Celebration of Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan is not just a festival; it’s a devotion and emotion, too. The beauty and essence of Holi attract thousands of travelers every year and sometimes even more. This is the birthplace of Lord Krishna and the playground where they used to play and enjoy. This city has different vibes, culture, devotion, and traditions. In 2026, the Holi celebration in Vrindavan is expected to draw huge crowds, and traveling by train is the most convenient way to reach the destination.
If you are planning to visit Mathura, Vrindavan, and other spots to celebrate Holi. This blog guides you to understand the festival dates, major events, and best train routes to travel, and most importantly, how to order vegetarian food during a train journey.
Why Mathura and Vrindavan Are the Best Places to Celebrate Holi
There is not a single reason to consider Mathura and Vrindavan the best places to celebrate Holi. First Holi is not only for one day, but it lasts for several days. A lot of rituals are performed, such as in temples, March, flower holi, and the renowned Lathmar Holi in close to Barsana and Nandgaon.
There are several reasons why celebrations in these places are so special, because the connection is deep-rooted in Lord Krishna’s Childhood stories. As per the beliefs and traditions, Krishna used to play Holi with Radha and the gopis in these towns. The cultural memory leads to celebrating the best Holi in these places.
Visitors experience:
- Traditional celebration in the temple
- Dance, music, and dedicated singing to show devotion
- Holi celebration in Vrindavan with flowers and color, and street are occupied with these.
- Centuries-old culture performed
These are the reasons Mathura a nd Vrindavan are the busiest travel destinations during Holi.
Holi 2026 Dates in Mathura–Vrindavan
Every year, the date of any festivals doesn’t need to be the same; it varies every year. In these places, the Holi celebration in Vrindavan starts a week before the arrival of the main Holi day.
Expected timeline for Holi 2026 events:
Barsana Lathmar Holi: Early March 2026 (usually 5–6 days before Holi)
Nandgaon Holi: The next day after Barsana celebrations
Vrindavan Flower Holi: A few days before the main festival
Widow’s Holi in Vrindavan: Special celebration at select temples
Main Holi Festival: Mid-March 2026 (tentative based on the Hindu calendar)
| S.No. | Date | Name | Place |
| 1 | 24 Feb 2026, Tuesday | Barsana Laddu Holi | Sriji Temple Barsana |
| 2 | 25 Feb 2026, Wednesday | Barsana Lathmar Holi | (Main Holi Barsana) |
| 3 | 26 Feb 2026, Thursday | Nandgaon Holi | Lathmar Holi in Nand Bhawan |
| 4 | 27 Feb 2026, Friday | Vrindavan Holi | Phoolwalon Ki Holi Bankey Bihari Temple, Rangbhari Ekadashi Holi in Vrindavan |
| 5 | 27 Feb 2026, Friday | Mathura Holi | Special Event at Birthplace of Lord Krishna Temple and all over Mathura |
| 6 | 01 March 2026, Sunday | Gokul Holi | Gokul Holi and Raman Reti Visit |
| 7 | 03 March 2026, Tuesday | Holika Dahan (Holi Fire) | Dwarkadhish Temple, Dola and Mathura Vishram Ghat, Banke Bihari Vrindavan |
| 8 | 04 March 2026, Wednesday | Dhulandi Holi | Dwarkadheesh Tesu Flowers / Abir Gulal Holi and Colorful Water Holi in Brij |
Holi celebration in Vrindavan are not restricted to a certain places it take place in various temples and streets. These are the mentioned temples, and the table tells you the exact date and place where Holi is celebrated.
- Banke Bihari Temple
- Dwarkadhish Temple
- Barsana village
- Nandgaon
- Sriji Temple Barsana
If you are planning to visit and enjoy all these places, you need to plan a trip for 3-4 days.
Best Places to Experience Holi in the Region
Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
These temple has the most amazing celebrations of holi not only restricted to colors but also include colors, music, and flowers to enjoy the original essence of Banke Bihari Temple. The priest chants inside the temple. The visitors should come and enjoy the celebration earlier, and don’t miss a single event.
Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura
The Holi celebration in Vrindavan is always grand in this temple, and to uplift the Holi celebration rituals, songs are performed and played. To enjoy and celebrate Holi, this temple takes you to the reality of enjoyment.
Barsana – Lathmar Holi
Lathmar Holi in barsana are not only a festival of colors, but it is a riot of colors, playful bangs on the streets. This holi is not start on that day; it starts before the actual Holi celebration in Vrindavan. Women chase the men with sticks known as ‘Lathis’. People from other states, tourists, and locals participate an d watch this exceptional cultural event. It is a traditional belief that Radha and Krishna have playful teasing.
Nandgaon Holi
To enjoy and see the Nandgaon Holi, it is just 7 km from Barsana. Men from the Nandgaon Holi go to Barsana to see the women performing folk after that, they head to the Radhika Ji temple. First Holi is celebrated in Barsana, then in Nandgoan, and menfolk go to Barsana to celebrate Holi.
