Holi 2025: Dates, Traditions, and Regional Celebrations Across India

The festival of colors begins with Choti Holi on March 13, featuring Holika Dahan rituals, followed by vibrant celebrations on March 14 and unique traditions in various regions.

Choti Holi, also known as Holika Dahan, will take place on the evening of March 13, 2025, with the auspicious ritual time set between 11:26 PM and 12:30 AM.
The festival marks the victory of good over evil, commemorating the mythological story of Prahlad and Holika, and includes lighting bonfires to symbolize the triumph of righteousness.
Regional celebrations highlight India's cultural diversity, from the 40-day Braj Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan to Masan Holi in Varanasi, where ashes are used instead of colors.
Other notable events include Pushkar's royal processions, Rishikesh's Holi parties by the Ganga, and Shantiniketan's Rabindrik Basanta Utsav, inspired by Rabindranath Tagore.
The Braj region's festivities, deeply rooted in Krishna's playful legends, feature unique traditions such as Lathmar Holi, Phoolon Ki Holi, and Huranga, attracting global devotees and tourists.