March in India comes with one clear sign that Holi is near. Markets fill with bright colours, sweet shops prepare fresh gujiyas, and the air carries a festive buzz. On the day itself, music plays, streets come alive, and before you know it, you are covered in colour and laughter. And when the celebrations slow down, homes welcome you with thandai and plates full of sweets.

This year, go beyond your own city and experience the magic of Holi in destinations that celebrate it like nowhere else.

Mathura and Vrindavan

Celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan feel deeply rooted in devotion and drama. Temples overflow with devotees, flowers are showered over crowds, and colours fill the air for days. The energy builds slowly and then explodes into joyful chaos.

But step inside any home here and you will see trays of freshly made gujiya lined up neatly. Crisp on the outside and filled with khoya and dry fruits, it is the sweet that defines the season. Alongside it, chilled thandai made with saffron and nuts is served generously to guests. After hours of dancing and colour play, that first sip feels like pure relief.

Varanasi

Celebrating Holi in Varanasi feels raw and powerful. The ghats along the Ganges turn into colourful gathering spots where people sing, dance, and play with colour against a spiritual backdrop. Temple bells ring, chants mix with music, and the entire city feels awake.

Walk through the old lanes and you will find sweet shops displaying fresh malpuas soaked in syrup. Often served with thick rabri, they are warm, rich, and impossible to resist. Thandai is also popular here, especially after hours in the sun. The mix of spirituality, street energy, and indulgent sweets makes Varanasi unforgettable during this time.

Barsana

In Barsana, the celebration is playful and dramatic. The famous tradition where women jokingly chase men with sticks turns the entire town into a lively stage. Crowds gather, music plays loudly, and every corner feels charged with excitement.

Here too, homes prepare festive treats days in advance. Gujiyas are shared freely with neighbours and visitors. The sweetness balances the high energy outside. It is celebration with laughter, tradition, and plenty of sweets.

Jaipur

In Jaipur, the celebration carries a royal touch. Palace backdrops, folk performances, and organised cultural events add structure to the fun. It feels vibrant but not chaotic.

Jaipur’s sweet shops shine during this season. Ghewar and malpua appear in festive displays, along with beautifully packed boxes of gujiya. Many heritage hotels serve traditional thandai to guests as part of their celebrations. Here, the experience feels colourful yet refined.

Udaipur

In Udaipur, celebrations begin with traditional rituals at the City Palace before spreading across the city. Imagine colours rising into the air with lakes and grand palaces in the background. It feels elegant yet joyful at the same time.

Local households and restaurants prepare festive sweets, and thandai flows freely as people gather to celebrate. The mix of scenic beauty, royal rituals, and playful colour makes Udaipur a magical choice in March.

So where will you go this March? The spiritual ghats, the royal palaces, or the playful streets? Wherever you choose, come ready to celebrate fully.