Holi in Mathura & Vrindavan 2026: A Colourful Journey into Tradition

Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan

Holi in Mathura & Vrindavan 2026 will be celebrated from 27th February to 4th March 2026, with the main events—Holika Dahan on 3rd March and Rangwali Holi on 4th March. The celebrations begin a week earlier with Barsana Lathmar Holi and end with colorful festivities in Mathura and Vrindavan temples. It is one of the most unique and spiritual Holi experiences in India.

Why Holi in Mathura & Vrindavan is Special

Holi in Mathura-Vrindavan is not just a festival — it is Krishna’s divine leela unfolding before your eyes. Every ghat, every temple, and every narrow street of Braj becomes a canvas of devotion and colours. From the playful Banke Bihari Vrindavan Holi to the grand celebrations at the Dwarkadhish Temple in Mathura, the energy is beyond compare.

And if you’re asking, how many days Holi is celebrated in Mathura-Vrindavan, the answer is: almost two weeks of non-stop festivities. The journey begins with Rangbhari Ekadashi, followed by the famous Barsana Lathmar Holi, the enchanting Phoolon wali Holi in Vrindavan, and finally reaches its peak with Holika Dahan on March 3, 2026, and Rangwali Holi on March 4, 2026.

Here, Holi is not just played — it is lived, sung, danced, and felt in every heartbeat of Braj Bhoomi.

Plan Your Holi Trip: Travel & Tips

Holi in Mathura Vrindavan

To enjoy the best of Braj Holi, booking Holi in Mathura Vrindavan is highly recommended. These packages often include comfortable stays, guided temple visits, Holika Dahan events, Rasleela performances, and Rangwali Holi celebrations, ensuring you experience the festival without hassle. Whether you prefer a one-night stay or a two-night immersive, these curated experiences are perfect for first-time visitors or returning devotees.

Best Time to Visit Mathura Vrindavan Holi

The best time to visit Mathura Vrindavan Holi is a few days before the main celebration on 3–4 March 2026. Starting from Rangbhari Ekadashi, followed by Barsana Lathmar Holi, Phoolon Wali Holi in Vrindavan, and ending with the grand Dhulandi Holi in Mathura, arriving early ensures you don’t miss any of the iconic events.

How to Reach Mathura Vrindavan During Holi

How to reach Mathura Vrindavan during Holi is important to plan, as the streets are crowded during peak festival days.

  • By Train: Mathura Junction is well-connected from Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities.
  • By Road: National Highway 19 and expressways provide easy access. Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are the preferred local transport.
  • By Air: The nearest airport is Agra (Kheria Airport) or Delhi International Airport; from there, taxis and buses are available.

Holi Celebrations in Barsana and Nandgaon

For authentic Braj Holi experiences, visiting Barsana and Nandgaon is a must.

  • Barsana Lathmar Holi: Women playfully chase men with sticks, recreating the divine play of Radha and Krishna.
  • Nandgaon Holi: Krishna’s childhood village hosts lively celebrations, with songs, dance, and traditional rituals.

Braj Holi Travel Guide

Use this Braj Holi travel guide to plan your itinerary, choose the right temples, and time your visits:

  • Banke Bihari Temple: Phoolon Wali Holi.
  • Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura: Rasleela performances & Dhulandi Holi.
  • Prem Mandir: Evening lights and festive decorations.
    Following this guide ensures you cover all major Holi events while navigating crowds and temple timings efficiently.

Holi Itinerary in Mathura-Vrindavan 2026: A Colourful Journey Through Sacred Celebrations

Celebrate Braj Holi 2026 with this detailed itinerary covering Barsana, Nandgaon, Vrindavan, Mathura, and Gokul. Each destination in Braj brings alive Lord Krishna’s playful spirit through vibrant traditions, colors, music, and devotion.

