Famous Holi Melas (Fairs) in India You Should Visit in 2025

As the sun comes up on the day of the Holi festival, excitements fill the Indian street enthusiastic people playing all over. The drums start playing and fill the air with the joy of Holi. The bright colors make the day more lively.

One common Holi event is a traditional fair. A lot of regions of India are known for their unique Holi mela which you should visit in 2025.

Famous Holi Fairs/Melas

Lathmar Holi Mela

This specific Holi celebration is unique in its way. It is the best place to celebrate Holi with colors, and sticks! This Holi event involves women singing and beating men with sticks who try to avoid it with shields. All is however done playfully to show the love between Lord Krishna and Radha. Gulal and laughter fill the air during this Holi mela along with folk dance and music.

A vibrant scene from the Lathmar Holi celebration in Barsana, India, where women dressed in colorful traditional sarees playfully hit men with sticks as part of the festival's unique ritual. The men, wearing turbans and holding shields, crouch to protect themselves while the streets are covered in bright Holi colors, creating a lively and culturally rich atmosphere.

Are you worried about being beaten up by the ladies here? Do not worry. This Holi celebration is a regional custom that involves only willing locals.

The Vasant Mela

Do you enjoy watching young men and women dressed in bright yellow and white dresses, flowers, and singing on the streets? Shantiniketan in West Bengal is the best place to celebrate Holi for you.

A close-up shot of multiple hands covered in vibrant Holi colors as people come together to throw bright orange, purple, and blue powders into the air. The dynamic explosion of colors captures the joy and unity of the Holi festival, symbolizing celebration and togetherness.

This famous university town celebrates Holi to welcome spring in a creative way, with dance dramas written by the great poet Rabindranath Tagore. Visit the week-long fair of local handicrafts to pick some of the best terracotta and Dokra jewellery.

Hola Mohalla

Punjab is another place to visit in Holi to watch the Hola Mohalla event. People visit this fair to pay tribute to the Nihang warriors. Other warriors show different forms of traditional martial arts. They also engage in fake battles to show their skills in sword fighting. You will be thrilled to see their skills in horse riding. Hungry for more? Try the traditional Punjabi cuisine at the food stalls at the fair.

A captivating scene from a festival in Punjab featuring Sikh warriors dressed in traditional blue attire with gold embellishments, performing a martial arts display with swords. The golden sunset and festive flags in the background enhance the grandeur and cultural richness of the moment.

The Royal Fair

Are you thrilled by beautifully decorated elephants and people following them singing and chanting bhajans to praise Lord Kirishna and Radha? In that case, Rajasthan is a must place to visit in Holi. The grand processions look beautiful and grand, just like royal traditions. Elephant polo or events like tug-of-war are added attractions of the mela. At night, enjoy the huge bonfire in the courtyard of the palaces and enjoy traditional Rajasthani food to feel majestic!

A grand Holi celebration in Udaipur, India, with a large crowd joyfully throwing vibrant pink colors in front of a historic palace. The majestic architecture, traditional attire, and festive atmosphere capture the essence of the royal Holi festival, blending culture and celebration.

An Oceanic Affair

Do you love the roar of the ocean mixed with that of an exciting carnival? Visit a carnival during Holi in Goa. The huge colorful processions on the streets, the folk dance and the music will fill your mind and body with rhythm. In the evening, enjoy the party and bonfire at the beach with the waves crashing at your feet.