Dates for 2027
- Laddu Holi, Barsana: around 15 March.
- Lathmar Holi, Barsana: around 16 March. One source lists 14 March, so confirm locally.
- Lathmar Holi, Nandgaon: around 17 March.
- Rangbhari Ekadashi, Vrindavan (flowers and colour at the temples): around 18 March.
- Holika Dahan: Sunday 21 March 2027, in the evening.
- Holi (Dhulandi): Monday 22 March 2027.
The Barsana and Nandgaon dates are announced by the temples and local administration. We verified the national dates on 23 Oct 2026. Re-check the Braj dates a month before you travel.
What Lathmar Holi is
The men of Nandgaon, Krishna's village, come to Barsana, Radha's village, and the women of Barsana greet them with playful lathis (sticks) while the men carry shields. The next day the roles reverse in Nandgaon. It is loud, joyful and full of folk songs, and it is rooted in the story of Krishna teasing Radha and her friends.
How to do it without getting lost in the crowd
We follow the path Krishna gave in the Gita: dharma at each place, and the responsibility for everything. During Holi that means we tell you plainly if a plan will be too crowded for your group, and we choose the safer, calmer option.
- Reach Barsana early. Cars have to stop well outside the main lanes, and you walk the last stretch.
- Wear old white or light clothes you do not mind losing, a cap, and sunglasses for the colour. Use a waterproof pouch for your phone.
- Keep elders and children at the edge of the crowd, or watch from a rooftop that your host or guide arranges.
- Use natural colours if you can, and rinse your eyes at once if colour goes in.
- Keep money and phones on you in a zipped pocket.
Dates checked: 23 Oct 2026