Braj Holi 2026 Calendar: All Dates And Full Schedule For Holi Celebrations In Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, And Nandgaon

Braj Holi 2026 Dates: Braj Holi is one of India’s most famous Holi celebrations, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan - the land of Lord Krishna. Unlike Holi celebrations elsewhere that focus mainly on colour play, Braj Holi lasts over several days and includes unique rituals like Laddu Holi, Lathmar Holi, Phoolon Ki Holi, and more. In 2026, these Holi festivities begin in late February and continue into March, attracting devotees and travellers from across India and around the world. 

What Is Braj Holi? (Braj Holi Date 2026)

Braj Holi is a colourful and devotional version of the Holi festival celebrated in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh. Braj Holi lasts many days with rituals, temple events and local customs unique to Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and Nandgaon. This year Braj Holi 2026 begins on February 24, 2026.

Braj Holi 2026: Complete Calendar And Important Dates

Here are the key dates and places for Braj Holi 2026 celebrations to bookmark:

Braj Holi 2026 In Mathura: Day-Wise Celebration Schedule

In Mathura, Holi festivities include temple rituals, music, colours and spiritual events:

• March 3, 2026 - Holika Dahan: Bonfires lit after sunset across Mathura to symbolise the victory of good over evil. 

• March 4, 2026 - Rangwali Holi (Dhulandi): Main colour play day in Mathura with colours, dance, and music. 

• Temples like Shri Dwarkadhish Temple and Shri Krishna Janma Bhoomi host devotional celebrations throughout this period, with traditional bhajans and ceremonies. 

  In Uttar Pradesh, Holi is not just a festival—it is a timeless expression of faith & culture.
  
  From the फूलों की होली of Vrindavan to the spirited Lathmar Holi of Barsana, from temple rituals to vibrant folk traditions, every hue carries the legacy of Braj.
  
  VC (IG) mr.visheshhh pic.twitter.com/fwwxEAcGto

  — Department of Culture, UP (@upculturedept) February 11, 2026

Braj Holi 2026 In Vrindavan: Temple-Wise Events And Timings

In Vrindavan, Holi takes on a spiritual tone with temple-centred celebrations:

• February 27, 2026 - Phoolon Wali Holi & Rangbharni Ekadashi: Flower petals replace colours inside Banke Bihari Temple and other sacred places. 

• Mostly all Vrindavan Temples open early for darshan and special services during this time, so planning your visit in advance is wise.

Barsana Lathmar Holi 2026: Date, History, And Traditions

Barsana’s Lathmar Holi is among the most iconic events in Braj Holi:

• February 25, 2026 - Barsana Lathmar Holi: Women playfully chase men with sticks (lathis) in a reenactment of Radha’s and Krishna’s legendary mischief. 

• The official portal of Uttar Pradesh Government (District Mathura) states, “Legend has it that Lord Krishna visited his beloved Radha’s village on this day and playfully teased her and her friends. Taking offence at this, the women of Barsana chased him away. Keeping in sync with the story, the men from Nandgaon visit the town of Barsana every year, only to be greeted by sticks (aka lathis) of the women there. The ladies hurl sticks at the men, who try to shield themselves as much as they can. The unlucky ones are captured by the enthusiastic women who then make the men wear female clothing and dance in public.”

• The event draws huge local and tourist crowds, with folk songs, dance, and traditional sweets adding to the fun. 

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Nandgaon Holi 2026: Full Schedule And Rituals

Nandgaon Holi happens just after Barsana:

• February 26, 2026 - Nandgaon Holi: In this Holi celebration, men from Barsana join local participants for more fun and musical Holi celebrations. 

• It’s generally a little calmer than Barsana but still lively with colours, songs and shared traditions.

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Phoolon Ki Holi 2026: Date And Where To Experience It

• February 27, 2026 - Phoolon Ki Holi: Instead of colours, flower petals shower devotees, a serene celebration that contrasts beautifully with the high energy of Lathmar Holi.

• Phoolon Ki Holi is best seen at Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. 

Braj Holi 2026 promises a perfect mix of tradition, colours and devotion to experience the vibe of Holi.

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