Holi in Udaipur hits different. There's no other way to put it. Colours fly everywhere, and people dance like nobody's watching. The festival happens against marble palaces and blue lakes. One minute you're dodging water balloons near City Palace, and the next you're watching a 400-year-old ritual that the royal family still follows.
The Holi celebration in Udaipur starts almost a week early. Markets smell like freshly made sweets. Kids run around testing their pichkaris. Then Holika Dahan happens, bonfires light up every neighbourhood, and everyone knows the real fun starts tomorrow.
The morning of Holi looks like complete madness. Strangers grab you for a quick dance. Someone's aunt forces thandai down your throat. Colours are everywhere—in your hair, clothes, and ears. And Lake Pichola just sits there looking perfect through all this chaos.
With our Rajasthan tour packages, all the planning is done for you. We take care of the dates, timings, where you stay, and the moments that make the trip Holi special!
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Udaipur Holi Schedule 2026
Understanding the Udaipur Holi 2026 dates is key to planning your visit. Unlike Holi in Barsana or Vrindavan’s extended Braj festivities, Udaipur’s Holi centres around two main days tied to the Hindu lunar calendar:
- 3 March 2026 – Holika Dahan: The traditional bonfire ritual is celebrated on the evening before Holi. This marks the symbolic burning of Holika and is observed across Rajasthan, including Udaipur. Holika Dahan takes place after sunset on 3 March, with gatherings around sacred fires to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
- 4 March 2026 – Dhulandi / Rangwali Holi: It is the main Holi festival in Udaipur and across much of northern India. People play with colored powders, water, and music.
Why Celebrate Holi in Udaipur? Know the Origin
Holi in Udaipur has a unique charm that comes from the city’s royal and cultural heritage. Centuries ago, the rulers of Mewar celebrated Holi with grand music, dance, and color festivities at the palaces and lakes. Locals joined in, adding folk songs, playful water fights, and temple rituals, turning the festival into a community celebration. Over generations, these royal and local traditions blended into the Royal Holi in Udaipur we see today.
What the celebration really means is that Udaipur Holi isn’t just about throwing colours. Every song, splash of gulal, and playful water fight connects you to centuries of history, devotion, and cultural pride, making the festival both joyous and meaningful.
Best Holi Events in Udaipur
Holi in Udaipur is fun and full of different celebrations. Some are traditional and quiet, and some are loud and colourful. If you want to see the best of Holi in Udaipur 2026, these are the main events you shouldn’t miss:
1. Royal Holika Dahan at City Palace
This is a grand start to Holi in Udaipur. On the evening of Holika Dahan (1 day before the colour day), the Mewar royal family leads a big bonfire ritual at City Palace. The palace grounds come alive with music, cultural performances, and traditional dances. It feels like history coming alive before the colours even start.
- Where: City Palace, Udaipur
- When: Evening before Rangwali Holi (1 day before colour day)
- Timings: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Crowd Level: High
- Who It’s For: Culture lovers, history fans, families
- Highlights: Grand bonfire, royal rituals, traditional dances, and music. A majestic start to Holi in Udaipur.
One of the most beautiful parts of the Holi celebration in Udaipur is the Holi at Gangaur Ghat beside Lake Pichola. People come here in the morning to throw colours, dance, and play music with the lakeside and palaces in the background. It feels lively, and many locals and visitors join the fun here.
- Where: Gangaur Ghat, Lake Pichola
- When: Morning of Rangwali Holi
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Crowd Level: Very High
- Who It’s For: Photographers, travellers, families, festival lovers
- Highlights: Lakeside celebrations with colours, music, dance, and scenic views. This is one of the best Holi spots in Udaipur.
3. Street Holi in the Old City
If you want to feel the real energy of Udaipur Holi, the streets of the Old City are the place to be. Areas like Jagdish Chowk and Hathipole become crowded with people playing with colour while singing and dancing. This is less organised but more lively.
- Where: Jagdish Chowk & Hathipole, Udaipur
- When: Morning to afternoon of Rangwali Holi
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Crowd Level: Extreme
- Who It’s For: Adventure seekers, youth, travellers who love chaos
- Notes: Play with colours, and sing and dance with locals. This is real Udaipur Holi energy.
4. Temple Holi Celebrations
Some temples in Udaipur also celebrate Holi with devotional songs, prayers, and gentle colour play. Early in the morning, many locals visit Jagdish Temple in the old city or the sacred Eklingji Temple nearby before the main celebrations begin. These moments feel peaceful and spiritual, showing a softer side of Holi in Udaipur beyond just colours and crowds.
- Where: Jagdish Temple Udaipur & other city temples
- When: Early morning of Rangwali Holi
- Timings: 6:00 AM–9:00 AM
- Crowd Level: Moderate
- Who It’s For: Devotional travellers, families, spiritual seekers
- Highlights: Calm, peaceful colour play, prayers, and bhajans. It is ideal for Holi celebrations in Udaipur, adding a spiritual touch to the festivities.