Braj Holi 2026 Schedule

Braj Holi 2026 Schedule

Day & Date Event Location About
27 February 2026, Friday Barsana Laddu Holi Shri Radha Rani (Sriji) Temple, Barsana At Radha Rani’s temple, devotees celebrate Laddu Holi by joyfully throwing laddus at one another, symbolizing Krishna’s playful love and the divine bond of Radha and Krishna.
28 February 2026, Saturday Barsana Lathmar Holi Main Holi Ground, Barsana The world-famous Lathmar Holi is celebrated as women playfully chase men with sticks while men sing songs in Krishna’s honor. This unique tradition recreates the playful battle of Radha and Krishna.
1 March 2026, Sunday Nandgaon Holi Nand Bhawan, Nandgaon In Nandgaon, Krishna’s childhood village, Holi is celebrated with colors, songs, and playful Lathmar traditions. Devotees gather at Nand Bhawan to relive Krishna’s youthful mischief.
2 March 2026, Monday Vrindavan Phoolon Ki Holi Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan At Banke Bihari Mandir, devotees celebrate Phoolon ki Holi, where flowers replace colors. The temple fills with petals, music, and chanting, creating a divine atmosphere of devotion.
2 March 2026, Monday Mathura Holi Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Mathura Mathura, Krishna’s birthplace, hosts a grand Holi celebration. Devotees gather at Janmabhoomi Temple, offering colors, dances, and music in joyous devotion to Lord Krishna.
3 March 2026, Tuesday Gokul Holi Gokul & Raman Reti The holy town of Gokul, where Krishna spent his childhood, celebrates Holi with vibrant colors, singing, and devotional dances, recreating Krishna’s playful pastimes.
3 March 2026, Tuesday Holika Dahan Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura The evening of Holika Dahan at Dwarkadhish Temple marks the triumph of good over evil. A sacred bonfire is lit, followed by prayers, rituals, and joyous gatherings.
4 March 2026, Wednesday Dhulandi (Rangwali) Holi Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura The grand finale of Braj Holi 2026! At Dwarkadhish Temple, devotees play with gulal, sing traditional songs, and dance with pure devotion to Lord Krishna, making this the most colorful celebration in the world.

Vrindavan Holi Celebration—Where to Go

  1. Banke Bihari Temple
    The most iconic place for the Vrindavan Holi Celebration. The Banke Bihari Vrindavan Holi is famous for its Phoolon Wali Holi, where petals replace colors.
    • Vrindavan Mandir Timings (Holi Week): 7:45 AM–12 PM & 5:30–10:30 PM
  2. Prem Mandir
    A modern marvel lit with colorful lights, perfect to enjoy evenings during the Vrindavan Holi Schedule.
    • Timings: 5:30 AM–12 PM & 4:30–9 PM
  3. ISKCON Vrindavan (Krishna Balaram Mandir)
    Known for kirtans and safe Holi in Vrindavan for families and international devotees.
    • Timings: 4:10 AM–12:45 PM & 4:30–9 PM
  4. Radha Raman Temple
    Celebrates with intimate rituals and flower Holi in Vrindavan.
    • Timings: 8 AM–12:30 PM & 5:30–9 PM
  5. Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, Mathura
    Epicenter of Mathura Holi Dates 2026 celebrations with large processions.
    • Mathura Temple Timings: 6 AM–12 PM & 4–10 PM
  6. Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura
    Known for Rasleela plays and devotional Holi.
    • Timings: 6:30–11 AM & 4:30–7:30 PM

Braj Holi 2026 Schedule: Events to Experience

  • Rangbhari Ekadashi – The start of Holi in Braj, celebrated in temples with special aarti.
  • Lathmar Holi (Barsana & Nandgaon) – Women playfully beat men with sticks; men protect themselves with shields.
  • Phoolon Wali Holi (Vrindavan) – At Banke Bihari Temple, devotees shower flowers on Krishna & Radha idols.
  • Ras Leela Performances – Enactments of Krishna’s divine pastimes across Mathura & Vrindavan.
  • Holika Dahan – Evening bonfires across ghats and temple courtyards.
  • Rangwali Holi – The grand finale on 4 March 2026, with colors, dance, and bhajans.

Travel Tips for Holi in 2026

  • Book early: Hotels fill up weeks before the Vrindavan Holi Dates 2026.
  • Dress wisely: Wear white cotton for colors and carry spare clothes.
  • Stay safe: Stick to natural colors; avoid pushing crowds.
  • Plan transport: Streets near temples are blocked; walk or use e-rickshaws.
  • Photography: Respect temple rules — some sanctums restrict cameras.

FAQs – Holi in 2026

Q.1: What is the Holi Date of 2026?
A: Holika Dahan is on 3 March 2026, and Rangwali Holi is on 4 March 2026.

Q.2: How many days Holi is celebrated in Mathura?
A: Around 15 days — from Rangbhari Ekadashi to Rangwali Holi.

Q.3: Which is the best temple for Holi in Vrindavan?
A: Banke Bihari Temple for Flower Holi, and ISKCON for family-friendly Holi.

Q.4: What are the Vrindavan Mandir Timings during Holi?
A: Most temples open early (5–8 AM) and extend darshan till 9–10:30 PM.

Conclusion

The Mathura Vrindavan Holi Dates 2026 mark not just a festival but a divine journey into Krishna’s land. With this guide to the Braj Holi 2026 Schedule, Vrindavan Holi Celebration, Vrindavan Temple Timings, and Mathura Temple Timings, you can plan a smooth and unforgettable pilgrimage.

Celebrate Holi in 2026 where it all began — in the sacred land of Braj, drenched in devotion, music, and colors that stay in your heart forever.


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