As Holi 2025 approaches on March 14th, India is set to burst into a riot of colors, joy, and age-old traditions. While the festival is known for its playful splashes of gulal and lively music, food plays an equally essential role in the celebration. Across India, different regions contribute their signature flavors to the Holi feast, with recipes that have been cherished for generations.
From the snow-covered peaks of the north to the coastal regions of the south, families prepare these traditional delicacies days in advance. These dishes are not just about taste; they carry deep cultural significance, symbolizing prosperity, unity, and festive spirit. Whether sweet or savory, these treats fuel the high-energy celebrations and bring people together in a spirit of warmth and festivity.
If you’re looking to create the perfect Holi menu, here are 13 must-try dishes from different states of India:
1. Gujiyas – Madhya Pradesh
A staple Holi dessert, gujiyas are crispy, deep-fried dumplings filled with a rich mixture of khoya (reduced milk), nuts, and dried fruits. These sweet treats are lovingly prepared in homes across Madhya Pradesh and exchanged among friends and family as a symbol of goodwill.
2. Dhuska – Jharkhand
A traditional deep-fried snack from Jharkhand, dhuska is made with fermented rice and lentil batter. Light, crispy, and flavorful, this dish is commonly paired with spicy potato curry or green chutney, making it a Holi favorite in the state.
3. Puran Poli – Maharashtra
This sweet flatbread, stuffed with a mixture of jaggery, lentils, and cardamom, is an integral part of Holi festivities in Maharashtra. Soft and aromatic, puran poli is often served with ghee, adding an indulgent touch to the festival.
4. Bhang Thandai – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
No Holi celebration is complete without a chilled glass of thandai. This refreshing drink, infused with almonds, saffron, fennel seeds, and sometimes bhang (cannabis paste), is a Holi specialty in Varanasi, believed to enhance the festive spirit.
5. Namak Pare & Kachori – Uttar Pradesh
Crunchy namak pare (savory fried crackers) and flaky kachoris stuffed with spicy lentil filling are among the most loved Holi snacks in Uttar Pradesh. These crispy delights are best enjoyed with tangy chutneys.
6. Masala Mathri – Punjab
A flaky, spiced biscuit-like snack, mathri is a popular Holi treat in Punjab. Deep-fried until golden brown, it is seasoned with carom seeds, black pepper, and cumin, making it a delicious accompaniment to chai or chutneys.
7. Malpua – Rajasthan
These golden, syrup-soaked pancakes are a highlight of Holi celebrations in Rajasthan. Made with wheat flour, milk, and mashed bananas, malpuas are deep-fried and then dunked in fragrant sugar syrup, making them a decadent festive treat.
8. Dahi Bhalle – Bihar
Soft lentil dumplings soaked in creamy spiced yogurt, topped with tangy tamarind chutney and roasted cumin, make dahi bhalle a cooling and delicious Holi dish in Bihar.
9. Mutton Chawal – Bihar
For meat lovers, Holi celebrations in Bihar are incomplete without a plate of slow-cooked mutton chawal. This aromatic dish, made with spiced mutton and fragrant rice, is perfect for refueling after a long day of festivities.
10. Gulgule – Odisha
These small, round fritters made from wheat flour, jaggery, and fennel seeds are a must-have in Odisha’s Holi celebrations. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they are often offered to deities before being shared with loved ones.
11. Barley Buttermilk – Himachal Pradesh
This cooling drink made from fermented barley and buttermilk is a Holi staple in Himachal Pradesh. Lightly seasoned with cumin, salt, and coriander, it is the perfect refreshment after an energetic day of color play.
12. Mix Pakode – Delhi
A platter of crispy pakoras is a must at any Holi gathering in Delhi. A variety of vegetables—onions, potatoes, spinach, and cauliflower—are dipped in gram flour batter and fried to perfection. Served with spicy chutneys, they bring warmth to the cool spring air.
13. Basundi – Gujarat
This slow-cooked, thickened milk dessert is a cherished Holi treat in Gujarat. Flavored with saffron, cardamom, and nuts, basundi pairs beautifully with crispy puris for a truly indulgent festive experience.