5. Luxury Hotel & Resort Holi Parties
Many luxury hotels and resorts like Lake Palace and Udaivilas host Holi party Udaipur 2026 events. These are organised parties with music, food, colours, and DJs. Some of these feel like a small Holi music festival in Udaipur with both traditional and modern beats. Big hotels often offer colour play, snacks, and drinks in a safer, cleaner setting.
- Where: Lake Palace, Leela, Udaivilas, and other resorts
- When: Afternoon of Rangwali Holi
- Timings: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Crowd Level: Medium to High
- Who It’s For: Families, couples, tourists, party lovers
- Notes: Organised colour play, DJs, food, drinks, and music. Some feel like a mini Holi music festival in Udaipur.
Suggested read: Holi in Sangla
How to Attend Holi in Udaipur 2026
Experiencing Holi in Udaipur in 2026 means enjoying colors, music, lakeside fun, and local traditions. The Holi celebration in Udaipur is lively and colourful, so planning will help you enjoy it safely and comfortably without last‑minute problems.
How to Reach Udaipur for Holi?
- By Air: The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur. It connects to major Indian cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai. From the airport, taxis and app‑based cabs can take you to your hotel or Holi event areas.
- By Train: Udaipur City Railway Station is well-connected to cities like Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur. From here, local taxis, auto‑rickshaws, and cab services will take you to celebration spots such as Gangaur Ghat, Holi Udaipur, and the Old City areas.
- By Road: Udaipur is connected by highways to many Rajasthan cities and nearby states. During Holi, private cars or taxis offer the most flexibility, as buses can become crowded.
Getting Around Udaipur During Holi
Walking is often the easiest way to move inside the main Holi areas. Places like Gangaur Ghat, Lake Pichola zones, and the Old City will be packed as celebrations start early in the morning on Holi day. Local autos and shared cabs can help, but they fill up fast. Booking a private ride in advance or arranging transfers through your hotel helps avoid last‑minute hassle.
Where to Stay During Holi in Udaipur?
Here are some good places you can stay in Udaipur during Holi in Udaipur 2026. Staying close helps you walk to the main events and soak up the festival vibe without long commutes:
• Hotels near Lake Pichola: Many travellers choose hotels near Lake Pichola for easy access to lakeside celebrations and scenic views.
• Old City guest houses and havelis: These are close to street celebrations in places like Jagdish Chowk and Gangaur Ghat.
• Luxury resorts: Many resorts offer organised Holi parties with music and colours, a good option if you prefer a controlled environment.
Booking early is recommended because Holi draws many tourists to Udaipur.
Must‑Try Food During Holi in Udaipur
Holi in Udaipur is as much about food as it is about colour and music. Be sure to try the famous food of Rajasthan:
• Thandai: A cool, spicy Holi drink
• Gujiya: Sweet dumplings
• Fateh Sagar snacks: Local treats by the lakes
• Lassi: Thick, sweet yoghurt drink
Staying hydrated and eating well helps you keep your energy up during celebrations.
What to Expect on Holi Day in Udaipur: A Timeline Experience
Holi in Udaipur is a full‑day celebration. It iscolourfull, loud, musical, and relaxed in parts. The Holi celebration in Udaipur starts early with peaceful temple visits and gradually moves into busy street colour play, lakeside festivities at Holi in Gangaur Ghat, and fun hotel or rooftop celebrations later in the day.
Early Morning (6–8 AM)
- Temple Visit: Many locals and visitors begin their day with a visit to temples in Udaipur, such as Jagdish Temple. People offer prayers, sing bhajans, and some gentle colour play begins here.
- Peaceful Vibe: The early hours are calm and spiritual. You see flowers, holy chants, and light colors before the big crowd arrives.
- Crowd Level: Moderate
Mid‑Morning (8–11 AM)
- Time to Play: The colour play really begins now. People pour out into the streets near the Old City, Jagdish Chowk, and lakeside areas. Colours, water guns, and music take over.
- Holi at Gangaur Ghat: This is one of the liveliest areas. People gather by Lake Pichola, dance to music, and throw colored powder while watching palace views in the background.
- Street Energy: Local tunes, Bollywood songs, and laughter fill the air. Couples, families, and solo travellers all join the fun.
- Crowd Level: High
This part of Udaipur Holi is exciting and a bit chaotic—the colour play is in full swing.
Afternoon (11 AM–2 PM)
- Peak Celebration: This is the heart of the Holi festival in Udaipur. Colours fly everywhere. Music gets louder. People dance on roads, at lakesides, and in front of shops.
- Lunch & Breaks: Vendors sell thandai, gujiya, and local snacks all around. Taking a short food break gives you energy to keep playing.
- Choose Your Spot: Some travellers stay in the busiest zones, while others move toward quieter streets or rooftops for views of Lake Pichola.
- Crowd Level: Very High
Early Afternoon (2–4 PM)
- Relaxed Play: The intense colour throwing eases a bit, but people still play and laugh with friends and family.
- More Music & Photos: Some travelers head to organized parties, hotel events, or lakeside cafés to rest and take photos of the colorful day.
- Crowd Level: High but less crowded than peak morning hours.
Evening (4 PM Onwards)
- Calm Closure: The colour play slowly winds down. People freshen up, relax, and enjoy dinner with friends or family.
