A Holi Pilgrimage to Vrindavan: An Ultimate Travel Plan to Celebrate the Festival of Colours
Naveen Tripathi | Mar 05, 2025, 16:14 IST
Holi, the festival of colours, is perhaps the most exuberant, celebratory, and holistically observed festival in India. It is a festival that celebrates the advent of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and the spirit of love and camaraderie. Of all the sites in India where Holi is observed with pomp and grandeur, Vrindavan is perhaps a mythical place that sees the celebration of the festival with great energy and enthusiasm.
Situated in the Uttar Pradesh state, Vrindavan is a sacred town with strong connections to the myth of Lord Krishna. It is where Lord Krishna is said to have spent his childhood and enacted his divine acts of love, particularly with Radha and the Gopis. The town is famous for its temples, ghats, and a cultural atmosphere full of devotion. The Holi festival here is unlike anywhere else, mixing divine passion with merry colour-splashed celebrations.
If you've been contemplating having a Holi celebration in Vrindavan, this post will take you through everything you should know, from the most effective itinerary to help you enjoy your visit.
Why Celebrate
Before diving into the itinerary, it’s essential to understand why Vrindavan is such a special place to celebrate Holi. The town has a unique connection with Lord Krishna, who is often depicted playing Holi with Radha and the Gopis in the Vrindavan forests. The tradition of celebrating Holi here goes back centuries and is infused with religious significance.
In Vrindavan, Holi is a celebration which fuses spiritual traditions with unrestrained enjoyment. It's a mixture of dance, music, and traditional festivities, all infused with the glory of colours. Thousands of tourists, pilgrims, and devotees from across the globe visit this place every year to share the magic of this celebration.
Best Time to Visit Vrindavan for Holi Holi is held typically in the month of March on the last day of full moon in the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna. Major celebrations go on for a period of one week starting from the evening of Holi (Holika Dahan) and run up to a day after "Rang Panchami", which is otherwise referred to as the festival of colours. Every year, specific dates differ following the Hindu calendar system, thus one must go ahead and pre-plan well beforehand.
Morning: Arrive in Vrindavan Coming to Vrindavan is an experience by itself. The town has a quaint old-world charm with its narrow streets, temples, and spiritual vibrations. If you are coming from Delhi, Vrindavan is a 3-hour drive (approximately 150 km). You can travel by train, bus, or a private vehicle to Vrindavan. Mathura Junction is the nearest railway station, and you can take a taxi from there to Vrindavan.
Check-In and Relax After you arrive, check-in at your hotel. There are several types of accommodation ranging from low-budget guesthouses to the higher-end hotels. Some popular hotels for celebrating Holi in Vrindavan are the Krishna Palace and the Shree Radha Krishna Resort, which are both in the center.
Afternoon: Tour Temples Spend the afternoon touring some of Vrindavan's most significant temples. Must-see is the Banke Bihari Temple, a temple devoted to Lord Krishna. Another significant temple is the Radha Raman Temple, which is one of the oldest temples in the region. You may also visit the well-known ISKCON Vrindavan Temple, where the festivities of Holi have a particularly religious flavor.
While strolling through the temples, absorb the religious aura and get ready for the night's Holika Dahan celebration. This ancient ritual represents the victory of good over evil.
Evening: Holika Dahan Holika Dahan ceremony is a crucial part of Holi celebration in Vrindavan. It is the burning of demoness Holika and represents the victory of good over evil. The ceremony is performed in the evening when big bonfires are set in various locations of the town. Individuals sit around the fire, sing devotional songs, and offer prayers for a good year to come.
The Holika Dahan is the starting point of Holi in Vrindavan, and you will see hordes of tourists and locals all coming together with a sense of celebration and harmony. The night concludes with an air of celebration, and people are all charged up for the next day.
Morning: Begin with Early Temple Visits Begin your Holi day early, when the streets of Vrindavan are filled with devotion and fervor. The temples, visited early in the morning, will provide you with an opportunity to see the peace of the town before the color and revelry chaos takes over. The Maan Mandir is a suitable place to begin your day on a peaceful note.
If you are interested in taking part in the religious side of Holi, you may visit the ISKCON Temple in the morning for a prayer session, where the atmosphere is prayerful and the festival is all about singing bhajans (devotional songs).
