There are festivals you attend, and then there are festivals you feel. Holi in Rajasthan belongs to the second kind. Celebrating Holi in Rajasthan in 2026 is more than just a festival; it’s the moment when the desert breathes, the air smells of color and sweets, and every lane fills with laughter. It’s the kind of celebration that doesn’t just stay on the streets, but lingers in your memory long after it’s over. For two days, the dry, golden landscape of Rajasthan turns alive with rhythm, dance, and the warmth of people who welcome you like family.
If you’re planning to see India in its most joyful mood, mark your calendar for March 3 and 4, 2026. That’s when Holi will take over Rajasthan — from royal palaces in Jaipur to the holy ghats of Pushkar and the lakes of Udaipur, every corner of the state becomes part of one giant celebration.
What is the real date of Holi in 2026?
Still wondering when Holi will be celebrated in 2026? The main day of Holi (Rangwali Holi) will be on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The Holika Dahan bonfire and evening prayers will take place a day earlier, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. So, mark your calendar for March 3 and 4, 2026 — two days filled with colors, music, and joy across Rajasthan and the rest of India.
Holi in Rajasthan – Famous Celebrations in Barsana, Pushkar & Jaipur
Renowned for its kings, forts, and deserts. But during Holi, it is a land of colors, laughter, and happiness. Every town celebrates in its own style. So, let’s go to three popular places — Barsana, Pushkar, and Jaipur. Also, find out how people celebrate Holi there. We promise you, Rajasthan Holi celebrations will be your beautiful memory. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning for your next bucket list.
Barsana Holi in Rajasthan – The Fun Lathmar Celebration.
So, the first stop is Barsana, a town near Mathura.
- Barsana enjoys a very light-hearted and mischievous celebration of Holi. Yes, in the shape of Lathmar Holi.
- In this tradition, women called upon by men from a town named Nandgaon to celebrate Holi with them. Did you know? The women also hit men gently with sticks known as lath. But the men protect themselves with shields. Also, the two laugh, sing, and enjoy each other’s company.
- The environment is red, yellow, and pink in color with powders. Moreover, drums and flute music make the whole town dance. Barsana Holi festival is all about fun. So, book your Tour Packages today.
What Happens in Barsana’s Famous Lathmar Holi.
| Event | What It Symbolizes |
|---|---|
| Lathmar Play | Women in a fun way beat men with sticks in a lighthearted game. |
| Color Throwing | Individuals throw colors of every type on each other in glee. |
| Folk Songs | Villagers sing of Radha and Krishna’s love in songs. |
| Food & Drinks | Individuals indulge in sweets like gujiya and drink thandai. |
So, Holi brings to mind Radha and Krishna. Did you know? They also have celebrated Holi here centuries ago.
Pushkar Holi – Music, Colors, and Cultural Fun for Everyone.
Then there is Pushkar, a peaceful and holy town with a big lake and several temples. Holi in Pushkar lives up to its reputation with madness, color, and music. Also, the festival starts with Holika Dahan on the shores of the lake. People set huge bonfires, sing songs, and pray for peace and happiness. The next morning, the real fun starts. Do you know? People dance in the streets, play drums, and throw colors in the air. Moreover, you will hear laughter everywhere. You can also check out a 1 Day Pushkar Tour Package.
Top Fun Things to Do During Pushkar Holi Festival.
People from all around the globe come for Pushkar Holi. But what’s even special? Everyone comes together, regardless of their background. Also, the town filled with colors, and smiles. So, check out Pushkar Holi activities.
| What You’ll See | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|
| Bonfire by the Lake | People pray for good luck and blessings. |
| Music and Dance | Drums and folk music line the streets with vitality. |
| Organic Colors | Flower-based safe colors are used. |
| Camel Parades | Camels decorated tread the streets. |
Jaipur Holi – A Royal and Luxurious Celebration in Rajasthan.
Our final place is Jaipur, Pink City.
- We all know that Holi in Jaipur is regal and luxurious. Its like its palaces and forts.
- Did you know? Holi celebrations begin a day before Holi with the Elephant Festival. Also, beautiful elephants dressed in vibrant paints, ornaments, and clothes. Do you know what’s better? There are music and games, and even elephant dances.
- The whole city colored pink, yellow, and orange on the day of Holi. Also, citizens play in parks, roads, and even at the kings’ palace. Moreover, even members of the royal family sometimes take part in the celebrations. So, Rajasthan Holi festivals cannot be missed.
- Everyone enjoy sweets like gujiya and malpua. Also, classical drums like dhol and nagada played by the musicians. Also, explore 1 Day Jaipur Tour Package.
Highlights of the Royal Holi Celebrations in Jaipur.
When night comes, Holi festival in Jaipur shines with light and music. The city is also like a fantasy filled with colors and smiles.
| Celebration | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Elephant Parade | Elephants move in long multicolored columns. |
| Folk Dances | The dancers perform songs and dances. |
| Colors & Sweets | Color is everywhere and yummy sweets are shared. |
| Royal Events | Big parties get arranged in palaces and hotels for the invitees. |
Celebrations in Barsana, Pushkar & Jaipur: Holi Safety Tips.
