day of Holi is the Holi main day (Holi or Dhulandi or Dhuleti), which is known for the playful throwing of colored powders and water.

There are color battles in public places, such as streets, temples, and parks as well as at private parties. The color battles in public places are free but they are really chaotic. If you want to take part in one, you are advised to take part in one of the private parties held in hotels, etc.

The 3 Best Places to Celebrate Holi 2025 in Delhi

Holi is celebrated across India. The best places to take part in the Holi celebrations in Delhi include the India Gate and Akshardham Temple, and many private parties. However, if you want to experience a more authentic Holi celebration, we advise you to go to the places detailed below.

1. Mathura and Vrindavan

• Location: About 160 kilometers from Dehli
• Travel hours: 3-4 hours

In Mathura and Vrindavan, you could see a traditional and unique Lathmar Holi. This unique celebration of Holi involves women playfully hitting men with colorful sticks, symbolizing their love. In these two places, Holi celebrations take place mostly in temples. Banke Bihari Temple has the most activities for Holi.

Large crowds of people gather at Banke Bihari Temple, where the largest number of Holi activities take place. In the temple, there is a petal shower and a color shower. Priests in the temple spray flower petals and colors over the crowds. In the streets of Vrindavan, there are flower floats in the afternoon and, afterward, a color fight will take place.

2. Jaipur

• Location: 270 Kilometer from Dehli
• Travel Hours: 5-6 hours

In Jaipur, you can celebrate the festival with the royal family. During Holi, the royal family of Jaipur organizes a grand celebration at the City Palace, featuring dance performances, traditional music, and the throwing of colors. There will be also colorful parades on elephants.

3. Holi Moon Festival

Holi Moo Festival is a famous private Holi party in Delhi. It is very popular among travelers and ex-pats. Here you can play with the color powers with travelers. It is a relatively safe choice for female travelers.

Holi 2025 Holiday in Delhi

In Delhi, Holi is marked by a 1-day public holiday. In 2025, March 14th is a public holiday in Delhi.

During the holiday, public transportation, such as buses and the Metro, may have reduced operating times. Public transportation usually closes in the morning and opens in the afternoon.

Schools, businesses, shops, restaurants, and markets close. They usually open in the afternoon after lunchtime.

Tips for Experiencing Holi in Delhi

• Be Mindful of Chaos: beware of the chaos before you take part in it. It is best to join a private Holi party instead of a public party in the streets or parks.
• Avoid Crowded Temples: Holi celebrations in temples are usually very crowded and chaotic. We recommend female travelers avoid these places.
• Choose a safe place for the celebrations: it is better to go with a travel company as they know where are the best places for travelers.