In India, festivals are intrinsically tied to culture, community, rituals, myth, and the changing seasons. Holi is perhaps one of the most exuberant expressions of India’s festive soul.
It’s rooted in centuries-old mythological tales — from the legend of devotion of Prahlad that celebrates the victory of good over evil marked by Holika Dahan to the playful tales of Krishna and Radha’s Rasleela that drowns cities like Mathura, Varanasi, Vrindavan and Assam’s Majuli island into a dance of ecstasy and temple ceremonies near the ghats of Pushkar. With Holi, the air becomes colourful with gulals, age-old traditions are honoured with reverence, Holi-sundowners take over the daytime, and spring season knocks on our doors, bridging a sense of joy and renewal.
Today, Holi celebrations, while rooted in traditions, are evolving in collective memory with a focus on conscious and experiential activities within India’s finest five-star hotels and palace retreats. From Phoolon ki Holi inspired by temple traditions, organic colours, and flower petals replacing harmful colours, to luxury sundowners, and mythological storytelling to interest the public, here are five places to travel for unforgettable Holi celebrations.
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The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas
Borrowing from the centuries-old Phoolon Wali Holi of Braj, where temples in Mathura and Vrindavan celebrate with showers of flower petals instead of colour, The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas brings this springtime tradition to the mountains. From March 3 to March 4, the resort presents a two-day festive escape to the hills, inviting guests to mark Holi against the expansive backdrop of the Himalayas.
The experience brings together a global culinary showcase presenting world cuisine dinner led by Chef CK, Chef Rajaram and Chef Ashish Panwar, along with a flower-led celebration where marigold, rose, lotus, and hibiscus petals replace synthetic powders for an organic Holi.
JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity
In the capital, Holi is rarely subtle, and at JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity, it is marked with a table that reflects the scale of the celebration. On March 4, Holi Brunch 2026 arrives at K3 – New Delhi’s Food Theatre under the theme, ‘Where Every Plate Plays with Colours’.
Get a taste of Indian, Mediterranean and Asian cuisines into one extended courtyard-style spread designed for an afternoon that moves at its own pace. Guests are welcomed with floral garlands, a ceremonial herbal tikka and glasses of Almond & Saffron Thandai before moving into the feast comprising Dungaree Murgh Angara Tikka, Ajwaini Mahi Tikka and Zaffrani Paneer Tikka, Awadhi Murgh and Moplah Prawn biryanis, along with interactive pizza and grill stations. Not to miss are festive-eats like Imarti, Jalebi with Rabri, Gujiya, Kesar Phirni, Rasmalai and a full display of festive mithai.
Leela Palace Udaipur
In Udaipur, colours will shimmer on Lake Pichola’s tranquil waters. The palace-luxury hotel will host Holi festive brunch with exclusive in-house pricing. The highlight remains the Phoolon ki Holi, a sensory celebration of flowers, organic Tishya by The Leela gulal and curated festivities.
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A dedicated Kids’ Holi fiesta featuring pichkari art, mythological storytelling and interactive colour experiences is also in store for an inter-generational celebration.
Aravali Marriott Resort & Spa
On 4th March, the resort invites guests to experience Holi not merely as a festival of colours, but as a thoughtfully curated celebration of joy, music, indulgence, and togetherness set against the serene backdrop of the Aravalis. The day begins at the hotel’s expansive Sapphire Lawn, featuring a rain dance, high-energy live DJ performances, and the use of carefully selected herbal colours, ensuring a celebration that is spirited yet safe.
As Indian festivals are incomplete without food, guests can also savour an indulgent gourmet spread paired with unlimited beverages to add to their entertainment.
Andaz Delhi by Hyatt
Andaz Delhi by Hyatt is celebrating the festival of colours with a vibrant Holi Brunch on March 1. It brings together festive Indian classics and global favourites, including Delhi-6 chaat, sushi, wok specials, Dal Makhani, Murgh Makhani, Dum Pukht Biryani and desserts such as Gujiya and Rose Kheer.
Highlights include a chef-to-table showcase of signature Indian dishes, a live trolley experience and the hotel’s signature chocolate counter, creating an interactive and flavour-forward celebration.
