Photographing and Experiencing Holi Festival in India

Welcome to my Complete Guide to Photographing and Experiencing Holi Festival in India
Holi, the festival of colours, is one of the most vibrant and chaotic experiences you can have in India. I had the chance to witness it firsthand during my travels across Northern India in March 2025, and it’s truly one of the wildest adventures I’ve ever had. From the explosion of colors that fills the streets to the overwhelming energy of the crowds, Holi is an unforgettable experience that blends culture, chaos, and celebration all in one.

In this blog, I’m taking you through everything you need to know about photographing and experiencing the Holi Festival in India. I'll share my personal experiences, tips for capturing the essence of the festival, and how to navigate the crowds and heat while enjoying the colorful madness.

Whether you’re planning to shoot stunning images or simply want to dive into the heart of this extraordinary celebration, you’ll find my insights and photography tips to help you make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Let’s get ready to embrace the colors, the chaos, and the beauty that is Holi!

Holi is one of the most vibrant and unforgettable festivals in India—but planning your trip around it requires some careful timing. Holi dates change every year but will fall between late February or March because the festival follows the Hindu lunar calendar, not the Gregorian (Western) calendar.

How Are Holi Dates Determined?

Holi is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually falls in late February or March. The celebration typically spans two days:

Holika Dahan (the bonfire night) happens the evening before the full moon.
Rangwali Holi (the famous festival of colours) takes place the next day, on the full moon.

Why You Should Double-Check the Dates

While there’s usually one official day for Holi, the exact celebration dates vary by region and temple. Places like Vrindavan and Mathura—some of the most iconic spots to experience Holi—often celebrate on different days than the rest of India.

We learned this the hard way—thinking we were arriving for the main celebration at Banke Bihari Temple in Mathura on Friday, 14th, only to find out the event had already happened a few days earlier. Some temples begin festivities up to a week in advance of the national holiday.

Tip:
Always check local festival schedules ahead of time, especially if you’re planning to photograph or experience Holi at famous temples like those in Mathura or Vrindavan.

When Is the Best Time to Experience Holi in India?

Mathura & Vrindavan: The Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India (and the World!)

Mathura and Vrindavan are undoubtedly the best places in India, if not the world, to experience Holi. These towns are home to the most iconic, vibrant, and chaotic Holi celebrations, especially within the crowded temples. Here are the top locations you’ll want to visit:

Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
Holi Celebrations Usually Held 2–4 Days Before the Main Holi Day
Famous for its packed temple atmosphere and the electrifying crowds, this is one of the best places for the full Holi experience.
Dwarkadheesh Temple, Mathura
Celebrations Often Begin a Week Before Holi
The atmosphere here is absolutely electric, and this temple is a hotspot for early Holi festivities in Mathura.
Gopinath Temple, Vrindavan
Celebrated 1–2 Days Before the Main Day
While it’s a bit less crowded than Banke Bihari, this temple still offers an immersive and vibrant experience.
Barsana – Lathmar Holi
Takes Place About a Week Before Holi
The Lathmar Holi celebration here is an incredible spectacle where women playfully strike men with sticks. A must-see if you’re in the area during Holi!
Nandgaon ( I believe this is the best )
Held a Few Days Before Holi
The men from Nandgaon visit Barsana to continue the Holi festivities, creating a back-and-forth tradition full of colors and fun.

Top 5 Cities to Celebrate Holi

Mathura/Vrindavan
Known for their chaotic temple celebrations, these towns are the heart and soul of Holi in India.
Jaipur
A royal city where Holi is celebrated with grand festivities, including elephant processions and music.
Delhi
The capital city offers both traditional and modern Holi celebrations, with large gatherings in parks and famous locations.
Varanasi
Known for its spiritual connection to Holi, Varanasi offers a unique blend of religious rituals and festive fun.
Udaipur
This city adds a royal touch to Holi, with celebrations in palaces and along the beautiful lakes.

Best Locations in India to Experience Holi

1. Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan

2. Dwarkadheesh Temple, Mathura

3. Gopinath Temple, Vrindavan

4. Barsana – Lathmar Holi

5. Nandgaon

Note: Always Double-Check Holi Celebration Dates

Now, unfortunately, due to mixing up the dates, we missed out on the iconic Holi celebration at Banke Bihari Templein Vrindavan — it was held a few days earlier than expected. So let me emphasize this: always double-check the Holi celebration dates at the specific temple or city you're planning to visit. Different locations often celebrate on different days, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan, where events can span an entire week.

