Braj Holi 2026 Calendar: All Dates And Full Schedule For Holi Celebrations In Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, And Nandgaon
Braj Holi 2026 Dates: Holi in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh is not just a one-day colour festival — it is a grand cultural and spiritual celebration that unfolds over several days. Celebrated in the sacred land of Lord Krishna, Braj Holi attracts lakhs of devotees and travellers to Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and Nandgaon.
Unlike Holi celebrations elsewhere that focus mainly on colours and parties, Braj Holi includes centuries-old rituals such as Laddu Holi, Lathmar Holi, Phoolon Ki Holi, Widow Holi, and Huranga. In 2026, these festivities begin in late February and continue into early March, offering a vibrant mix of devotion, folklore, music and tradition.
What Is Braj Holi? (Braj Holi Date 2026)
Braj Holi is a devotional and culturally rich version of Holi celebrated across the Braj region — believed to be the playground of Lord Krishna. Each town celebrates Holi in its own distinctive style, inspired by stories of Radha and Krishna.
Braj Holi 2026 officially begins on February 24, 2026, with Laddu Holi in Barsana, and continues until March 5, 2026, concluding with Huranga Holi at Dauji Temple.
Braj Holi 2026: Complete Calendar And Important Dates
Here is the full day-wise schedule of major Braj Holi 2026 events:
| Date (2026) | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| February 24 | Laddu Holi | Barsana – Radha Rani Temple |
| February 25 | Barsana Lathmar Holi | Barsana |
| February 26 | Nandgaon Holi | Nandgaon |
| February 27 | Phoolon Ki Holi & Rangbharni Ekadashi | Mathura & Vrindavan |
| March 1 | Chhadi-Mar / Gokul Holi | Gokul & Raman Reti |
| March 1 | Widow Holi | Vrindavan |
| March 3 | Holika Dahan | Mathura & Vrindavan |
| March 4 | Rangwali Holi (Dhulandi) | Mathura & Vrindavan |
| March 5 | Huranga Holi | Dauji Temple, Baldev |
Braj Holi 2026 In Mathura: Day-Wise Celebration Schedule
In Mathura, Holi celebrations blend spirituality with vibrant festivities.
March 3, 2026 – Holika Dahan
Bonfires are lit after sunset across Mathura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Devotees gather with prayers, traditional songs and rituals.
March 4, 2026 – Rangwali Holi (Dhulandi)
The main colour-playing day transforms Mathura into a sea of gulal. Streets fill with music, dance and joyous celebrations.
Important temples such as Dwarkadhish Temple and Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi host devotional bhajans and special ceremonies throughout the Holi period.
As the Uttar Pradesh Culture Department beautifully describes, Holi in Braj is not merely a festival — it is a living expression of faith and tradition passed down for generations.
Braj Holi 2026 In Vrindavan: Temple-Wise Events And Timings
In Vrindavan, Holi celebrations are deeply devotional and temple-centric.
February 27, 2026 – Phoolon Ki Holi & Rangbharni Ekadashi
At the famous Banke Bihari Temple, priests shower devotees with flower petals instead of colours. This serene celebration offers a striking contrast to the energetic Lathmar festivities.
March 1, 2026 – Widow Holi
Vrindavan is also known for its inclusive Widow Holi celebration, where widows participate in colour play — a progressive change from earlier social traditions.
Most temples in Vrindavan open early for darshan during this period, and large crowds are expected, so advance planning is advisable.
Barsana Lathmar Holi 2026: Date, History, And Traditions
February 25, 2026 – Barsana Lathmar Holi
Barsana’s Lathmar Holi is perhaps the most iconic event of Braj Holi. Celebrated at Radha Rani Temple, this event reenacts a playful episode from Radha and Krishna’s legends.
According to tradition, Krishna visited Barsana and teased Radha and her friends. In response, the women chased him away with sticks (lathis). Today, women symbolically chase men from Nandgaon, who protect themselves with shields in a dramatic yet festive ritual.
The event features:
- Traditional Braj folk songs
- Dance performances
- Sweets like gujiya and laddus
- Massive local and tourist participation
Nandgaon Holi 2026: Full Schedule And Rituals
February 26, 2026 – Nandgaon Holi
A day after Barsana, the celebration shifts to Nandgaon. Here, the playful tradition continues as participants gather for musical Holi celebrations, colour throwing and devotional rituals.
Though slightly less intense than Barsana’s Lathmar Holi, Nandgaon Holi remains lively and deeply rooted in tradition.
Phoolon Ki Holi 2026: Date And Where To Experience It
February 27, 2026 – Phoolon Ki Holi
One of the most visually enchanting events, Phoolon Ki Holi replaces coloured powders with fragrant flower petals. The most popular venue to witness this celebration is Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan.
The atmosphere is calm, devotional and spiritually uplifting — making it ideal for families and devotees seeking a serene Holi experience.
Huranga Holi 2026: The Grand Finale
March 5, 2026 – Huranga Holi
The final major event of Braj Holi 2026 takes place at Dauji Temple in Baldev near Mathura.
Huranga Holi is known for its playful yet intense colour celebrations, where men and women participate in spirited traditions inside the temple courtyard.
This marks the conclusion of the Braj Holi celebrations.
Why Braj Holi 2026 Is Special
Braj Holi is not just about colours — it is a celebration of mythology, devotion, community and heritage. Every town in Braj contributes its own flavour:
- Barsana – Lathmar Holi
- Nandgaon – Traditional colour celebrations
- Vrindavan – Phoolon Ki Holi & Widow Holi
- Mathura – Grand Rangwali Holi & temple rituals
For travellers, photographers and devotees alike, Braj Holi 2026 offers an unforgettable cultural journey.
FAQ
When does Braj Holi 2026 start and end?
It begins on February 24, 2026 (Laddu Holi in Barsana) and concludes on March 5, 2026 (Huranga Holi at Dauji Temple).
What is Lathmar Holi?
It is a playful Holi tradition in Barsana and Nandgaon where women symbolically strike men with sticks, inspired by Radha-Krishna legends.
Where can I see Phoolon Ki Holi 2026?
The best place is Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan on February 27, 2026.
What is the main Holi day in Mathura and Vrindavan?
Rangwali Holi (Dhulandi) will be celebrated on March 4, 2026.
