Key Takeaways
- Holi 2027 is Tuesday 23 March on the Government of India's official 2027 holiday list, with Holika Dahan, the bonfire night, on Monday 22 March.
- Drik Panchang, the calendar most date searches lead to, puts both a day earlier: the bonfire on Sunday 21 March and color play on Monday 22 March. Stay 21 to 23 March and you cover both.
- Braj Holi starts a week early. India's Ministry of Tourism lists Rangotsav 2027 in Mathura and Vrindavan from 16 to 30 March. Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon is expected around 16 and 17 March, not yet confirmed by the temples.
- No Holi hotel premium in Mathura or Vrindavan yet. On 26 October 2026 the cheapest room for two was $14 on Holi eve and $14 on a Sunday in April. In Jaipur, the median of the top-rated picks doubled: $140 against $71.
- Women travelers should plan where they play. Lonely Planet calls harassment in Holi crowds "sadly a common occurrence": choose a hotel-hosted or organised event, go in a group, and refuse color you did not agree to.
Holi 2027 falls on Tuesday 23 March in India, according to the Government of India's official 2027 holiday list, with Holika Dahan on Monday 22 March. Drik Panchang, the most widely used Hindu calendar online, puts the bonfire on Sunday 21 March and colors on Monday 22 March. Plan on 21 to 23 March to catch both.
We built this trip in Navoy: a 4-day Holi plan in Mathura and Vrindavan, 20 to 23 March 2027.
When is Holi 2027 in India?
The Government of India lists Holi on Tuesday 23 March 2027 and Holika Dahan on Monday 22 March, in its holiday order of 16 July 2026. Drik Panchang gives Sunday 21 March for the bonfire and Monday 22 March for colors. We found no 2027 state holiday list yet for Uttar Pradesh or Rajasthan, the two states in this guide.
The two calendars disagree by one day:
| Official: Government of India (DoPT) | Panchang: Drik Panchang | |
|---|---|---|
| Holika Dahan (bonfire night) | Monday 22 March 2027 (restricted holiday) | Sunday 21 March 2027, New Delhi muhurat 6:33 pm to 8:55 pm |
| Holi (color day) | Tuesday 23 March 2027 (gazetted holiday) | Monday 22 March 2027 |
| Status | Published in the order of 16 July 2026 | Calculated from the lunar calendar |
Why the split? Holi follows the full moon of Phalguna, and in 2027 that full moon runs from the evening of 21 March to the afternoon of 22 March by panchang calculations, so calendars land on different days.
The official list binds central government offices in Delhi; states and the Braj temples publish their own schedules later. For a traveler the answer is simple: arrive by Saturday 20 March, stay to Tuesday 23 March, and you are in place on either reading.
How much does a hotel cost for Holi 2027?
Less than you might fear in Braj, at least for now. On 26 October 2026, the cheapest room for two in Mathura and in Vrindavan cost $14 on Holi eve, Sunday 21 March 2027, and the same $14 on Sunday 18 April. In Jaipur, the median of the top-rated picks doubled: $140 against $71.
| Room for 2 adults, 1 night | Sun 21 Mar 2027 (Holi eve) | Sun 18 Apr 2027 | Top picks, Holi vs April |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathura, cheapest room | $14 | $14 | |
| Mathura, median of the 14 cheapest | $25 | $22 | |
| Mathura, median of the top picks | $44 | $41 | 1.1x |
| Vrindavan, cheapest room | $14 | $14 | |
| Vrindavan, median of the 14 cheapest | $25 | $22 | |
| Vrindavan, median of the top picks | $41 | $35 | 1.2x |
| Jaipur, cheapest room | $7 | $10 | |
| Jaipur, median of the 14 cheapest | $14 | $13 | |
| Jaipur, median of the top picks | $140 | $71 | 2.0x |
In Mathura and Vrindavan, budget rooms show no Holi premium five months out; the well-rated places are already 7% to 17% dearer. In Jaipur, the cheapest rooms are flat but the top-rated hotels cost twice their April price: that is the stock to book first.
