By the Vrajraj team, Govardhan · Last verified
Holi in Braj is not one day but a week of celebration. It begins with Laddu Holi and Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon, moves to the Holi of flowers in Vrindavan, peaks with Holika Dahan and Dhulandi across Braj, and ends with the Huranga at Dauji. In 2027, Holi (Dhulandi) is on Monday 22 March.
Holi in Braj 2027: expected dates
| Celebration | Date | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Laddu Holi, Barsana | ~Mon 15 Mar 2027 | Shriji Temple, Barsana |
| Lathmar Holi, Barsana | ~Tue 16 Mar 2027 | Barsana |
| Lathmar Holi, Nandgaon | ~Wed 17 Mar 2027 | Nandgaon |
| Phoolon wali Holi (Rangbharni Ekadashi) | ~Thu 18 Mar 2027 | Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan |
| Holika Dahan | Sun 21 Mar 2027 | Across Braj |
| Holi (Dhulandi) | Mon 22 Mar 2027 | Across Braj |
| Huranga, Dauji | ~Tue 23 Mar 2027 | Dauji Temple, Baldeo |
"~" marks dates we have worked out from the Hindu calendar; some sources list them one day later. The Mathura administration usually publishes the official Braj Holi schedule in January or February, and we will update this page when it does.
Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon
In the most famous Holi of all, the men of Nandgaon, Krishna's village, come to Barsana, Radha's village, to play Holi. The women of Barsana playfully "beat" them back with long sticks (lathis) while the men shield themselves. The next day the roles are reversed in Nandgaon. It is noisy, colourful and deeply devotional, and crowds are vast.
Phoolon wali Holi in Vrindavan
On Rangbharni Ekadashi, the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan plays Holi with flower petals instead of colours. It is one of the most beautiful sights in Braj, but the temple is extremely crowded. Go early and keep your group together.
Holika Dahan, Dhulandi and Huranga
On the night of Holika Dahan, bonfires are lit across Braj. The next morning, Dhulandi, is the day of colours everywhere. The day after, the Huranga at the Dauji temple in Baldeo is a riotous celebration where women tear the clothes of the men and drench them in colour.
Tips for Holi in Braj
- Book stays early. Rooms near Barsana and Vrindavan sell out weeks ahead.
- Wear old clothes, oil your hair and skin, and protect your eyes. Carry phones in a zip-lock bag.
- Go with a group or a local guide, especially with women and children, and agree a meeting point.
- Arrive early and leave before the peak. Roads into Barsana are closed or diverted on the main days.
- Respect the devotion. For Braj, Holi is worship as well as play.
Planning Holi 2027 in Braj? Enquire early for your dates; Holi week books quickly.