Mid-Morning: Take part in the Gopis' Lathmar Holi After morning prayers, get set for the actual fun! Move to the Gopi Ghat for the popular Lathmar Holi, a festival where women lovingly strike men with sticks as they attempt to protect themselves. This ceremony is a custom in the region and represents the playful love between Krishna and Radha. At this time, the streets of Vrindavan are abuzz with the sound of music, hymns, and colors flying all around. It's an experience one will never forget.
Afternoon: Participate in Holi at the Banke Bihari Temple After Lathmar Holi, head to the Banke Bihari Temple. The temple becomes the epicenter of the Holi celebrations. Devotees here participate in the "Rangotsav," where colors are splashed on everyone, and people sing and dance around the idol of Lord Krishna. It’s a place where devotion and celebration are blended seamlessly, and you’ll feel the joyous energy of the festival around you
The Banke Bihari temple Holi is particularly famous for the disciplined yet free-spirited mood. The instant you enter, you'll be splashed with colors and engulfed in the spirit of the festival.
Late Afternoon: Explore the Local Streets and Temples As the day progresses, wander through the narrow lanes of Vrindavan. There’s something magical about walking around while being showered with colors. You’ll come across people from all walks of life, from pilgrims to tourists, all joining together in the celebration. Don’t forget to check out the Radha Vallabh Temple, another important religious site.
Evening: Experience the Evening Aarti at the ISKCON Temple In the evening, head back to the ISKCON Temple for the evening aarti (ceremonial light offering). Here, the atmosphere is charged with chanting, prayer, and kirtans (devotional music). The aarti ceremony is a peaceful, spiritual counterpoint to the more frenetic Holi celebration during the day. This is the ideal conclusion to the festivities.
Morning: Visit the Town of Barsana (Optional) If you are not too tired and have time, take a short excursion to Barsana, the hometown of Radha, which is roughly 30 km from Vrindavan. Barsana commemorates Holi with its own renowned Lathmar Holi, which is akin to what you have just seen in Vrindavan but even more intense. You can walk through the town and its temples and witness another facet of the Holi celebration.
Afternoon: Unwind at the Yamuna Ghat After a couple of days of wild celebrations, relax in the afternoon by the Yamuna River, close to the Yamuna Ghat. Take a boat trip on the river, experience the peaceful environment, and unwind reflecting on the Holi celebrations. Several pilgrims and tourists take a sacred dip in the Yamuna River as a part of their religious practice.
Evening: Departure After enjoying some time basking in the serenity, it's time to leave. You can board a late evening train or take a taxi to your next destination, with lovely memories of your Holi celebration in Vrindavan.
Safety First: During Holi, be sure to apply natural colors, which are less skin-hazardous. Wearing old clothes is also advisable since they will get colored through.
Stay Hydrated: March in Vrindavan is usually hot, so do not forget to drink a lot of water and carry a bottle with you.
Protect Your Skin and Eyes: Put coconut oil or petroleum jelly on your skin to avoid irritation caused by the colors. Sunglasses or goggles will safeguard your eyes from colored powders.
Respect Local Traditions: Holi is a fun festival, but Vrindavan is a religious town, so be considerate of local customs and traditions. Be respectful of sacred areas such as temples and ghats.
If you've been contemplating having a Holi celebration in Vrindavan, this post will take you through everything you should know, from the most effective itinerary to help you enjoy your visit.
Why Celebrate Holi in Vrindavan ?
In Vrindavan, Holi is a celebration which fuses spiritual traditions with unrestrained enjoyment. It's a mixture of dance, music, and traditional festivities, all infused with the glory of colours. Thousands of tourists, pilgrims, and devotees from across the globe visit this place every year to share the magic of this celebration.
Best Time to Visit Vrindavan for Holi Holi is held typically in the month of March on the last day of full moon in the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna. Major celebrations go on for a period of one week starting from the evening of Holi (Holika Dahan) and run up to a day after "Rang Panchami", which is otherwise referred to as the festival of colours. Every year, specific dates differ following the Hindu calendar system, thus one must go ahead and pre-plan well beforehand.
Itinerary: Spending 3 Days in Vrindavan during Holi
Day 1: Arrival in Vrindavan and Holika Dahan Festival
Check-In and Relax After you arrive, check-in at your hotel. There are several types of accommodation ranging from low-budget guesthouses to the higher-end hotels. Some popular hotels for celebrating Holi in Vrindavan are the Krishna Palace and the Shree Radha Krishna Resort, which are both in the center.