How we measured: Navoy's own check on book.navoy.io, 26 October 2026, 2 adults, 1 room, both nights checked the same day. We priced Sunday 21 March, the eve of color day on the panchang, against Sunday 18 April. We also priced Monday 22 March, the eve of the official holiday, against Monday 19 April: the same pattern, with the top-rated median at $44 against $40 in Mathura, $40 against $32 in Vrindavan and $140 against $77 in Jaipur. Prices move daily.
Check what's left for your night: Mathura and Vrindavan hotels with live prices, or Jaipur hotels for Holi week.
Where is the best place to celebrate Holi in India?
For the traditional festival, Mathura and Vrindavan, the region tied to Krishna, where the Ministry of Tourism's Rangotsav runs 16 to 30 March 2027. For Lathmar Holi, Barsana and Nandgaon. For a hosted, calmer day, a hotel party in Jaipur or the palace bonfire in Udaipur. Hampi offers a village Holi in the south.
| Place | What happens | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Mathura (Uttar Pradesh) | Temple Holi; the Dwarkadheesh Temple is the focus on Holi day | The traditional festival, in big crowds |
| Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh) | Banke Bihari Temple; Phoolon ki Holi with flowers; the widows' Holi | Devotional Holi; packed temple lanes |
| Barsana and Nandgaon (Uttar Pradesh) | Lathmar Holi: women ceremonially "beat" the men with wooden staves | Watching a ritual, the week before Holi |
| Jaipur (Rajasthan) | City-wide color play; boutique hotels host private parties | First-timers who want a hosted event |
| Udaipur (Rajasthan) | Holika Dahan at Manek Chowk in the City Palace, with a procession and fireworks | The bonfire night |
| Pushkar (Rajasthan) | Street Holi in the town center with music | Backpackers; expect a party crowd |
| Hampi (Karnataka) | Bonfires, color play and drumming, then washing off in the Tungabhadra river | A slower Holi in the south |
What is Holi like in Mathura and Vrindavan?
Crowded, devotional and longer than one day. India's Ministry of Tourism lists Rangotsav 2027 in Mathura and Vrindavan from 16 to 30 March, across Barsana, Nandgaon, Gokul and Govardhan too. The temples are the center: the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan and, on Holi day, the Dwarkadheesh Temple in Mathura.
Mathura sits 145 km south-east of Delhi, according to the district administration, and Vrindavan is a short drive north. At Vrindavan's Phoolon ki Holi, flowers are thrown instead of powder. India travel writer Mariellen Ward warns that "Vrindavan is extremely crowded during Holi, so take care to guard your valuables". Arrive early and cover your camera.
Where to sleep: Mathura has the main railway junction; Vrindavan puts you within walking distance of the temples. Splitting your nights between the two works well.
When is Lathmar Holi 2027 in Barsana and Nandgaon?
Expected around Tuesday 16 March in Barsana and Wednesday 17 March in Nandgaon, the week before the main Holi. Those are estimates from the lunar calendar, published by local tour operators; the temples and the Mathura district had not confirmed them on 26 October 2026. The Ministry of Tourism's Rangotsav opens on 16 March.
In Barsana, around the Radha Rani Temple, women ceremonially "beat" the visiting men of Nandgaon with wooden staves (lathis) while the men shield themselves. The return match is in Nandgaon the next day. If Lathmar Holi is your reason to go, a stay from 15 to 23 March covers both villages and both readings of the main Holi.
What is Holi like in Jaipur, Udaipur, Pushkar and Hampi?
Jaipur is the easiest first Holi: city streets get water balloons and powder, and boutique hotels run private parties. Udaipur's draw is the bonfire night at the City Palace. Pushkar is a street party. Hampi, in Karnataka, is a village Holi that ends at the river.
- Jaipur. Lonely Planet lists Jaipur, with Delhi and Mumbai, for "the urban version of Holi". Ward recommends boutique hotels that offer private parties. Book early: in our price check, Jaipur's top-rated hotels cost twice their April price on Holi eve.
