Holi 2025- 9 Places You Can Enjoy Holi In Rajasthan
By: Neha Tue, 11 Mar 2025 1:00:44
Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, is celebrated across India in March. While numerous destinations offer a fantastic Holi experience, Rajasthan's celebrations are truly unmissable. A trip to Rajasthan during Holi promises one of the most spectacular and culturally rich celebrations in the country.
Rajasthan boasts some of the best places to celebrate Holi in 2025. From the high-energy Techno Holi in Pushkar to the grandeur of royal Holi festivities, the state offers a variety of unique experiences. Holi is one of Rajasthan’s most significant festivals, bringing people together as royal families open their doors to the public, inviting them to participate in their grand celebrations.
Beyond the royal festivities, people of all ages come together to play with colors, offer prayers during Holika Dahan, and indulge in traditional festive treats like gujiya, bhang, and pakoras. The celebrations attract both locals and tourists from India and around the world who wish to witness the essence of “Rangeela Rajasthan” (Colorful Rajasthan) at its peak during Holi.
This two-day festival is filled with joy, colors, and cultural richness, making it an ideal time to experience Rajasthan’s traditions. Holi marks the end of winter and is celebrated on the full moon day of the Phalgun month. The night before, Holika Dahan takes place, where people gather around a large bonfire to perform rituals, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The following day, known as Dhulandi, is when people play with colors and exchange sweets.
Rajasthan’s Holi celebrations vary across different regions, each offering a unique experience. Let’s explore how Holi is celebrated in different parts of the state so you can choose the perfect place for an unforgettable Holi celebration!
# Techno Holi – Pushkar
When it comes to celebrating Holi in Rajasthan, the charming town of Pushkar stands out as a top destination. Known for housing Rajasthan’s only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, this otherwise peaceful town transforms into a vibrant party hub during Holi.
Holi in Pushkar is especially popular among the younger crowd, as the entire market, main square, and ghats around Pushkar Lake turn into a lively celebration space. People gather on the streets, play with colors, and dance to an electrifying mix of techno beats and Bollywood Holi songs, creating an unforgettable festive atmosphere.
The excitement of Holi in Pushkar is further enhanced by traditional bhang thandai and lassi, adding to the revelry. If you're searching for the best Holi parties in Rajasthan, Techno Holi is a must-experience event. The sight of color bombs bursting into the air and a pulsating crowd makes this celebration one of the most exciting Holi events in Rajasthan.
# Brij Mahotsav – Bharatpur
Bharatpur, renowned for its vast bird sanctuary, also hosts one of Rajasthan’s most traditional Holi celebrations. Brij Holi in Bharatpur takes place before the main Holi festival and dates back to the 18th century, when it was initiated by Raja Surajmal.
Unlike other regions, Holi in Bharatpur is celebrated through cultural performances depicting the divine love of Radha and Krishna. Locals dress as Krishna and the Gopis, performing the Rasila dance— a traditional folk dance staged across the city.
A unique belief associated with this celebration is that taking a dip in the sacred Banganga River during Holi washes away one’s sins and purifies the soul. With its deep-rooted traditions and vibrant festivities, Brij Mahotsav is a mesmerizing experience and one of the best Holi celebrations in Rajasthan.
# Royal Holi Celebrations – Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer
For those seeking a regal Holi experience, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer offer unparalleled celebrations. The royal families of these cities actively participate in the festivities, welcoming the public into palace gardens and courtyards for an extravagant Holi celebration.
In Udaipur, the Maharaja lights the ceremonial Holika Dahan fire at the City Palace courtyard, an event open to both locals and tourists. This unique experience offers a glimpse into Rajasthan’s royal heritage. After the ritual, sweets are distributed among attendees, making it one of the best Holi events in Udaipur.
Similarly, in Jodhpur, the Umaid Bhawan Palace courtyard opens to the public on Dhulandi, allowing guests to play with colors in a grand setting. The air is filled with the beats of Bollywood music as people joyfully throw water balloons and dance to the festive rhythms.
For an extraordinary experience, Jaisalmer’s Sonar Qila (Golden Fort) offers an opportunity to celebrate Holi inside India’s only living fort. Wandering through its ancient alleys, playing with colors alongside locals, and soaking in the festive spirit make Jaisalmer one of the most unique Holi destinations in Rajasthan.
# Dolchi Holi – Bikaner
Dolchi Holi in Bikaner is a 300-year-old traditional Holi celebration, unlike any other in Rajasthan. In this unique festival, men throw water at each other using Dolchis—vessels made of camel skin.
The tradition originated from a historic dispute between two communities over food, which eventually turned into a ritualistic water fight. Today, only men participate in Dolchi Holi, while women and children watch from a distance. This distinct celebration makes Bikaner one of the most fascinating places to witness Holi in Rajasthan.
# Dhulandi Holi – Jaipur
Dhulandi marks the second day of Holi, when people come together to celebrate with vibrant colors. In Jaipur, the City Palace—one of Rajasthan’s top attractions—opens its doors to the public, offering a royal setting to enjoy the festival.
Jaipur’s Holi has a special significance as it commemorates the legend of Lord Krishna, who playfully colored Radha’s face to match his own. The celebration is a lively tribute to their love, with the city’s picturesque streets buzzing with joy.
As you wander through Jaipur during Holi, don’t miss out on the traditional delicacies such as ghevar, gujiya, and mathris, which add to the festive charm. This makes Jaipur one of the most iconic places to celebrate Holi in Rajasthan.
# Gair Holi & Mali Holi – Ajmer
Ajmer offers a distinctive Holi experience with its Gair Holi celebration, a vibrant folk dance event. Men from 12 nearby villages gather in Godaji, just outside Ajmer, bringing their drummers, musical instruments, and Gair troupes for a grand post-Holi performance. The energy and enthusiasm of this festival make it a must-see event.
Mali Holi, another unique tradition in Ajmer, follows an age-old custom where men from the Mali community throw colors at women, who, in turn, playfully hit them with sticks or long cloth pieces. This fun-filled tradition strengthens community bonds, making it one of the most exciting Holi celebrations in Rajasthan.
# Koda Maar Holi – Bhilwara
Koda Maar Holi is a lively and playful Holi tradition celebrated in Shri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Bhilwara, and Ajmer. Here, men drench each other in colors and gulal while women add a mischievous twist by playfully hitting them with Kodas—handmade double wooden sticks with rubber—or wet cotton cloths.
This Holi celebration is a mix of fun, laughter, and a bit of playful mischief, making it one of the most entertaining ways to celebrate Holi in Rajasthan.
# Pattar Maar Holi – Banswara & Barmer
Pattar Maar Holi, celebrated in Barmer, Dungarpur, Banswara, and Bara, is one of Rajasthan’s most intense Holi traditions. Unlike other regions, this version involves participants throwing small stones along with colors at each other.
For safety, people wear turbans and use shields to protect themselves. Although it might seem rough, this tradition is mostly practiced in good spirits and remains one of the most unique ways to celebrate Holi in Rajasthan.
# Rang Teras – Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh, one of Rajasthan’s most historic cities, does not celebrate Dhulandi on the same day as the rest of the state. According to local belief, a former ruler of Chittorgarh passed away on Dhulandi, leading residents to refrain from celebrating Holi on that day.
Instead, Holi in Chittorgarh is observed on Saptami, also known as “Rang Teras.” The entire city takes a holiday, allowing people to fully immerse themselves in the celebrations. If you miss Holi elsewhere in Rajasthan, Chittorgarh offers a fantastic opportunity to experience it a few days later.