India can rightly boast of being the most wonderful country in the world, with unique traditions and amazing festivals. Among all the festivals celebrated in the country, Holi, the festival of colors, has unmatched popularity. Not only kids, but it is loved by people of all ages. This lively festival is celebrated in distinct ways across various regions. If you truly want to secure a royal experience this year at this festival, you must not miss the Holi celebrations of Rajasthan.
The Land of Maharaja, popular for its grand palaces and great hospitality, hosts vibrant events during this lively festival. If you’re planning your first trip to India, a Holi package in Jaipur is the perfect option to witness the cultural charm of this wonderful country. Besides the capital city, other beautiful cities, including Udaipur, Jodhpur, and others, also promise unforgettable experiences at this festival. Keep reading to explore the unique royal Holi celebrations of Rajasthan that can make your trip more memorable.
When is Holi Celebrated in India?
Many foreign visitors prefer to plan their trip to India during festivals, as they allow them to not only witness but also enjoy and take part in different traditions and customs. If you want to make your first experience in this wonderful country special, nothing can be better than the Rajasthan Holi celebrations. However, before we get to know about the famous Holi celebration types, let’s get the answer to when is Holi celebrated.
Across India, the festival of colors is celebrated in the Phalguna month (February or March) according to the Hindu calendar. Generally, this lively festival is celebrated for two days. The night before the main Rangwali Holi day is Holika Dahan. Rajasthan Holi date and time for the next year are March 3 and March 4 for Holika Dahan and Rangwali Holi, respectively. Every year, the Holi celebration date changes due to the lunar cycle.
6 Famous Types of Holi in Rajasthan
The famous types of Holi in Rajasthan show how special and important this festival of colors is in the Rajasthani tradition. Locals consider it the arrival of spring and take part in its celebrations, like lighting bonfires, exchanging sweets, and playing with colors. If you want to make Holi 2026 fun and memorable, you should plan a trip to this wonderful state during this lively festival. Here are the 6 main types of Holi celebrations in the region that must not be missed:
1. Royal Holi
Want to celebrate the festival of colors like royals in the most authentic way? You only need to book your Holi package in Jaipur or Pushkar. The other cities, like Udaipur and Jodhpur, are also popular for their celebrations of this famous Holi type. You can take part in celebrations of this vibrant festival with the royal families in the City Palace and other historic settings.
However, you need to book a ticket in advance to not miss folk performances, royal processions, and other things in the celebrations. You must plan your visit to any of the beautiful cities in the Land of Kings before so that you can reach there before the Rajasthan Holi date and time 2026, which is March 4.
2. Dhulandi Holi
Signifying the end of the long winter season, this main type is the most famous Holi in Rajasthan. The celebrations of this type in Rajasthani culture are linked to many legends, including young Lord Krishna. One legend says little Kanha was jealous of Radha, as her complexion was fair, so he complained to his mother about the unfairness of nature.
Yashoda told him to go and apply colors on Radha’s face, so they would resemble each other in color. It is believed that this is the origin of the playful tradition of Dhulandi Holi, where people play with colored powders and water. This Holi celebration in Jaipur hotels is more special, as they also serve several traditional foods to guests on the main festival day.
3. Mali Holi
This is among the most unique and playful types of Holi in Rajasthan and India. Locals in certain regions in the state, like Ajmer and Didwana, follow this tradition. In this custom, men throw colors at women, and the women respond by playfully hitting them with bamboo or sticks. You should partner with a trusted travel services provider to enjoy the Festival of Colors with the Mali community in 2026.
4. Gair Holi
Gair Holi is counted among the most special Holi celebrations of Rajasthan, which is celebrated by men from different communities, like the Bhil. Men from nearby villages gather in Ajmer for Gair Holi, play traditional instruments, and dance rhythmically to the folk beats in circles. Men use sticks and swords in their performance. You can witness this unique celebration live just by planning your trip during the famous Holi in Rajasthan. You can also enjoy local sweets and drinks like Gujia, Malpua, and thandai.
5. Dolchi Holi
This famous Holi in Rajasthan has been celebrated by locals in Bikaner using camel skin vases called Dolchi for over 300 years. In this unique celebration, men from different communities throw water at each other using the Dalchi vessel. This Bikaner-style Holi significantly showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Land of Maharajas. The only limitation is that only men can take part in this celebration, while women and children can only watch from a distance.
6. Brij Holi
Bharatpur-style celebration of Holi is believed to have started in the 18th century during the rule of Raja Surajmal. Even today, it is celebrated in the same way in several areas, including Deeg and Kaman. This lively two-day celebration of the festival of colors is linked with the divine love of Lord Kanha and his beloved Radha. Men and women dress like them and participate in colorful celebrations, including folk dances like the Rasila. This festival lasts for two days in the region each year during the Phalgun month.
Jaipur Holi: A Blend of Tradition and Festivity
Among all the royal celebrations of the festival of colors in Rajasthan, the Holi festival in Jaipur is the most special. It is believed that the first-ever royal celebration was held during the rule of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Even today, locals take part in Holika Dahan with royal family members. However, now other things, like music and folk dance performances in palaces, are also organized.
As we discussed in the Jaipur Holi History above, the Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II was the first who start the Holika Dahan in the city, and it is followed by royals even now. You can be involved in these celebrations that have kept old traditions alive just by booking your ticket in advance.
You can make your Jaipur Holi 2026 trip more memorable with a trusted travel operator. You don’t need to worry about travel arrangements, booking tickets, hotel bookings, and other details, as your travel partner will manage everything for you. Moreover, you can also explore the famous attractions in the Pink City during your visit.
Celebrate the Colors of Royal Rajasthan
All of these 6 Holi celebrations of Rajasthan are special and can help you make your experience unforgettable. Not only do you get to know about several unique traditions, but you can also take part in celebrations with locals. You only need to make sure to contact a trusted tour operator for a safer experience. Make Rajasthan Tours India your partner for a memorable Holi celebration in Jaipur or any other lively city in the region in 2026.
We will help you secure a royal experience with a perfect combination of age-old and modern celebrations. You don’t need to worry about anything, as our travel packages cover everything needed for a stress-free trip. Moreover, as a trusted partner of A Hospitality Club, a top-rated travel company in India, we also offer customized services at fair prices. Plan your celebration of Holi 2026 in Rajasthan with us to make beautiful memories for a lifetime.