- Udaipur. On the full-moon night, a procession leads from the royal residence to Manek Chowk in the City Palace for the Holika Dahan, held by the Mewar royal family (Eternal Mewar). Lonely Planet describes elephants, camels, horses and a fireworks finish.
- Pushkar. Travel guides describe a party-style street Holi with music. Read the safety section before you go.
- Hampi. Lonely Planet says the villages around the ruins light bonfires, play with color and drums, then gather on the Tungabhadra's banks to wash it off.
Thailand's water festival follows a few weeks later: see our Songkran 2027 guide.
Is Holi safe for women travelers?
Holi can be safe for women, with planning. Lonely Planet calls sexual harassment in Holi crowds, "often passed off as innocent fun", sadly common. The US State Department warns that violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites in India. Celebrate at a hotel-hosted or organised event, in a trusted group, and refuse color you did not agree to.
- Choose the setting. Lonely Planet recommends a familiar or private environment, or an organised event, with trusted friends. Mariellen Ward, who writes about India for women travelers, goes further: she does not recommend that foreign women join the street festivities, and says it's "almost impossible to avoid being groped and harassed, even if you are with men."
- Go early, finish early. Street play is "usually all over by the early afternoon", Ward writes.
- Watch the drinks. The UK government's India advice says to be wary of accepting drinks or food from strangers and reports spiked drinks. Ward calls bhang lassi, the cannabis drink served at Holi, "a very powerful intoxicant, disguised as a sweet, delicious milky drink".
- Say no clearly. Lonely Planet's line: politely but firmly decline if someone insists on applying color without your consent.
How do you protect your skin, eyes and phone at Holi?
Oil your skin and hair before you go out, wear sunglasses and old full-sleeved cotton, and carry your phone and cash in a ziplock bag, Lonely Planet advises. Asked whether Holi colors are safe for skin and hair, its answer is "the short answer is no": commercial colors can irritate, so ask for natural colors.
Cover your hair with a scarf or cap, leave expensive tech at the hotel, and if your skin is sensitive, Lonely Planet suggests watching from a balcony or rooftop instead of playing.
How do you get to Mathura, Vrindavan and Jaipur for Holi?
Fly into Delhi (DEL) for Mathura and Vrindavan: the district lists Delhi's airport 136 km from Mathura, with Agra's Kheria airport closer. Mathura Junction is on the main rail lines. For the Rajasthan side, fly into Jaipur (JAI). Arrive before the bonfire; you won't want to cross the region on color day.
Search flights to Delhi: flights to DEL, 20 to 23 March 2027. For Jaipur: flights to JAI, 20 to 23 March 2027.
Book the ride from the airport: an airport transfer from Delhi, settled before you land.
Our guide to booking Diwali flights shows which Indian festival fare claims hold up.
Plan this trip
- See the trip we built: a 4-day Holi plan in Mathura and Vrindavan, 20 to 23 March 2027
- Plan your own for free: Planning a trip at navoy.io is free. Start free
- Hotels in Mathura and Vrindavan: compare live prices for Holi week
- Hotels in Jaipur: compare live prices for Holi week
- Flights: search flights to Delhi DEL, 20 to 23 March 2027
- Airport transfer: book your transfer from the airport
Frequently asked questions
What is the date of Holi 2027?
Tuesday 23 March 2027 on the Government of India's official holiday list, issued by the Department of Personnel and Training on 16 July 2026. Drik Panchang, the most widely used online Hindu calendar, puts color day on Monday 22 March. Braj temples publish their own schedules, so a stay from 21 to 23 March covers both dates.
When is Holika Dahan 2027?
Monday 22 March 2027 on the official central government list, where it appears as a restricted holiday under "Holika Dahan, Dolyatra". Drik Panchang puts it on Sunday 21 March, with the New Delhi muhurat from 6:33 pm to 8:55 pm. In both calendars the bonfire comes the evening before color day.
Is Holi a public holiday in India in 2027?
