Braj Holi 2026 dates: Check full schedule for Rangotsav, Barsana Lathmar, Nandgaon Lathmar Holi, Dhulendi associated with Lord Krishna

Braj Holi is not a one-day festival and it spans nearly 40 days across the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh, starting in January. A long, cheerful festival, Braj Holi is deeply associated with Lord Krishna and these celebrations blend devotion, folk traditions and joyful chaos. As per tradition, Braj Holi 2026 begins on January 23, marking the start of the Rangotsav period. Celebrated across Vrindavan, Barsana, Mathura and Nandgaon, this extended Holi festival is known for its devotion-filled rituals, vibrant traditions and deep cultural roots.

Braj Ki Holi 2026 dates and schedule

The world-famous Braj Holi is starting today from February 24, Tuesday, and will go on till March 12, according to the official schedule released by the district administration. The main events of Braj Holi 2026 are as follows:

February 24 – Phag Invitation & Laddu Holi: The festivities begin with Phag Aamantran in Nandgaon, followed by the colorful Laddu Holi in Barsana, marking the ceremonial start of Rangotsav.
February 25 – Barsana Lathmar Holi: The famous Lathmar Holi will be celebrated in Barsana, where women playfully strike men with sticks, reenacting legends associated with Krishna.

February 26 – Nandgaon Lathmar Holi: The celebrations move to Nandgaon, continuing the vibrant traditions of colors and playful rituals.

February 27 – Temple Holi in Mathura & Vrindavan: Grand festivities will take place at Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple and Banke Bihari Temple, where devotees gather to celebrate with colours and devotion.
March 1 – Dwarkadhish Temple Holi & Chhadi Mar Holi: Holi will be celebrated at Dwarkadhish Temple, alongside the energetic Chhadi Mar Holi in Gokul.March 3 – Chaturvedi Samaj Dola: The Chaturvedi community’s traditional Dola procession will be observed with devotional enthusiasm.

March 5 – Dauji Temple Huranga & Charakula: The renowned Huranga festival will take place at Dauji Temple. On the same day, Charakula dance performances will be held in Mukharai, along with Huranga celebrations in Nandgaon.

March 6 – Huranga in Bathein & Gidoh: The villages of Bathein and Gidoh will host their traditional Huranga events.

March 9 – Chhadi Mar Holi in Mahavan: Mahavan will celebrate its own vibrant version of Chhadi Mar Holi.

March 12 – Rangji Temple Holi Festival: The grand Holi celebration at Rangji Temple will bring the main Rangotsav festivities to a close.

Braj Holi 2026 Calendar: Key Dates & Events

Devotees and tourists from India and abroad are expected to come together in Mathura and Braj region to witness traditional celebrations such as Barsana Lathmar Holi, Nandgaon Holi, Chhadi Mar Holi in Gokul, and the grand Huranga festival in Baldev. Although Holi in Braj is celebrated for nearly 40 days, the nine-day Rangotsav remains the main attraction, drawing massive crowds every year.

ALSO READ: Anand Mahindra, stuck in US ‘blizzard of 2026′, shares a deep message about life’s storms, says ‘proof that even nature’s tantrums can…

What is the Braj region in UP?

The Braj region (also called Braj Bhoomi) is a cultural and religious area in western Uttar Pradesh that is closely associated with the life of Krishna. It is believed to be the land where Lord Krishna was born and spent his childhood.

Main places in the Braj region:

Mathura – Krishna’s birthplace

Vrindavan – Where Krishna is believed to have grown up

Govardhan – Known for Govardhan Hill

Barsana – Associated with Radha

ALSO READ: Kolkata weather today: Will it rain in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly today? Here’s what IMD has predicted for south Bengal districts

Braj Holi 2026: Why is it celebrated?

The 40-day-long Braj Holi carries immense spiritual significance and begins with Basant Panchami, symbolising renewal, devotion and celebration. The festivities formally commence with the ritual of planting the Holi Ka Danda inside temples, marking the ceremonial start of the season.

Throughout the Rangotsav, devotees offer gulal and fresh flowers to Radha and Krishna. Temples across the Braj region host distinctive celebrations such as Phoolon Ki Holi, Lathmar Holi, and Laddu Maar Holi, each deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions and local lore.

How to Plan Your Braj Holi Stay

Book Early: Hotels in Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana fill up fast. Stay near temples for easy access, or slightly outside town for less crowd.

Plan Around Event Dates: Each town celebrates on different days (Lathmar Holi in Barsana/Nandgaon, temple Holi in Mathura/Vrindavan). Choose your priority events and plan travel time.

Pick the Right Base: Vrindavan for temple celebrations, Barsana/Nandgaon for Lathmar Holi, and Mathura for central connectivity.

Arrange Transport: Expect roadblocks and heavy crowds. Pre-book cabs and be ready to walk.

Pack & Stay Safe: Wear light cotton clothes, carry eye protection and waterproof pouches, stay hydrated, avoid valuables, and travel in groups.