The Hindu festival that signifies colours, love and the season of spring, Holi is often known for its gulal (coloured powder paint) throwing parties. Taking place on Monday the 25th March this year, it's becoming more and more popular with Londoners, thanks to supper clubs, classes and Bollywood performers all commemorating the special time. From Walthamstow to Marylebone, here’s our pick of the best events for the Holi Festival of Colours 2024 in London.
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London ki Holi Festival
For a daytime event featuring live performances from dhol players, belly dancers, acclaimed DJs and entertainment for all the family, head to London ki Holi Festival at The Willows in Walthamstow on Saturday 23rd March. Adding to the lineup are street food counters (including dosas, biriyani, Indo-Chinese fare, and Indian sweets), as well as complimentary henna, hair and makeup studio sessions to get you ready for the celebrations.
Get your tickets for this Holi London Festival in 2024 right here.
Cinnamon Kitchen
A top choice for Holi events in London this 2024, Cinnamon Kitchen is marking the occasion once again. Expect a series of celebrations as their #HouseofHoli pop-up returns to the Devonshire Square restaurant from the 15th to the 25th of March, including a paint pod where you can take part in a rainbow fight before tucking into a special menu, alongside a bespoke cocktail or mocktail. Bit of a foodie? You can also join the restaurant for their Holi Supper Club on the 20th of March (tickets £70pp), where dishes such as kosha mangsho and jackfruit curry will shine bright.
You won't want to miss out on this fun-filled pop-up.
Kanishka
For a fabulous meal with your loved ones, head over to Kanishka. The beautiful Mayfair eatery, from acclaimed chef and restauranteur Atul Kochhar, is as eye-catching as they come, boasting turquoise colours that appear to pop off the wall thanks to the juxtaposition of the black and white detailing. And from the 23rd to the 25th of March? You can delve into their special Holi set menu for £45, which features chicken Chettinad (spiced with cinnamon, curry leaves and poppy seeds) or, on the vegetarian menu, kadahi paneer (home-churned cheese, onions and peppers).
This suave space is perfect for special occasions.
Bollywood Boat Party On The Thames
This Holi party in London for 2024 is not only taking place on one of Skylines' vessels, but the Bollywood Boat On The Thames boasts live percussionists and the best of bhangra mixed into your DJ's playlist. Kicking off from Westminster Pier at 8pm, the big bash even has you viewing the city's finest sights from the water too.
Take to the Thames for something a little different.
Yaatra
Located among the bustling streets of Westminster, Yaatra offers sophisticated Indian dining, with Amit Bagyal (who's worked in the likes of Kanishka and Michelin-starred Benares) at the kitchen's helm. Expressing their love through colours, the restaurant has put together a stunning Happy Holi Menu to enjoy between the 25th and 27th of March for £45 per person. Kick-start with a Holi Festival of Colour sparkling cocktail before devouring a divine three-course feast. Think dishes like barra lamb cutlets, Punjabi shahi paneer tikka and a kulfi falooda sundae. Phwoar.
Don't miss out on this special Holi set menu in London for 2024.
Magic Of India: Holi Colour Party
The Holi party at Swiss Cottage comes courtesy of Magic of India, an organisation championing Indian culture in North West London. Drummers, a DJ, dancers, a live band, street food stalls and more will take over the outdoor space on the 17th of March from 11am to 4pm, with a signature packet of powder colour given to everyone in attendance too.
Splatter paint powder and become immersed in performances here.
Babur
With a three-course limited-edition menu (£49.95 per person) available from the 26th to the 31st of March, Babur is the place to have your London Holi celebration. The highly acclaimed Honor Oak hotspot will be slinging out an indulgent five-course tasting menu with MasterChef UK finalist Anurag Aggarwal. On the menu? Everything from methi chicken or paneer, rainbow-coloured caramelised seasonal fresh fruits and dazzling tiger prawns served on blue corn tortillas. But that's not all, as on the 25th of March, there will also be an extra special Holi menu, complete with a welcome drink and Bollywood vibes.
From food to entertainment and gulal throwing, Babur has it all.
Like this? Consult our list of events this March for more fun activities in London and sign up to our weekly newsletter.