Follow some Holi safety tips and you will enjoy the festival. Also, check out Budget Travel Tips.
| Tip | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Use natural colors | It keeps your skin safe from itching or burning. |
| Protect your eyes | Wear glasses or close your eyes when someone throws color. |
| Stay with elders | Always play around your family or known adults. |
| Drink water often | The sun may be hot during Holi, so drink water. |
Why Experience Holi Celebrations in Barsana, Pushkar & Jaipur.
Holi unites everyone — young or old, poor or wealthy. It also indicates that joy increases when shared. The colors remind us of spring, new life, and love. Also, Holi is like a beautiful dream with light and joy. So, don’t miss the Holi in Rajasthan.
What Happens During Holi in Rajasthan
The Night Before – Holika Dahan (March 3, 2026)
As the sun sets, people gather around bonfires built in open spaces. The air fills with the sound of prayers and the crackle of burning wood. Families circle the fire three times and offer grains, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
You’ll hear elders tell children the story of Prahlad and Holika — a tale of courage and devotion that gives this night its meaning.
The Main Day – Rangwali Holi (March 4, 2026)
When the sun rises, Rajasthan wakes up to a festival like no other. People throw colored powder, pour water, and share sweets. You’ll hear drums, folk songs, and bursts of laughter from every street.
No one is a stranger on Holi. People greet each other with “Bura na mano, Holi hai!” — “Don’t mind, it’s Holi!” — and forget all worries for the day. It’s pure, happy chaos — the kind that makes you feel alive.
Food That Defines the Festival
Holi isn’t complete without food, and Rajasthan takes it seriously. Every home smells like ghee, sugar, and spices.
Try these must-have festive dishes:
- Gujiya: Crispy sweet dumplings filled with delicious milk solids and nuts.
- Malpua: Soft pancakes dipped in syrup, often served warm.
- Thandai: A cool milk drink flavored with saffron, almonds, and cardamom.
- Mathri and Namakpare: Salty snacks that are wonderful with tea.
People often invite guests to join in eating sweets, confirming that Holi is more about people than just color here.
Why You Should Experience It Once in Your Life
Holi in Rajasthan is not only something you see – it is something you feel. It is the warmth in a stranger’s smile, the joy of color on your skin, and it is the music that lingers long after it finishes. When you wash off the colors at the end of the day, you recognize something deeper – the festival was never about the color on your body, but rather the feeling in your heart.
In 2026, be part of it. Let Rajasthan paint your clothes, your memories, and maybe even a little part of your heart.
Conclusion
In the evening, people shed the colors, swap sweets, and rest. The color fades from their faces, but the joy stays in their hearts. So, do you need assistance in planning a tour? If yes, book your customized tour package here. So the next time you’re celebrating Holi, remember — it’s not all about colors on your face. But also the colors of happiness in your heart.
FAQs
Holi 2026 in Rajasthan will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, with Holika Dahan on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The first night marks the bonfire ritual, while the next day — known as Rangwali Holi — is filled with colors, music, and street celebrations across Jaipur, Udaipur, and Pushkar.
The Holika Dahan ceremony will take place on the evening of March 3, 2026, after sunset. The ideal muhurta (time) for lighting the bonfire is expected to fall between 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM, depending on the city. Locals gather around fires to sing, pray, and celebrate good over evil.
Holika Dahan is celebrated to symbolize good winning over evil. According to a Hindu legend, Prahlad, a devotee, was untouched by fire, but his aunts Holika was burnt to death in the same flame. It is also a reminder to people that faith, truth and honour, will one day overcome hubris and evil.
The best places to experience Holi 2026 in Rajasthan have to be Jaipur, Udaipur, Pushkar , & Jodhpur. Jaipur lays on some seriously royal style events, Pushkar is the place to be if you like big street parties, Udaipur does its lakeside celebrations in style and Jodhpur brings local music & colours together under the majestic Mehrangarh Fort.
Most Holi celebrations in Rajasthan are free and open to everyone, especially in public areas and local neighborhoods. However, royal palace events in Jaipur or Udaipur, as well as private hotel parties, may require advance booking or tickets. It’s best to check with organizers early.
Holi is traditionally a two-day festival in Rajasthan. The first day is Holika Dahan, the night of bonfires and prayers, and the second day is Rangwali Holi, when people play with colors, dance, and share food. Some places, like Pushkar, begin celebrations a day earlier with music and fairs.
When it comes to Holi, Rajasthani homes go all out & whip up all sorts of goodies – gujiyas (little milk & nut filled dumplings), malpua pancakes, thandai – a tasty milk drink, and then there are the savoury snacks like mathri . After they’ve been playing with colours, they all get together to share these treats with the neighbours & any guests they’ve got round for the holiday.
Holi in Rajasthan really does bring together colour, culture & community in a way that really can’t be found anywhere else. This is a festival that really has the power to break barriers & bring strangers together – everyone becomes fast friends & the traditions just spring to life. You get this amazing mix of royal celebrations, village customs & genuine warmth that just makes for one of the most unforgettable festivals in India.
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