Chennai might not be the first city when you think of Holi, but the Holi festival in Chennai has quietly evolved with a good mix of tradition and curated party celebrations. This year as well, Chennai has planned some of the lit events like #LeelakIHoli at The Leela Palace, Rang Raas Holi ft. Rohit Saraf, Rang De-Holi 2026 at YMCA, Rang Rang Rangeela, and the Sunburn Holi, where locals and tourists will come together for music, dance, and gulal.
Holi in Chennai 2026 is about experiencing the festival in a uniquely Tamil way, which starts with temple rituals, hopping between curated city events, and finishing the day at beachside celebrations. Talking about beachside celebrations, you cannot miss out on Elliot’s Beach, Marina Beach, MGM Beach Resort and Adyar Beach for the much-awaited Chennai Holi celebrations.
Holi in Chennai: Key Highlights
Festival dates:
- Holika Dahan (bonfire night): 3 March 2026 (evening)
- Rangwali Holi/Color Play day: 4 March 2026 (daytime)
Typical timings:
- Community bonfires and rituals: Evening, 6 PM - 9 PM
- Color celebrations, parties and events: Morning 10 AM - Evening 7 PM
Major locations
- YMCA Royapettah
- Island grounds
- East Coast Road beaches
- OMR-Kailash Garden and select hotel lawns
Food and Drinks
- Traditional sweets: Gujia, Pootharekulu and Thandai
- Local snacks: Sundal, Vada, and Coconut water
- Tourist tip: Street food near beaches.
Timing and Weather Awareness
- Holi is usually in March, and you will find Chennai in hot and humid weather.
- Tip: You should wear light, breathable clothes and sunscreen and carry water, especially if you plan to move between temple rituals and outdoor parties.
- Chennai hosts Carnatic music fused with contemporary beats during Holi, especially in community and resort events.
- What’s unique: You get to enjoy a South Indian twist on a North Indian festival.
Interactive Street Games and Local Competitions
- Some community Holi events in Adyar and Besant Nagar feature water balloon fights, tug-of-war, and friendly Holi challenges.
- Tourists can even participate and experience the festival like local kids.
Where can we celebrate Holi?
Chennai’s Holi celebrations are mostly organised events and community gatherings, rather than temple-centric rituals. Tourists and locals can enjoy the festival in the following main locations.
1. Rang Raas Holi FT. Rohit Saraf
It is a high-energy Bollywood-themed party, which has the special guest—Rohit Saraf! You can enjoy the best music, dance, and colorful celebrations. This event is ideal for young adults, college students, and Bollywood enthusiasts, featuring live DJ sets, celebrity appearances, and vibrant gulal zones that create a truly festive atmosphere.
Location: YMCA, Royapettah, Chennai
Date and time: Sun 1 March 2026, 10 AM onwards
Ticket price: INR 850 Onwards
Suggested read: Yaoshang Festival 2026
2. Rang De - Holi 2026 @YMCA
You cannot miss the biggest Holi festival hosted at the YMCA Grounds in Chennai. Also, it is famous for the family-friendly vibe that it brings, combined with music, dance, and cultural performances.
Location: YMCA, Royapettah, Chennai
Date and time: Wed 4 March 2026, 9 AM onwards
Ticket price: INR 910 Onwards
3. Sunburn Holi - Chennai
Part of the iconic Sunburn brand, we are introducing you to the color-soaked dance floor, electronic music, Live DJs, and vibrant colors. It’s perfect for tourists and locals who want Holi in Chennai with an amazing twist filled with playful traditions and a night that’s memorable.
Location: Venue to be announced
Date and time: Wed 4 March 2026, 10 AM onwards
Ticket price: INR 1,000 onwards
The Leela Palace Chennai always hosts an amazing event known as “#LeelaKiHoli,” where everyone gathers to celebrate with eco-friendly organic colors, traditional Phoolon ki Holi, live music, and themed food. The event has a luxurious vibe overlooking the Bay of Bengal!
Location: The Leela Palace Chennai, MRC Nagar
Date and Time: Details awaited
https://www.theleela.com/the-leela-palace-chennai/experiences
5. Discoholic by the Beach—Chennai Holi Party 2026
Discoholic by the Beach is a fun and relaxed way to enjoy Holi in Chennai right by the sea. You have this chance to enjoy DJ music, colorful gulal, and coastal vibes all in one place. It is definitely among the most popular choices for tourists and young locals who want a laid-back celebration.
Location: Besant Nagar
Date and time: 4 March 2026, 10 AM onwards
Ticket price: Starting from INR 799 Onwards
Suggested read: Holi in Udaipur
Food You Can Try During Holi in Chennai
- Gujiya is the most popular dish in North India, and you must not miss it in Chennai as well.
- Thandai is served at most of the Holi celebrations in Chennai and eateries as a festive cooling drink.
- Pootharekulu is a South Indian sweet that is commonly enjoyed during Holi in Chennai.
- Sundal, a very light and protein-rich snack, is majorly found near the temples.
- Vada and bajji stalls are there around the beaches and event areas.
- Fresh coconut water can be your go-to drink in Chennai.
Unique Experiences for Tourists During Holi in Chennai
- Watch Holi before you play it: Unlike in North India, Holi in Chennai starts with the divine temple rituals, which are beautiful to witness. Tourists understand the cultural context before diving into the fun and chaos of street Holi.
- Unique Holi experience in Chennai: Chennai is one of the few Indian cities where you can celebrate Holi and still enjoy the sea on the same day. After a color party, many people often head to Elliot’s Beach or ECR to just have the vibes and wash off the colors.
- Safety: Chennai promotes herbal and skin-safe colors and limited water usage. So, you should know that it's in a comfortable style for the people coming together to enjoy the vibe.
- Holi food in Chennai: Apart from colors and temples, you must enjoy Holi in Chennai with good foods like gujia, thandai, pootharekulu, sundal, and fresh coconut water.
- Holi in Chennai as a tourist: In Chennai, you can easily plan your Holi day as attending temple rituals in the morning, having a cafe break in the late morning, enjoy the color or DJ party in the afternoon, and have a beach walk at sunset in the evening.
Practical Tips for First-Time Holi Visitors in Chennai
- You should wear old and breathable clothes for the Holi celebration in Chennai.
- You should choose ticketed Holi events in Chennai for a safer experience.
- Start your day with the beautiful temple rituals.
- Make sure you are using the eco-friendly gulal to protect your skin.
- Keep your wallet and phones in waterproof pouches.
- Carry sunscreen for Chennai’s heat.
- Visit beaches or resorts for a calmer Holi in Chennai.
- Transport should be planned with prior notice to avoid last-minute delays.
Suggested read: Holi in Hampi