We started our Holi day in Agra, walking the streets in search of celebrations — but the energy just wasn’t there. So we jumped in an Uber to Vrindavan and joined the chaotic scenes around Ramkuti Prahlad Ji Maharaj street. It wasn’t an official temple celebration, but it was still packed, colorful, and wild.

Without a doubt, the best places in India — and arguably the world — to experience Holi are Mathura and Vrindavan. These towns are home to the most iconic Holi events, especially in the temples, where people are crammed shoulder-to-shoulder throwing colored powder in every direction. If you're looking for an authentic, intense, and unforgettable Holi experience, this is where you need to be.

When it comes to celebrating Holi in India, what you wear can make a huge difference to both your comfort and your photos. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Wear White
Wearing white is a tradition during Holi — not only does it look great in photos, but the vibrant colors stand out beautifully against a clean, white outfit.

Loose, Long Clothing
It gets hot, and Holi paint can be harsh on the skin. Opt for loose-fitting, lightweight, and full-length clothing to stay cool while also keeping the color off your skin as much as possible.

Protect Your Eyes
Sunglasses are essential. The color powder can easily get in your eyes, especially in crowded areas or temples. Sunglasses offer basic but effective protection.

Buy Local Holi Outfits (Kurta Pajamas)
If you want to go all-in and wear the traditional white cotton kurta pajamas, you’ll find them easily in local markets during Holi season. Just walk down any busy street in cities like Vrindavan or Mathura and you’ll see them everywhere. Expect to pay around INR 500 – 800 — but don’t be afraid to haggle, as prices are often marked up for tourists ( I payed 2500 INR as I didn’t research before hand )

Does the Colour Stain?
Surprisingly, the colored powder used in Holi washes out quite easily from white cotton clothes — at least in our experience. We were able to get ours looking like new again after just one wash.

What to Wear for Holi in India

Safest Ways to Experience Holi

If you're looking for the safest way to enjoy Holi, the best option is to stay at your hotel—especially if it’s hosting a small, organised celebration. These events are usually well-controlled, with colourful powder provided and a more relaxed atmosphere. If your hotel isn’t hosting anything, you can check nearby hotels that are—most are welcoming to outsiders during Holi and offer a safe, festive environment.

Exploring the Streets Near Your Hotel

For a slightly more immersive experience, simply walking around the streets near your hotel can be a great option. Locals will often be driving or walking around, gently approaching you with smiles and asking to put coloured powder on your face. This way, you're still part of the celebration, but close enough to retreat back to your room if you start to feel overwhelmed or tired. Morning is the best time to go out, as the vibe is calmer, with families out celebrating. By the afternoon, people may have consumed alcohol, and the atmosphere can become a bit more chaotic or pushy.

Be Prepared for Extra Attention

As a tourist, expect to get a lot of attention—not in a threatening way, but locals may approach you frequently to take photos or apply colour. It’s all in good spirit, but it can be exhausting, especially in the heat.

Going Into Busier Areas

If you're planning to head into more crowded and chaotic zones, it's wise to pre-arrange a taxi driver to wait nearby. That way, if things get too overwhelming or you just need a break, you’ll have a quick and easy way out.

Final Thoughts

Holi is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience—vibrant, joyful, and unforgettable. That said, it can get intense as the day goes on due to the crowds, heat, and constant interaction. With a little planning and awareness, you can enjoy the beauty of Holi while keeping things safe and stress-free.

How to Stay Safe During the Holi Festival

Carrying Your Camera Gear

When you're out walking through crowded areas, carrying a camera bag can be more of a hassle than it’s worth. Instead, attach a neck strap to your camera and wear it around your neck. This keeps the camera in sight at all times and reduces the risk of theft. Plus, it’s always accessible for quick shots.

For lenses, a 24-70mm is an excellent choice. It’s versatile for both compression shots and wide-angle shots, making it perfect for various shooting situations. If you have a drone, you can leave it in your pre-arranged shuttle or Uber, then grab it when you’re ready to fly, saving yourself from carrying it around all day.

How to Set Up a Waterproof Camera Bag

To protect your gear in wet conditions, we found a simple, effective solution using a Glad Snap bag. Wrap your camera and lens in the bag to keep them dry, but still be able to adjust settings and see your camera screen. For added protection, screw the lens hood on the outside of the Glad Snap bag. Cut the plastic inside the lens hood to fit an ND filter, and secure it in place.

The setup can be a little tricky, so reinforce the bag by taping around the lens area to make it more secure when zooming in and out. Tape the seal where the camera strap goes through to further protect your gear. We also carried an extra Glad Snap bag and tape in our pocket, just in case, though we never had to use it.

This simple waterproof camera bag setup keeps your gear safe from the elements while still allowing easy access and control.