Why Hampi Is a Must-Visit for Holi: A Traveler’s Guide
Experiencing Holi in Hampi was nothing short of magical. the backdrop of ancient ruins and boulder-strewn landscapes, the festival came alive with vibrant colors, music, and an incredible sense of community—what to expect, how to prepare, and why TO CONSIDER Hampi.
HOW MANY DAYS | 2
WHEN | March
WHERE TO STAY |
TOP THINGS TO SEE |
Holika Dahana, Playing Holi, Virupaksha Temple
HOW TO GET AROUND | by bicicle, scooter or auto-rickshaw
Holi is one of the most vibrant and fun festivals celebrated in India. Known as the "Festival of Colors," it marks the arrival of spring and celebrates the victory of good over evil. During this lively festival, people come together to throw colorful powders at each other and dance to music. We had an incredible time and absolutely loved the experience! We truly believe this is something everyone should experience at least once in their life.
When we decided to celebrate Holi in Hampi, we were excited yet unsure of what to expect. In this post, we'll share some of our tips to stay safe and make the most of your visit during this unforgettable festival. To make the most out of your trip to Hampi, check out our detailed guide about all the historic highlights to discover and essential info for travelers about how to get there, where to stay and how to get around.
READ | Uncover the Past: Top Places to Visit in Hampi’s Ruins
FIRE NIGHT: HOLIKA DAHAN
The night before Holi is marked by Holika Dahan, a powerful ritual that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. This tradition is rooted in Hindu mythology—specifically the story of Holika, a demoness who tried to kill her nephew Prahlad, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu. Holika lured him into a fire, believing she would be protected by a magical cloak. But because her intentions were wicked, she was consumed by the flames, while Prahlad emerged unharmed, saved by divine intervention.
In Hampi, this myth comes alive in a local procession. As the sun sets, a group of men begins dancing and chanting to the beat of drums, starting from the steps of Virupaksha Temple. They make their way through the narrow streets of Hampi Bazaar, joined by a growing crowd of locals and travelers alike, before returning to the temple.
The energy builds as people gather around a large pyre and light fireworks. A symbolic figure—representing Holika—is carried to the fire and placed on top, before the bonfire is finally lit. It’s a lively evening that marks the beginning of Holi with warmth, music, and shared celebration.
WHEN | 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
WHERE | on Bazaar rd. in front of Virupaksha Temple
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FESTIVAL OF COLORS: CELEBRATION
Holi morning is when the magic truly happens—the streets come alive with color, music, and joy. If it’s your first time celebrating Holi, or your first time experiencing it in Hampi, here’s everything you need to know.
WHEN | 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
WHERE | on Bazaar rd. in front of Virupaksha Temple
What to Wear for Holi
Wear white, old, and modest clothing—Holi powders are beautiful but stubborn, and some stains will stay no matter how often you wash. We also recommend dressing conservatively, as most locals wear traditional attire, and it’s a simple way to show cultural respect.
Sunglasses can help protect your eyes from powder, which can sometimes sting or cause irritation. Applying sunscreen and coconut oil to your skin before heading out makes it easier to scrub the colors off later—though be prepared, some will stick around for a few days.
Washing color out of your hair can be especially tricky. If you have long hair, we suggest tying it up, using coconut oil, or covering it with a scarf to make your life easier post-celebration.
Safety
Expect crowds, so do not put anything valuable on your pockets. You will jump and dance, so anything can fall off easily. We only had a few rupees with us just to buy some colors. The liquor stores were closed the days before the festival, so the celebration was friendly and energetic, free from alcohol and the presence of drunk individuals. But we don’t know if this regulation will be enforced the years after. Therefore, we recommend you to go in groups, as most people do.
eSIM | For a reliable connection during Holi, a Saily eSIM helps you stay safe and connected without roaming issues.
Woman Safety
For the first time, Hampi introduced a separate area for women and children to celebrate Holi. This dedicated space, right next to the mixed-gender area, allowed them to throw colors, dance, and enjoy the festival freely and comfortably. A metal fence—similar to those used at concerts—clearly marked the section and was strictly monitored by police to ensure a safe and relaxed atmosphere.
No-Water
In Hampi, we didn’t encounter anyone throwing water or using water guns. We kept our phone in a waterproof case, which didn’t provide the best quality results, but at least it protected our phone from the color powders. You also can protect your camera gear with a plastic bag.
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How to Play Holi
People will come up to you with a big smile, say “Happy Holi,” and gently apply color—usually on your face or body, depending on the situation and your gender. Sven ended up covered in color from head to toe, while I mostly had a colorful face.
As a woman, I was genuinely impressed by how respectful everyone was. Men always asked if I was playing or if they could apply color. They only touched my cheeks or forehead—never anywhere else, and not a single moment felt uncomfortable or inappropriate. We spent the entire celebration in the mixed-gender area, and I also had moments where I was alone when Sven stepped away to a “safer zone” to capture the colorful chaos without risking the camera.
What to Expect
We had a blast. We danced, made new friends, took pictures with strangers and just embraced this incredible Indian tradition. The hospitality and friendliness was beyond anything that we would’ve expected. It was so beautiful to see so much joy, happiness, playfulness on every single face you come across. We had the best experience and hope you do, too.
Don’t miss our in-depth travel guide for Hampi—it’s packed with tips on the top historical sights, transportation options, where to stay, and everything else you need to know for a smooth visit.
READ | Uncover the Past: Top Places to Visit in Hampi’s Ruins