Top 50+ Holi Special Recipes You Must Try!

Holi recipes, a complete collection of festive sweets, snacks and drinks to help you plan your menu easily for the Holi celebration. Holi is a vibrant Hindu festival of colors celebrated across india and by Indian communities worldwide. This festival marks the coming of spring and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.

Holi food - thandai, badam milk, chaat, gujiya

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About Holi
Regional Celebrations
Eco-friendly practices
Food
Traditional Recipes
Special Drinks
Chaat recipes
Snacks Recipes
Main course

About Holi

Holi is also known as 'Festival of colours' is a beloved Hindu festival as far as I have seen, people who celebrate, just look forward for the festival. During the festival, friends and family come together for House parties, Food, Fun and get togethers, playing with colored powder and water while enjoying festive foods and drinks. Typically, Holi, a treasured Indian festival is celebrated for 2 days, the eve of Holi is called 'Holi dahan or Choti Holi' (do bonfire), where as on day 2, it is Rangwali holi (played with colors) happens, the outdoor festivities apparently rise the community spirit.

I have seen that people continue to celebrate the festival no matter they live. Apartments, community centers etc, you can see people from different states of India, even abroad, different country people get involved in the activities with interest and learn about our culture. So I find it as a way to spread the tradition and significance of our culture.

Regional Celebrations

I have seen wherever people who celebrate the festival live, they continue to celebrate despite where they live. Apartments, community centers etc, you can see people from different states of India, even abroad, different country people get involved in the activities with interest and learn about our culture.

From the spirited Lathmaar Holi in Vrindavan to the colorful Rang Panchami in Maharashtra, the festival is observed in diverse ways, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the country.

So I find it as a way to spread the tradition and significance of our culture.

Eco-friendly practices

I always thought about all the colours, harmful chemicals it may have which could affect our skin as well as the environment. Like me, as many of us are conscious about the same these days, people opt for plant-based colours which are safe for both. So consider adopting sustainable practices that is good on both us as well as the planet.

Food

Holi is a feast for senses and that makes food a significant role in the celebrations. From traditional Holi sweets like Gujiya to the popular drink Thandai, these recipes add a flair to the festival, making it even more memorable and fun. You can also go for modern twists on classic dishes which can offer new flavors and experiences. My Holi snack recipes like canapes chaat and sweet samosa using spring roll pastry are easy as well as great options for the Holi party food ideas.

Here I have compiled the best Holi sweets, snacks and drinks for the festival and Holi party food.

Traditional Recipes

Somethings doesn't change, for good. Here are some classics you don't want to miss making for this Holi festival.

Kanji Vada Recipe

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Kanji vada is a fermented drink (kanji) with lentil fritters (vada), a special dish from Rajasthan/ Uttar Pradesh.

Thandai Recipe

Thandai Recipe | Maha Shivratri & Holi Recipes

5 from 1 vote

Thandai is a milk based drink with almonds, khus khus (poppy seeds), black pepper and few other ingredients, mostly served during Holi festival and Shivratri. This recipe is without poppy seeds.

Gujiya recipe

5 from 1 vote

Gujiya is a traditional Indian sweet/ pastry, is a crescent shaped pastry with filling made up of khoya (mawa - Milk solids) along with dry fruits and nuts

Gulab jamun recipe using Instant Jamun mix

5 from 2 votes

Instant Gulab jamun recipe with store bought Jamun mix. Learn how to to make a perfect gulab jamun every time with the instant jamun mix.

Samosa recipe, Quick video, step by step

5 from 3 votes

Samosa recipe with quick video, step by step detailed picture on how to get that perfect cone shape. Samosa is usually stuffed with potato stuffing.

Dahi Vada Recipe (Soft Dahi Bhalla)

5 from 1 vote

Dahi vada is one of the famous street foods in North India. Simple when you have sweet chutney and green chutney in your hands. No onion no garlic chaat recipe.

Crispy Shankarpali Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Shankarpali or Shakkarpare is a mild Indian sweet snack made with maida, sugar, butter as main ingredients. Learn how to prepare shakkar para with full video and step by step pictures.