Afternoon: Tour Temples Spend the afternoon touring some of Vrindavan's most significant temples. Must-see is the Banke Bihari Temple, a temple devoted to Lord Krishna. Another significant temple is the Radha Raman Temple, which is one of the oldest temples in the region. You may also visit the well-known ISKCON Vrindavan Temple, where the festivities of Holi have a particularly religious flavor.
While strolling through the temples, absorb the religious aura and get ready for the night's Holika Dahan celebration. This ancient ritual represents the victory of good over evil.
Evening: Holika Dahan Holika Dahan ceremony is a crucial part of Holi celebration in Vrindavan. It is the burning of demoness Holika and represents the victory of good over evil. The ceremony is performed in the evening when big bonfires are set in various locations of the town. Individuals sit around the fire, sing devotional songs, and offer prayers for a good year to come.
The Holika Dahan is the starting point of Holi in Vrindavan, and you will see hordes of tourists and locals all coming together with a sense of celebration and harmony. The night concludes with an air of celebration, and people are all charged up for the next day.
Day 2: The Festival of Colors – Discovering the Streets of Vrindavan
Lathmar Holi
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
If you are interested in taking part in the religious side of Holi, you may visit the ISKCON Temple in the morning for a prayer session, where the atmosphere is prayerful and the festival is all about singing bhajans (devotional songs).
Mid-Morning: Take part in the Gopis' Lathmar Holi After morning prayers, get set for the actual fun! Move to the Gopi Ghat for the popular Lathmar Holi, a festival where women lovingly strike men with sticks as they attempt to protect themselves. This ceremony is a custom in the region and represents the playful love between Krishna and Radha. At this time, the streets of Vrindavan are abuzz with the sound of music, hymns, and colors flying all around. It's an experience one will never forget.
Afternoon: Participate in Holi at the Banke Bihari Temple After Lathmar Holi, head to the Banke Bihari Temple. The temple becomes the epicenter of the Holi celebrations. Devotees here participate in the "Rangotsav," where colors are splashed on everyone, and people sing and dance around the idol of Lord Krishna. It’s a place where devotion and celebration are blended seamlessly, and you’ll feel the joyous energy of the festival around you
The Banke Bihari temple Holi is particularly famous for the disciplined yet free-spirited mood. The instant you enter, you'll be splashed with colors and engulfed in the spirit of the festival.
Late Afternoon: Explore the Local Streets and Temples As the day progresses, wander through the narrow lanes of Vrindavan. There’s something magical about walking around while being showered with colors. You’ll come across people from all walks of life, from pilgrims to tourists, all joining together in the celebration. Don’t forget to check out the Radha Vallabh Temple, another important religious site.
Evening: Experience the Evening Aarti at the ISKCON Temple In the evening, head back to the ISKCON Temple for the evening aarti (ceremonial light offering). Here, the atmosphere is charged with chanting, prayer, and kirtans (devotional music). The aarti ceremony is a peaceful, spiritual counterpoint to the more frenetic Holi celebration during the day. This is the ideal conclusion to the festivities.
Day 3: Visit Surrounding Areas and Relax
Afternoon: Unwind at the Yamuna Ghat After a couple of days of wild celebrations, relax in the afternoon by the Yamuna River, close to the Yamuna Ghat. Take a boat trip on the river, experience the peaceful environment, and unwind reflecting on the Holi celebrations. Several pilgrims and tourists take a sacred dip in the Yamuna River as a part of their religious practice.
Evening: Departure After enjoying some time basking in the serenity, it's time to leave. You can board a late evening train or take a taxi to your next destination, with lovely memories of your Holi celebration in Vrindavan.
Tips for Celebrating Holi in Vrindavan:
Stay Hydrated: March in Vrindavan is usually hot, so do not forget to drink a lot of water and carry a bottle with you.
Protect Your Skin and Eyes: Put coconut oil or petroleum jelly on your skin to avoid irritation caused by the colors. Sunglasses or goggles will safeguard your eyes from colored powders.
Respect Local Traditions: Holi is a fun festival, but Vrindavan is a religious town, so be considerate of local customs and traditions. Be respectful of sacred areas such as temples and ghats.