- Lakeside Views: Many head back to Lake Pichola or quiet ghats to watch the sunset and reflect on the day.
- Relaxed Vibe: Conversations linger. Music softens. By night, the energy shifts from loud chaos to gentle calm, a perfect end to Holi in Udaipur 2026.
- Crowd Level: Moderate and easy.
Suggested Read: Holi Celebration in Vrindavan 2025: Dates and Events
Travel Tips for Holi Festival in Udaipur
Before You Go:
- Book Early: Hotels and guesthouses near Lake Pichola, City Palace, and major celebration zones fill up quickly during Holi in Udaipur. Book your stay early for the Udaipur Holi 2026 dates.
- Plan Your Trip: Make a list of the events you want to see, like the Holi at Gangaur Ghat, Old City street celebrations, and temple visits. Check the timings for Holika Dahan and Rangwali Holi so you don’t miss the main moments.
- Know the Vibe: Udaipur Holi is lively and playful. People throw colours, dance to music, and enjoy lakeside fun. Expect lots of people, bright gulal, and joyful noise.
- Old Clothes: Wear white cotton clothes if you don’t mind getting dirty. Avoid wearing colored clothes, as they can stain; instead, opt for cotton, which will keep you more comfortable during the celebrations.
- Skin & Hair Protection: Put coconut oil on your hair and moisturiser on your skin before going out. Sunglasses or scarves help protect your eyes and face from gulal and water.
- Protective Gear: Sunscreen is a must; Udaipur’s sun can be strong in March. A small first‑aid kit can help with minor scratches or irritation.
- Essentials: Carry hand sanitiser, water bottles, cash, and a power bank. Keep phones and documents in waterproof bags or pouches.
- Play Safely: Use organic colours when possible. Avoid throwing water at people’s faces or using hard objects.
- Know the Timings: The busiest time for Holi in Udaipur is mid‑morning to early afternoon on the colour day. Plan your visits accordingly.
- Manage Crowds: Keep your belongings safe and move with the crowd. Streets near Gangaur Ghat, Holi Udaipur, and the Old City lanes get especially packed.
- Stay Hydrated & Eat Light: Drink plenty of water and eat snacks often. Food stalls around colour zones offer thandai, gujiya, and other local treats that are great fuel during Holi.
- Avoid Valuables: Don’t carry expensive watches, jewellery, or lots of cash. Colour play and crowds make it easy to misplace items.
- Avoid Aggressive Play: If colours get thrown too hard or too close to your face, step back. Respect others and keep a relaxing, safe distance.
Most Crowded Places During Holi in Udaipur
The streets near Gangaur Ghat, Lake Pichola, City Palace areas, and Old City lanes are the busiest. Narrow paths become packed, especially in peak hours.
- Places to Avoid: Very narrow alleys deep inside the Old City can become too crowded during peak colour play. Unsecured rooftops also aren’t safe for climbing during festivities.
- When to Step Back: If the crowd feels too tight or rough, move out to a wider street, open space, or a café with a view of the celebrations.
Safety Tips for Udaipur Holi (Practical, Not Theoretical)
Holi in Udaipur must be enjoyed, but the streets get crowded and chaotic at times. Following some simple safety tips will help you have fun without stress.
Tips for Women & Children During Holi in Udaipur:
• Avoid the busiest streets during peak colour play.
• Prefer guided tours, temple courtyard celebrations, or hotel events for a safer experience.
• Always stay with a group. Do not enter dense crowds alone.
• If you feel unsafe, move to a quieter area immediately.
Special Tips for Families for Holi in Udaipur:
• Plan shorter visits instead of spending the entire day in big crowds.
• Set a meeting point in case someone gets separated.
• Choose peaceful events like temple rituals or organised resort celebrations for kids.
• Stay close to main event zones to avoid long walks in crowded streets.
Safety Tips for First‑Time Travellers During Holi in Udaipur:
• Get to know about the Udaipur Holi 2026 dates and schedule before you go.
• Book your transport and hotel early, as last‑minute options can be costly or unavailable.
• Udaipur Holi is lively and crowded, so be prepared for energy and excitement.
• Balance your visit between lakeside celebrations, street Holi, and temple rituals for a complete experience.
Special Tips for SoloTravellerss During Holi in Udaipur:
• Celebrate with organised groups or guided tours, especially near Gangaur Ghat, Holi Udaipur, and busy streets.
• Keep a trusted contact updated with your location.
• Avoid entering dense crowds alone during Holi.
• Stay low‑profile and plan your stay in a safe, well‑known hotel or guest house.
Udaipur Holi 2026: Where Colours Meet Royal Heritage
The Holi festival in Udaipur is more than just playing with colours; it is a vibrant celebration that combines tradition, music, lakeside beauty, and royal heritage. From the energetic Holi at Gangaur Ghat to the lively streets of the Old City, every event offers a glimpse into Udaipur’s unique culture and joyous spirit.
Whether you are a traveller seeking fun, a culture lover eager to witness rituals, or someone looking for the best Holi spots in Udaipur, experiencing Udaipur Holi 2026 will leave lasting memories of laughter, music, and colourful celebrations by the lakes, palaces, and busy streets.