Besan Kachori Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Besan kachori is the simplest of the kachori varieties as it uses just besan inside. Besan is roasted well and with all the masala powders, it tastes delicious, perfect for tea time.

Sweet Lassi Recipe | Lassi Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Sweet Lassi is a refreshing and creamy yogurt-based drink from Punjab, India. Made with thick curd, sugar and rose flavour, this classic beverage is perfect for cooling down on a hot day.

Dahi Papdi chaat recipe

5 from 2 votes

Dahi papdi chaat is a no onion no garlic chaat recipe, delicious with sweet chutney, green chutney, sweetened dahi (curd) and sev.

Malpua rabri recipe | Wheat flour malpua

5 from 2 votes

Malpua rabri is a rich dessert, best combination along rabdi or rabri. This Malpua is made with wheat flour, full video and step by step photos post.

For Holi special recipes, bhang is added during holi celebrations. Ingredients vary from milk, butter milk, curd, malai, maida especially, khoya.

Meanwhile, time taken to prepare the dishes vary from 10 mins to 3 hrs. Plan your preparation/ menu ahead and also check out my recipe index page for more recipes.

Just like Diwali, I know for Holi people have parties or get togethers amongst friends, family as well as the community, apart from the fact that they play with colours. So here are some recipes, ideas for your Holi party to plan and have an exciting menu.

Special Drinks

For drinks, serving people with a tall glass of chilled Lassi or classic Holi special drink Thandai will be a treat. Even keep it simple and light with Jal jeera as one of the Holi Coolers.

Want to make something special, try this Rose badam kheer!

Masala chaas recipe

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Masala chaas is a spicy and flavorful yogurt based drink with Indian spices blended smooth in this

Cucumber mint lassi recipe

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Cucumber mint lassi is a refreshing as well as cooling drink with perfect balance of taste. Great thirst quencher for this summer

Jal jeera recipe

5 from 1 vote

Jal jeera is an Indian drink made with mint, coriander leaves, lemon and tamarind as main ingredients, along with flavourful spices.

Shikanji Recipe | Shikanjvi

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Shikanji or shikanjvi is lemon drink made with spices available in our pantry. It is a traditional Punjabi drink sweet, salty and tangy, with pepper.

Masala Chai Recipe | Indian Masala Tea

5 from 3 votes

Learn how to make masala tea at home with perfect balance of flavours. Milk tea with perfect blend of spices. Full video and detailed step by step pictures.

Mango Lassi | Thick & Rich Restaurant style

5 from 3 votes

Mango lassi is a popular yogurt-based Indian drink served during summer and when mangoes are in season. It's very refreshing drink to serve on a hot humid day or after a hearty meal.

Rose badam milk recipe

5 from 2 votes

Rose badam milk is made with almonds, milk and added rose flavor. I have also added saffron, cardamom and there is a very subtle flavor of edible camphor too which is optional.

Strawberry lassi recipe

5 from 1 vote

Strawberry lassi is a rich and delicious lassi I have ever tasted. I just love how strawberry flavour blends well in this. Step by step pictures post.

Gulkand milkshake

5 from 1 vote

Gulkand milkshake, a simple, delicious and flavourful summer cooler which kids and others at home would enjoy this summer.

Coming to Snacks, there are chaat recipes, dry snacks and deep fried instant snacks. These must for a Holi menu, don't you agree? One cannot say to a delicious Dahi vada, Samosa stuffed with spiced potatoes or countless Pani puri would be a treat too. Both these Holi preparations can be a treat when you serve it chilled after a hot day in the festival celebration.

Check out the green chutney recipe here and dates chutney here or tamarind chutney here.

Chaat recipes

Dahi Vada Recipe (Soft Dahi Bhalla)

5 from 1 vote

Dahi vada is one of the famous street foods in North India. Simple when you have sweet chutney and green chutney in your hands. No onion no garlic chaat recipe.

Dahi Papdi chaat recipe

5 from 2 votes

Dahi papdi chaat is a no onion no garlic chaat recipe, delicious with sweet chutney, green chutney, sweetened dahi (curd) and sev.