For central government offices in Delhi, yes: Tuesday 23 March 2027 is a gazetted holiday. Outside Delhi, Holi is one of 12 optional festivals, from which each state's coordination committee chooses three for central offices there. State governments publish their own 2027 lists; we found none yet for Uttar Pradesh or Rajasthan on 26 October 2026.
When is Lathmar Holi 2027?
Expected around Tuesday 16 March 2027 in Barsana and Wednesday 17 March in Nandgaon, according to local tour operators' lunar-calendar estimates. The temples and the Mathura district had not confirmed those dates on 26 October 2026. The Ministry of Tourism's Rangotsav, which includes Lathmar Holi, runs from 16 to 30 March 2027.
Is it safe to drink bhang at Holi?
Be careful. India travel writer Mariellen Ward calls bhang lassi "a very powerful intoxicant, disguised as a sweet, delicious milky drink", and the UK government's India advice warns of spiked drinks and food. If you try it, take very little, from a source you trust, and never accept drinks from strangers.
Sources
- Government of India, DoPT Office Memorandum F. No. 12/2/2023-JCA, 16 July 2026, as forwarded by the Department of Posts on 8 September 2026 (PDF) - Holi Tuesday 23 March 2027 (gazetted, Delhi offices); Holika Dahan, Dolyatra Monday 22 March 2027 (restricted); Holi among the 12 optional holidays outside Delhi
- Drik Panchang, Holi 2027 - Holi Monday 22 March 2027
- Drik Panchang, Holika Dahan 2027 - Holika Dahan Sunday 21 March 2027; New Delhi muhurat 6:33 pm to 8:55 pm
- Hindutone, Holi 2027 - Phalguna Purnima from 6:21 pm on 21 March to 4:13 pm on 22 March 2027 (panchang calculation)
- Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism, Rangotsav 2027 - Rangotsav 16 to 30 March 2027 in Mathura and Vrindavan; Lathmar Holi at the Radha Rani Temple and in Nandgaon; Phoolon ki Holi; widows' Holi
- Vrindavan Mathura Tourism, Barsana Lathmar Holi 2027 - expected Lathmar dates, 16 March (Barsana) and 17 March (Nandgaon), unconfirmed
- Mathura district administration, how to reach - 145 km south-east of Delhi; Delhi airport 136 km; Kheria airport, Agra; Mathura Junction
- Lonely Planet, How and Where to Celebrate Holi in India (Prachi Joshi, 27 January 2025) - women's safety, consent, clothing, oil, sunglasses, ziplock bag, "the short answer is no" on colors; Jaipur urban Holi; Udaipur procession and fireworks; Hampi
- Breathedreamgo, What you need to know about Holi in India (Mariellen Ward, updated 7 September 2026) - advice for women, bhang, play ends by early afternoon, Banke Bihari and Dwarkadheesh temples, Jaipur hotel parties, Vrindavan crowds
- Eternal Mewar, Holika Dahan - Holika Dahan at Manek Chowk, City Palace Udaipur, on the full moon of Phalguna, with a procession from the royal residence
- UK Foreign Office, India safety and security - sexual assault risk in tourist areas; spiked drinks and food
- US State Department, India travel advisory - Level 2; violent crimes, including sexual assault, at tourist sites
- Navoy's own price check on book.navoy.io, 26 October 2026, 2 adults, 1 room - hotel prices in Mathura, Vrindavan and Jaipur, Sunday 21 March vs Sunday 18 April 2027
All figures verified 26 October 2026. The official date comes from the Government of India order of 16 July 2026; the panchang dates are calculations, and the Braj event dates are estimates until the temples publish.
Related articles
- Songkran 2027: Thailand Dates, Where to Go and What to Know
- When to Book Diwali Flights in 2026
- Travelling in Asia During Chinese New Year 2027: What Is Actually Open
Going to India for Holi? Plan the trip free, then compare live hotel prices - Navoy: your AI Travel Agent
About the Author
Ranym Garali
Ranym is the Marketing and Content Lead at Navoy. She's been writing about travel for two years and digs into the data behind each piece, flight prices, visa rules and what people are actually searching for , so the advice holds up in practice.
