Holi in Udaipur comes in two very different moods. First there's the night of the bonfire, with the City Palace hosting a royal Holika Dahan steeped in Mewar tradition. Then there's the morning after, when the whole city decides that everyone, including you, looks better in pink. Here's how to enjoy both, and come home with your dignity and your phone intact.
Holi's two days
Holi falls on the full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually lands in February or March. Dates change every year, so check the current calendar before you travel.
- Holika Dahan (evening): bonfires are lit across the city to mark the victory of good over evil, recalling the story of Prahlad and Holika.
- Dhulandi (next morning): the colour day, when friends, families and strangers throw gulal and water at each other.
The royal Holika Dahan at the City Palace
In Udaipur, the most famous bonfire burns at the City Palace. The former royal family of Mewar leads a traditional Holika Dahan ceremony, with ritual, music and a procession in the palace grounds, keeping alive a custom that goes back generations. With the lit palace walls rising behind the fire, it's one of the most atmospheric evenings of the Udaipur year.
Arrangements for attending vary from year to year, and it may be ticketed or limited in numbers. Check directly with the City Palace well in advance rather than turning up and hoping. If you can't get in, the neighbourhood bonfires in the old city are warm, welcoming and very local.
Playing colours responsibly
- Use dry gulal, ideally herbal or natural colours. Avoid shiny, oily or "pakka" colours that stain skin for days.
- Ask before you colour someone, and respect a "no". Not everyone on the street is playing.
- Oil up first. Coconut oil on your skin and hair makes the colour wash out far more easily.
- Protect your eyes with sunglasses, and never throw colour at someone's face.
- Leave animals alone. Street dogs and cows shouldn't be coloured; it harms them.
- Go easy on water. Water balloons from rooftops are not as funny when you're the target.
- Be careful with bhang. It's strong and slow to kick in. If you try it at all, have a small amount from someone you trust.
Tips for women and solo travellers
Most of Udaipur's Holi is good-natured and family-friendly, but crowds and bhang can make some street corners rowdy, especially later in the day. A few habits make a big difference:
Stay comfortable: play in the morning, when the mood is friendliest, and be done by around midday. Join a group, or a celebration hosted at your guesthouse or hotel, rather than wandering alone through packed lanes. Wear comfortable, full-length clothes you don't mind ruining, keep your phone charged and share your location with someone. If anyone crosses a line, say no loudly and step away towards families or shopkeepers.
Solo travellers often have the best time at hosted events, where you'll meet other guests and locals in a relaxed setting. If you'd like help finding a stay with a good Holi vibe, our travel assistance team can point you in the right direction.
Protecting your phone and camera
- Put your phone in a waterproof pouch or a zip-lock bag; you can still use the touchscreen.
- Cover your camera with a rain cover or a plastic bag with a hole cut for the lens, and add a cheap filter to protect the front element.
- Carry a dry microfibre cloth and wipe colour off straight away. Don't blow on the lens; powder gets everywhere.
- Avoid changing lenses outdoors. Gulal in the sensor is no souvenir.
- Honestly, leave the expensive kit in your room. A phone in a pouch takes great Holi shots.
After the colours
Much of the city winds down after the morning's play, and many shops and sights stay quiet until later in the day, so check timings before you plan an afternoon visit. Take a long bath, rest, and head out for an evening on the ghats. The day after Holi also marks the start of Gangaur, so you can roll straight into our Gangaur and Mewar Festival guide. For more on Mewar's traditions, explore our culture pages.
Quick answers
Is Holi in Udaipur safe for tourists?
Generally yes, especially in the morning and in groups or hosted events. Avoid isolated lanes and heavy bhang, and stop playing by midday.
Can tourists attend the Holika Dahan at the City Palace?
Arrangements vary each year and access may be limited. Check with the City Palace well ahead of time.
When is Holi celebrated in Udaipur?
On the full moon of Phalguna, usually February or March. Check the current year's date before booking.