Sev puri recipe

5 from 2 votes

Sev puri is a popular street food in North India and across the country with crispy puri, sev and chutneys as main ingredients.

Easy sweet potato chaat

5 from 2 votes

Easy sweet potato chaat for a filling, satisfying snack, be it mid noon snack or evening snack. Chatpate shakarkand chaat with few ingredients.

Moong dal pakoda chaat recipe

5 from 1 vote

Moong dal pakoda chaat is a delicious snack made with deep fried dumplings soaked and topped with sweetened yogurt, sev, chutneys.

Puri for chaats

5 from 7 votes

Puri for pani puri, gol gappa puri or puchka is mini crispy snack made for using in Chaat dishes like pani puri, dahi puri.

puri for chaats, gol gappe recipe, puchka

Canapes chaat recipe

5 from 3 votes

Canapes chaat recipe with wafer basket, papdi and the usual chaat ingredients green chutney, sweet chutney this is a wonderful

Aloo chana chaat recipe

5 from 2 votes

Aloo chana chaat is a simple in snack made with potato, chickpeas green chutney, sweet chutney, sev. A perfect medley of taste.

Raj kachori

5 from 4 votes

Raj kachori is an Indian chaat made with a large puri, filled with kabuli chana, potato, sprouts, sweetened curd along with other chaat components like sev, green chutney, sweet chutney.

Dahi puri recipe

5 from 2 votes

Dahi puri is my top most favorite among the chaat recipes! It's just not for me, but popular among India, mainly north Indian street food.

Snacks Recipes

Make your Holi delicious with must-try Indian snacks that you can prepare easily at home. For me, festival means snacks both dry snacks that you can make ahead or the instant ones. Check out my list of recipes below to find the one that matches you soul!

Crispy Shankarpali Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Shankarpali or Shakkarpare is a mild Indian sweet snack made with maida, sugar, butter as main ingredients. Learn how to prepare shakkar para with full video and step by step pictures.

Namak Para Recipe | Namak Pare

5 from 2 votes

Namak para is an easy to make snack, perfect to go with tea, coffee. Just few simple ingredients and easy preparation for this crispy snack. Full video step by step pictures recipe.

Crispy methi mathri | Diwali recipes

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Crispy methi mathri with full video, step by step photos. Easy and simple recipe to make for tea time snack or Diwali snack.

Moong dal chakli recipe

5 from 4 votes

Moong dal chakli or pasi paruppu murukku is a super easy snack you can prepare at home in easy steps.

Bread kachori recipe

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Bread kachori, quick method to make and enjoy tea time snack with just few simple steps. Quick video and Bread Kachori step by step photos.

Peas kachori recipe

5 from 1 vote

Peas kachori recipe -is a snack or breakfast made with fresh green peas stuffed in maida (all purpose flour), rolled to a flat bread and deep fried.

Stuffed paneer pakora

5 from 3 votes

Stuffed paneer pakora with green chutney sandwiched between the paneer slices and made pakora. Full video, step by step pictures recipe.

Stuffed chilli pakora recipe

5 from 1 vote

Stuffed chilli pakora recipe, stuffed with a potato masala, spices. Very delicious and special tea time snack, especially on rainy days.

Palak Pakora recipe

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Palak pakora or palak pakoda is an easy evening snack, perfect for tea time. With simple ingredients available at home,

Methi Pakoda recipe

5 from 4 votes

Methi pakoda is a fata fat snack when hunger pangs hits you during tea time. Super easy and quick snack you can make when methi is in season.

Cabbage pakoda recipe

5 from 1 vote

Cabbage pakoda recipe with step by step pictures, full video. Pakoras or pakoda with cabbage as main ingredient. Besan/ gram flour, rice flour with other spices added for flavour makes best evening snack perfect to pair with coffee/ tea.

Main course

Party food means, there should be something to eat as well as good quality times with friends. So prepare something that are bulk and easy to make. Like a simple Pulao and Dal makhani. You can also opt for Pav bhaji or chana masala with bhatura combo.

A simple Lunch menu will fill the heart. Browse more Holi Lunch ideas