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Holi 2026 Begins: From Mandi's Devotion to Barsana's Lathmaar Celebrations

Early Holi 2026 festivities have commenced across India, drawing locals and tourists into vibrant celebrations. In Himachal Pradesh's Mandi, the Raj Madhav Rai Temple complex came alive with dance, music, and gulal, with a tourist praising the well-managed arrangements. Unique celebrations were seen in Madhuri with Widow's Holi and in Ujjain with devotees dressed as deities, while Uttar Pradesh witnessed the traditional Lathmaar Holi in Barsana. The festival, marking spring's arrival, is rooted in Hindu mythology and begins with the Holika Dahan bonfire.

Key Points: Holi 2026 Festivities Begin Across India | Colourful Celebrations

  • Early Holi celebrations begin nationwide
  • Devotees gather at Raj Madhav Rai Temple in Mandi
  • Unique Widow's Holi celebrated in Madhuri
  • Lathmaar Holi observed in Barsana, UP
2 min read

Himachal to Uttar Pradesh: Holi 2026 festivities begin across India with colourful celebration

Holi 2026 celebrations start early across India. See vibrant festivities in Himachal, unique Widow's Holi in Madhuri, and the famous Lathmaar Holi in Uttar Pradesh.

"I found Mandi's system very beautiful... I would tell everyone to come to Mandi and experience Holi here. - Tourist to ANI"

New Delhi, March 3

With Holi 2026 just around the corner, the country is already slipping into celebration mode, and from temples to town squares, colours, music and tradition are bringing people together once again.

Across India, early Holi festivities have begun, drawing locals and tourists alike into vibrant gatherings that reflect the festival's deep cultural roots and joyful spirit.

In Himachal Pradesh, Holi festivities started early in Mandi, where a large number of devotees gathered at the Raj Madhav Rai Temple. The temple complex came alive with dance, devotional songs and colourful celebrations as people played with gulal and enjoyed the festive spirit. Visitors from across India were seen joining the locals in the celebrations.

A tourist who visited Mandi to experience Holi shared his thoughts while speaking to ANI. Talking about his first Holi experience in the town, he said that he found the arrangements very well managed. He added that separate barricades for men and women made the celebration comfortable for everyone.

Encouraging others to visit, he said, "This was my first Holi experience. I found Mandi's system very beautiful. There were proper barricades, with separate areas for women and men. I would tell everyone to come to Mandi and experience Holi here."

In Madhuri, women celebrated a special version of the festival known as Widow's Holi at the Gopinath Temple premises. Women were seen playing with colours and flowers, smiling and enjoying the moment together. The celebration stood as a symbol of joy, togetherness and new beginnings.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh witnessed a unique Holi celebration at Mahakal Van in Ujjain. Devotees dressed up as Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, along with Nandi and 'bhoot-pishach' characters. They played with gulal and took part in the celebrations, creating a colourful and spiritual atmosphere.

In Uttar Pradesh, the famous Lathmaar Holi was celebrated in Barsana, in Mathura district. Following age-old traditions, women playfully chased men with sticks as crowds gathered to witness this special form of Holi that attracts visitors from across the country.

Holi, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the arrival of spring and the harvest season. The celebration is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.

The festival begins with Holika Dahan, where a bonfire is lit to mark the death of Holika, a symbol of evil and a special Puja to burn evil spirits is performed.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Lathmaar Holi in Barsana is on my bucket list! It's incredible how each region has its own unique way of celebrating. The diversity in our traditions is what makes India so special. Happy Holi to all!
A
Aman W
While the celebrations are wonderful, I hope the authorities are ensuring eco-friendly gulal is used everywhere. We must celebrate without harming the environment. The separate barricades in Mandi sound like a good safety measure too.
S
Sarah B
As a tourist who experienced Holi in Vrindavan last year, I can relate to the visitor in Mandi. The energy, colors, and sheer joy are infectious. It's more than a festival; it's a feeling of universal brotherhood. Can't wait to visit again!
K
Karthik V
The depiction of Lord Shiva and Parvati in Ujjain's Mahakal Van must be a sight to behold. Holi has such deep spiritual roots beyond just the play of colours. Bura na mano, Holi hai! 🎨
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Nikhil C
It's heartening to see the article highlight celebrations from different states. Sometimes media focuses only on North Indian Holi. Every region, from Himachal to MP to UP, adds its own flavour. This is the real "Incredible India".

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