The best Holi parties in India: a city-by-city guide

Holi has become the single biggest party moment on India's calendar, and every major city now throws a flagship colour celebration. Here's a guide to where the festival of colours goes hardest — and how to pick your perfect Holi.

Delhi-NCR hosts some of the largest, most star-studded Holi festivals in the country — huge crowds, big-name performers, and full festival production. Mumbai and Pune excel at the rain-dance-and-DJ format, packing venues with colour, water and non-stop music.

Goa gives Holi a beachside spin, while Rajasthan — Jaipur and Udaipur — pairs the festival with heritage and lakeside settings. Our own Rangilo Rajasthan pool party at The Udaisarovar is built exactly for this: organic colour, a lakeside deck, rain showers and a festival-house soundtrack.

• ›Want scale and star power? Head to a Delhi mega-festival.
• ›Want a scenic, boutique vibe? Rajasthan and Goa deliver.
• ›Always check for organic, skin-friendly colours — the good events insist on them.

Wherever you play, Holi is India's most joyful party. Pick your city and dive in.