Holi 2026 in Braj: Complete Date-Wise Schedule for Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana and Nandgaon

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Holi is about to come, and if you've ever dreamed of celebrating it where the stories of Krishna and Radha come alive, this might be the year to finally do it.

In Uttar Pradesh's Braj region, home to Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana and Nandgaon, Holi is not just a one-day colour fight. It's a weeks-long celebration filled with temple rituals, playful traditions, devotional music and thousands of visitors soaking in the festive chaos.

If you're planning a trip, timing is everything. Here's the verified and updated Braj Holi 2026 schedule so you don't miss the magic.

Holi in Braj: More Than Just One Day

Photo Credit: Google (Collage by BoldSky)

Unlike most parts of India, where Holi is celebrated over two days, Braj's celebrations begin as early as late January and build up gradually through February before peaking in early March.

Each town hosts its own signature event, and many travellers move from one location to another to experience them all.

Braj Holi 2026: Full Date-Wise Calendar

January 23, 2026 - Basant Panchami

The festive season informally begins with Basant Panchami celebrations in temples across Braj, marking the spiritual start of Holi festivities

February 24, 2026 - Laddu Holi (Barsana)

At the Radha Rani Temple in Barsana, devotees celebrate with Laddu Holi, where sweets are playfully thrown instead of colours. It's a devotional, fun, and comparatively less crowded event, a great start to your Holi celebrations.

February 25, 2026 - Lathmar Holi (Barsana)

Lathmar Holi is a fun event to watch, where women of Barsana chase men with sticks, and men defend themselves with shields. This event is based on the Krishna-Radha mythological story.

February 26, 2026 - Lathmar Holi (Nandgaon)

The next day, the celebrations shift to Nandgaon, another village of Lord Krishna, where the same fun event takes place. There will be music, colors, temple aarti, and a jam-packed crowd.

February 27, 2026 - Phoolon Wali Holi (Vrindavan)

Photo Credit: Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir

At Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, instead of colours, people use flower petals. This event is spiritual and aesthetically pleasing, a great option for those who want to avoid crowds and enjoy temple celebrations.

March 1, 2026 - Chhadi Maar Holi (Gokul)

In nearby Gokul, Chhadi Maar Holi carries forward another playful tradition tied to Krishna's childhood stories.

March 3, 2026 - Holika Dahan

Bonfires are lit across Mathura and Vrindavan, symbolising the victory of good over evil. The atmosphere turns reflective before the grand colour celebrations the next day.

March 4, 2026 - Rangwali Holi (Dhulandi)

This is the main colour day - the Holi most people recognise. Streets in Mathura and Vrindavan explode with gulal, water colours, music and dancing. If you want the full street-Holiday energy, this is the day to be there.

March 5, 2026 - Dauji Huranga (Baldeo, near Mathura)

Celebrated at the Dauji Temple in Baldeo, this high-energy event is known for its lively, playful colour traditions and strong local participation.

Which Town Should You Choose?

• Barsana - For the iconic Lathmar Holi
• Nandgaon - For traditional village celebrations
• Vrindavan - For temple-based Holi like Phoolon Wali Holi
• Mathura - For large-scale Rangwali Holi and Holika Dahan

Many travellers plan a 4-6 day itinerary to experience multiple events.

Travel Tips Before You Go

• Book hotels well in advance - February and March are peak seasons.
• Reach venues early, especially for Lathmar Holi.
• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
• Wear light cotton clothes you don't mind staining permanently.
• Stay hydrated and use sunscreen, celebrations happen outdoors.

Bottomline

Celebrating Holi in Braj is not just about throwing colours. It is an experience of traditions that have been around for centuries, an experience of living mythology, and an experience of the collective joy of thousands of people celebrating together.

If you're planning to celebrate Holi in Uttar Pradesh this year, now you have the full calendar in hand. All that's left is to pack your white kurta, and prepare to come back home covered in colour and stories.