Holi 2027 (India public holiday)

Holi 2027 falls on Tuesday 23 March 2027, according to the official Government of India holiday list for Central Government offices in Delhi. Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated across India with coloured powder, music, sweets and family gatherings. It is a popular time for cultural travel to North India.

About Holi

Holi is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. It celebrates the victory of good over evil and the coming of spring, and it is linked with stories of Lord Krishna and Prahlad. On the evening before the main day, many communities light bonfires for Holika Dahan. On Holi itself, people of all ages throw coloured powder and water at each other in streets, courtyards and parks.

Celebrations differ between regions. The towns of Mathura and Vrindavan, linked with Lord Krishna, hold some of the best-known celebrations, with temple events in the days around Holi. Jaipur, Udaipur, Varanasi and Delhi are also popular with visitors. Holi is a religious and family occasion for many Indians, so visitors should take part respectfully and follow the lead of local hosts.

Holi 2027 dates and venue

Holi 2027 date: Tuesday 23 March 2027. The Government of India holiday list for 2027 lists Holi on this date as a holiday for Central Government administrative offices in Delhi and New Delhi. State governments publish their own lists, and in some places the festival is marked on a different day, so check local arrangements.

Holi is not held at a single venue. Celebrations take place in streets, temples, hotels and public spaces across the country. Many hotels and private venues also organise ticketed Holi events with music and safe, skin-friendly colours.

How to get to New Delhi for Holi

For North India, the main gateway is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi, with wide connections to the Gulf, Africa and Europe. From Delhi, Mathura and Vrindavan are reached by road or train in a few hours, and Agra Airport (AGR) is another option. Jaipur International Airport (JAI) and Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) serve Jaipur and Varanasi.

Public transport and roads can be busy around Holi as families travel home, and some services may run on reduced timetables on the day itself. Check the official entry requirements for India before booking international travel.

Where to stay

In Delhi, central areas such as Connaught Place and South Delhi have many hotels, some of which host Holi events. Mathura and Vrindavan have guesthouses and hotels close to the temples, though choice is more limited. Jaipur and Udaipur offer heritage hotels, and Varanasi has riverside guesthouses near the ghats.

Holi is a peak domestic travel period, so book rooms and transport early, particularly in Mathura, Vrindavan and Jaipur.

Planning a group trip for Holi

A group tour for Holi works well as part of a Golden Triangle trip of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, with a day in Mathura or Vrindavan. Agencies should brief travellers on what to expect, as celebrations can be lively and crowded.

• Advise travellers to wear old clothes and protect eyes, phones and cameras.
• Choose organised, hotel-based events for families and first-time visitors.
• Brief groups on respectful behaviour at temples and private celebrations.
• Expect some shops and offices to close on the day.

Frequently asked questions

When is Holi 2027?

Holi 2027 falls on Tuesday 23 March 2027, according to the Government of India holiday list for Central Government offices in Delhi. Bonfires for Holika Dahan usually take place on the evening before. Some states may mark the festival on a different day.

Where is the best place to celebrate Holi in India?

Mathura and Vrindavan, linked with Lord Krishna, are famous for Holi celebrations. Jaipur, Udaipur, Varanasi and Delhi are also popular with visitors. Hotel-based events are a good choice for families and first-time visitors.

Is Holi a public holiday in India?

Yes. Holi is on the 2027 list of holidays for Central Government administrative offices in Delhi and New Delhi. States publish their own holiday lists, so business and shop closures can vary by location.

What should travellers bring for Holi?

Travellers should wear old clothes they do not mind staining, and protect their eyes, hair, phones and cameras. Skin-friendly colours are widely sold. Stay with your group in crowded areas and follow the lead of local hosts.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to Holi in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.