| Rank | Destination | What Makes It Special | Holi Experience |
| 1 | Mathura | Birthplace of Lord Krishna and traditional Holi rituals | Temple celebrations, devotional songs, and authentic cultural Holi |
| 2 | Vrindavan | Spiritual Holi linked to Krishna’s childhood | Phoolon ki Holi, bhajans, temple festivities |
| 3 | Jaipur | Royal heritage and curated Holi events | Palace celebrations, folk music, cultural performances |
| 4 | Udaipur | Scenic lakeside celebrations | Holika Dahan events, palace courtyards, folk dance |
| 5 | Varanasi | Traditional Holi with spiritual atmosphere | Ghat celebrations, music, vibrant street Holi |
| 6 | Pushkar | Popular among backpackers and global travellers | DJ parties, lively street celebrations |
| 7 | Delhi | A mix of modern festivals and traditional Holi | Music festivals, rain dance events, community Holi |
| 8 | Barsana | Famous for the unique Lathmar Holi | Traditional stick-play celebration and temple gatherings |
| 9 | Anandpur Sahib | Hola Mohalla festival with Sikh heritage | Martial arts shows, cultural performances, community events |
| 10 | Hampi | Unique South India Holi setting | Colour celebrations near ancient ruins and monuments |
Best Trains to Reach Mathura and Vrindavan
Train travel is most common if anyone wants to visit Mathura and Vrindavan to celebrate Holi. Mathura is a major Railway junction that easily connects to various cities. The interesting fact- Vrindavan is just 10-15 km from Mathura, so boarding the train and reaching the destination is always convenient.
The train services that operate from Mathura cover major regions of the country. During the train journey Food on train is available by the RailRestro app.
Here are some of the best trains to consider.
1. Gatimaan Express (Delhi to Jhansi via Mathura)
This is one of the fastest trains running from New Delhi. It stops at Mathura and is perfect for travelers who want to reach the destination quickly.
Highlights:
- Fast travel time
- Comfortable seating
- Ideal for short trips during Holi
Travelers coming from Delhi and nearby regions often prefer this train.
2. Shatabdi Express
Shatabdi trains connecting Delhi and other cities also stop at Mathura. This express train is known for its punctual arrival and departure.
Why is it popular:
- Day travel option
- Comfortable seats
- Reliable service
3. Taj Express
This train runs between Delhi and Agra and stops at Mathura. It is a budget-friendly option and widely used by travelers visiting the region during festivals.
Benefits:
- Affordable fares
- Convenient timings
- Good connectivity
Many Holi travelers choose Taj Express for short journeys.
4. Malwa Express
If you are traveling from Central India or Madhya Pradesh, Malwa Express is a good option.
Why consider this train:
- Long-distance connectivity
- Stops at Mathura Junction
- Suitable for travelers from multiple states
5. Mumbai to Mathura Trains
Travelers coming from western India can take several trains connecting Mumbai and Mathura, including long-distance express services.
These trains are useful for:
- Long journeys
- Group travel
- Festival travel rush
Booking tickets early is recommended because Holi season sees heavy demand.
Travel Tips for Holi 2026 Train Journey
Travel during Holi might be tiring because the rush of passengers is huge, and the train seats are occupied; tickets are already booked. To enjoy the train journey during the festive season, Indian Railways announced 1500+ special Trains to ease traveling for passengers. Planning your itinerary leads to a smooth journey.
Read More- Holi Special Trains 2026: Route Details and How to Order Food in Train
Important tips:
- Book tickets at least 3–4 weeks in advance
- Check PNR status regularly
- Choose early morning trains to avoid delays
- Reach the station early during festival season
- Carry light luggage
Check the train schedule and seat availability before you heading to the train journey and plan your itinerary accordingly.
Pure Veg Food Delivery in Train During Holi Travel
It is quite obvious to demand and looking pure vegetarian food during the train journey when they travel for religious purposes. If they want to visit Mathura and Vrindavan, they have the option to order pure Veg food in train. RailRestro offers the best meal and is delivered right to your seat. With the help of PNR number, you can place an order.
Popular food options include:
1. Veg eco thali
2. Executive thali
3. Maharaja thali
4. Deluxe Thali
5. Veg Biryani
6. Paneer Biryani
7. Jain food options
Now no need to rely on pantry car food; you have the best Train food delivery services, so order and relish the best food in train.
How Food Delivery in Train Works
Now the process is simple and convenient for passengers.
Steps to order food in train:
- Enter your PNR number on the food delivery platform.
- Select the station where you want your food delivered.
- Choose from available restaurant menus.
- Confirm your order.
- Food will be delivered directly to your train seat at the selected station.
This system ensures fresh meals even during long journeys.
Best Pure Veg Meals to Order During Holi Travel
During festival travel, many passengers prefer light and vegetarian meals.
Some of the best options include:
- North Indian Veg Thali
- Paneer Butter Masala with roti
- Veg Biryani
- Jain meal options
- South Indian dosa or idli meals
- Fresh snacks and sweets
These dishes are suitable for the train journey, and you can do Bulk food order in train. If you are traveling with family and friends, you can relish the best meals during your journey.
Why Train Travel Is the Best Way to Reach Mathura–Vrindavan
Train travel offers several advantages during Holi season.
| Feature | Description |
| Comfortable journey | Trains allow you to relax and enjoy the trip without worrying about traffic or long road travel. |
| Affordable travel | Compared to flights or taxis, trains are budget-friendly. |
| Better connectivity | Mathura is connected to major Indian cities. |
| Convenient food options | Passengers can easily order meals during travel. |
Important Things to Keep in Mind During Holi in Mathura
Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan can be crowded and energetic. Being prepared will help you enjoy the festival safely.
Tips for travelers:
- Wear comfortable clothes
- Protect your phone and belongings
- Stay hydrated
- Follow local instructions
- Avoid overcrowded areas if traveling with family
Planning your travel and accommodation is also essential.
Conclusion-
To celebrate Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan is itself a mesmerizingrising experience, and it is not every day you can experience it is always once in a while. The fusion of colors, flowers, and music takes you away from the stress and gives you immense pleasure. If you plan to visit these places, it is advised to book your train ticket earlier to avoid the last-minute rush and stress.
Choose the right train, routes, and keep in mind that the festival rush is at its peak. Better to pre-book your meal just by using the PNR number, and tasty, hygienic food makes your journey unforgettable and convenient.