Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan is more than a festival of colors; it’s a celebration of divine ecstasy and love. Every year thousands of devotees and visitors from around the globe arrive in Braj Bhoomi for this week-long spectacle. If you are planning a Mathura Vrindavan Tour, the Holi experience is vibrant, sacred, and unforgettable.
Why Holi Is Special in Mathura and Vrindavan
Holi celebration in this regions in India is exciting, as it is closely aligned with the ras (play) of Lord Krishna and Radha. As the legends suggest, Krishna applied colors to Radha and the gopis, which opened the door for the tradition of playful color throwing. Instead of color-throwing sizzling with passion and frivolity, today, with devotion, music, dancing, and rituals, the charm of playful color-throwing can be experienced in villages like Barsana, Nandgaon, Vrindavan, Gokul, and Mathura.
Book Tour Package: Mathura Vrindavan Holi Tour Packages
Major Holi Events During Mathura Vrindavan Tour
The Holi celebration in Braj is usually celebrated over the course of 7-10 days, with villages celebrating each day differently with their own customs and rituals.
| Date (Tentative) | Place | Type of Celebration |
| 1st Day | Barsana | Lathmar Holi |
| 2nd Day | Nandgaon | Gopi-Govinda Holi |
| 3rd–4th Day | Vrindavan (Banke Bihari Temple) | Phoolon wali Holi (flower Holi) |
| 5th–6th Day | Mathura (Dwarkadhish Temple) | Traditional Holi, Processions |
| Final Day (Dhulandi) | Everywhere | Colors, dance, and water festivities |
1. Barsana – Lathmar Holi
One of the most iconic and lively Holi celebrations in India, known as Lathmar Holi, takes place in Barsana: Radha’s hometown. Lathmar Holi is a playful ritual where women from Barsana beat men from Nandgaon with sticks (called lathis), while the men protect themselves and sing Holi songs at the same time.
Holi in Braj, which lasts for 16 days, starts with Lathmar Holi. Lathmar Holi is an amazing event full of fun, folk music, traditional dress, and sweets. It usually happens about a week before the main Holi and marks the start of Holi in Braj.
2. Nandgaon – Gopi-Govinda Holi
The day after Lathmar Holi celebrates the same event, but in Nandgaon, Krishna’s village. Men from Barsana visit Nandgaon and celebrate reverse Holi to symbolize Krishna’s visit to Radha’s village. Manifold of colors and traditional decorations in the temples encircle the ambiance with effervescence, the proverbial playful spirit of the two villages resembles the eternal love of Radha and Krishna.
3. Vrindavan – Phoolon wali Holi at Banke Bihari Temple
In one of the famous temples in Vrindavan, the Banke Bihari Temple, Holi is celebrated with flowers and not colors. “Phoolon wali Holi,” is sophisticated and quiet event done by priests showering flower petals – where rose petals and marigolds drops fall on and envelop devotees. Krishna leelas are also performed around the temple premises.
It’s a short experience, someone looking for a more peaceful, spiritual side of Holi will love this event. This happens usually about 5 days before main Holi.
4. Mathura – Dwarkadhish Temple and Holi Procession
Mathura presents a more structured and more grand Holi than most places. The celebrations begin with a processional from Vishram Ghat to Holi Gate, complete with music, floats, live performances by Krishna-Radha, and elephants. The next day, Holi is played at the Dwarkadhish Temple where the whole community not only plays Holi with colors but also sings and dances Vrindavan-style.
5. Holika Dahan & Dhulandi – The Main Day
Holi celebrations start with Holika Dahan, which means lighting of bonfires, on the eve of Holi, and Holi is celebrated after morning prayers the next day (called Dhulandi). On Dhulandi, the entire morning and afternoon people surround each other, apply the color to each other’s faces, throw water balloons and pails. Everyone will be dancing to creative rhythms that have become the signature sounds of Holi that are heard along with the thumping dhol (drum) and food with many options are available to visitors that cannot be found any other time of the year (like gujiya and thandai).
Suggested Itinerary for Holi Tour in Mathura Vrindavan
You will maximize your Holi experience by following a manageable five-day itinerary that takes you through the entire Holi celebration in the four major towns of Barsana, Nandgaon, Vrindavan, and Mathura, each bundle of Holi itself is lovely examples in the exploration of culture and spirituality among the eminent and devoted audiences that receive Kesava Krishna through the leelas.
| Day | Location | Activity |
| Day 1 | Barsana | Witness Lathmar Holi |
| Day 2 | Nandgaon | Participate in Gopi-Govinda Holi |
| Day 3 | Vrindavan | Phoolon wali Holi at Banke Bihari Temple |
| Day 4 | Mathura | Temple Holi and city processions |
| Day 5 | Vrindavan/Mathura | Holika Dahan followed by Dhulandi celebration |
How to Reach Mathura Vrindavan
Mathura and Vrindavan are well-connected by road and rail, making them easily accessible from major cities like Delhi and Agra. The nearest airport is in Agra, around 70 km away.
| Mode | Details |
| By Train | Mathura Junction is well connected to Delhi, Agra, and all major cities. |
| By Road | Regular buses and cabs available from Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Lucknow. |
| By Air | Nearest airport is Agra (75 km); Delhi Airport is about 180 km away. |
Book Tour Package: 2 Days Holi Celebration in Mathura Vrindavan Gokul
Detailed Holi Calendar 2026 Dates and Events
The Holi Celebations of Braj are one of the hottest and notable in the world, spanning over a week and expansive across the towns which include Barsana, Nandgaon, Gokul, Vrindavan, and Mathura. Each place has a way Holi is curated that attracts devotees and travellors from all over the nation. In 2026, Holi will be accomplished on March 3 (Holika Dahan), and March 4 (Rangwali Holi) but like for other religious festivals, the enjoyment and excitement will commence almost a week earlier.
| Detailed Holi Calendar 2026 Dates and Events | |||
| Date | Place | Event | Description |
| March 2, 2026 (Monday) | Barsana | Laddu Holi | Temple priests throw sweets and flowers on devotees at Radha Rani Temple. |
| March 3, 2026 (Tuesday) | Barsana | Lathmar Holi | Women playfully beat men with sticks as part of the Radha-Krishna tradition. |
| March 4, 2026 (Wednesday) | Nandgaon | Lathmar Holi – Nandgaon Return | Men from Barsana are welcomed in Nandgaon with playful Holi rituals. |
| March 5, 2026 (Thursday) | Vrindavan (Banke Bihari) | Phoolon Wali Holi | Priests shower flower petals during Aarti inside the temple. |
| March 6, 2026 (Friday) | Gokul | Gokul Holi (Chadi Maar Holi) | Villagers celebrate with dry colors, music, and community performances. |
| March 7, 2026 (Saturday) | Mathura | Holika Dahan & Procession | Bonfire rituals followed by grand Holi processions in the city center. |
| March 8, 2026 (Sunday) | Mathura & Vrindavan | Rangwali Holi (Main Day) | Streets and temples erupt with color, music, and Krishna bhakti. |
Holi in Mathura Vrindavan FAQs
Q1. When does Holi start in Mathura Vrindavan?
Holi starts about a week before the main Holi, usually in early March.
Q2. Is it safe to travel during Holi celebrations?
Yes, but stay in groups and avoid overcrowded areas for safety.
Q3. What should I wear during Holi in Mathura?
Wear white or old clothes, preferably cotton, and use protective glasses.
Q4. Can families with kids attend?
Yes, especially the flower Holi in Vrindavan is great for families.
Q5. Is photography allowed during the events?
Yes, but always be respectful and avoid flash inside temples.
