Famous Holi Sweets Across India That Add Sweetness to the Festival

Holi, the festival of colours, is one of the most vibrant and joyous occasions in India. Falling on March 14th, 2025, is a time to celebrate love, happiness, and togetherness. And what better way to celebrate than with the delicious Holi sweets that make this festival extra special? From famous sweets for Holi like Gujiya and Malpua to refreshing Thandai, these treats are a symbol of the sweetness of relationships and the joy of sharing.

Holi is not just about colours; it is also about flavours. Across India, every region has its own special Holi festival sweets that add to the festive cheer. This year, with Holi falling on a long weekend, it’s the perfect chance to travel and experience the best sweets for Holi while soaking in vibrant celebrations.

At Club Mahindra Resorts, Holi is celebrated with a unique twist. From traditional sweet-making workshops to colourful festivities, guests get to enjoy the best Holi sweets while participating in local traditions. Whether it’s Ghewar in Rajasthan, Bebinca in Goa, or Thandai in the North, every destination offers a unique take on Holi celebration sweets, making the experience truly unforgettable.

In this blog, we take you on a journey through the famous sweets for Holi across India. You’ll discover the cultural significance of these sweets, their regional variations, and how they enhance the festive spirit. So, get ready to explore the world of Holi festival sweets and make this festival of colours even sweeter.

The Cultural Significance of Holi Sweets

Holi is more than just a festival of colours—it is a celebration of unity, love, and the spirit of togetherness. At the heart of this joyous occasion are the Holi sweets that symbolize the essence of the festival. Across India, sweets have always been an integral part of festivities, and Holi is no exception.

The tradition of preparing Holi festival sweets dates back centuries. In many households, families come together to make delicacies like Gujiya, Malpua, and Puran Poli. These sweets are not just treats but also tokens of love and warmth, shared with friends, neighbours, and loved ones. The act of exchanging Holi celebration sweets fosters a sense of community, breaking barriers and strengthening bonds.

Sweets like Gujiya, filled with khoya and nuts, or Thandai, infused with spices and almonds, are considered auspicious. They represent abundance and the joy of life. Moreover, the preparation of these famous sweets for Holi often becomes a family affair, with recipes passed down from generation to generation, adding a personal touch to the celebrations.

Holi is also about breaking free from monotony and embracing the festive spirit with colours, music, and food. The vibrant flavours of Holi sweets, paired with the colourful celebrations, make the festival a sensory delight. Each bite of these delicacies captures the joy and exuberance of Holi, making it a celebration to remember.

Whether it’s savouring the best Holi sweets at home or travelling to different parts of India to try regional specialities, the role of sweets in Holi remains timeless. They are a reminder that the festival is as much about taste as it is about togetherness.

Famous Sweets for Holi Across India

India’s love for sweets takes centre stage during Holi, with every region offering its own unique delicacies. From the North to the South, the variety of Holi festival sweets is as colourful as the festival itself. Here are some of the most famous sweets for Holi that you must try.

Gujiya

Gujiya is the most iconic Holi sweet in India. This crescent-shaped pastry is filled with a delightful mixture of khoya, sugar, and dry fruits then deep-fried to golden perfection. Originally from North India, Gujiya is now enjoyed all over the country. Its sweet, rich flavour makes it one of the best sweets for Holi and a must-have during celebrations.

Malpua

Malpua, a syrup-drenched pancake made with flour, milk, and sugar, is a popular Holi festival sweet, especially in states like Rajasthan, Bihar, and Odisha. These golden, crispy pancakes are fried to perfection and dipped in sugar syrup, creating a dessert that melts in your mouth. Malpua’s indulgent taste and festive charm make it one of the famous sweets for Holi.

Thandai

Thandai is more than just a drink; it is a quintessential part of Holi celebration sweets. Made with milk, almonds, fennel seeds, saffron, and rose petals, this refreshing beverage is synonymous with Holi. Its creamy, spiced flavour cools you down on warm Holi afternoons, making it one of the most cherished Holi festival sweets enjoyed across the country.

Puran Poli

Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread from Maharashtra that’s made with jaggery, lentils, and wheat flour. It’s a wholesome and delicious treat, perfect for festive meals. This regional speciality adds a unique twist to Holi sweets, which are often served with ghee. Its soft texture and rich flavour make it a highlight during Holi celebrations.

Dahi Vada

Dahi Vada is a staple during Holi. Soft lentil dumplings are soaked in creamy yoghurt and topped with tangy tamarind chutney and spices, creating a balance of sweet and tangy flavours. Although not traditionally sweet, it is one of the most loved Holi celebration sweets and adds variety to the festive menu.

Ras Malai

Ras Malai is a luxurious dessert made from soft paneer discs soaked in saffron-flavoured milk. This creamy and delicate sweet is a standout among Holi festival sweets, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Its subtle yet rich flavours make it a favourite during Holi, perfect for those who enjoy elegant treats.

Ladoo

Ladoos are versatile Holi sweets that are easy to make and share. From motichoor to coconut and besan ladoos, these sweet balls of joy are a favourite in Indian households. Their simplicity and delicious taste make them one of the best sweets for Holi, enjoyed by all age groups during the festival.

Jalebi

Jalebi, with its crispy golden spirals soaked in sugar syrup, is a festive treat that everyone loves. This indulgent dessert is a popular choice among Holi sweets, adding a rich sweetness to the celebrations. Served hot, Jalebi is perfect for those who want to enjoy a burst of sugary goodness during the festival.

Barfi

Barfi is a classic milk-based sweet flavoured with cardamom, saffron, or pistachios. Its soft, rich texture and delicate taste make it a key part of Holi festival sweets. From kesar barfi to pista barfi, this sweet is versatile and loved across India, bringing a touch of tradition to the celebrations.

Kulfi

Kulfi is a frozen dairy dessert that’s perfect for warm Holi afternoons. Flavoured with cardamom, saffron, and dry fruits, this creamy treat is a refreshing addition to Holi sweets. Its rich and cooling flavours make it one of the most sought-after Holi celebration sweets, especially during outdoor festivities.

From traditional classics like Gujiya to regional favourites like Puran Poli, these Holi sweets are not just treats—they are an integral part of the festival’s charm. Wherever you are in India, these delicacies are sure to make your Holi celebrations sweeter and more memorable.

Regional Variations and Unique Holi Delicacies

Rajasthan: Ghewar and Mawa Kachori

Ghewar, a disc-shaped sweet soaked in sugar syrup and topped with khoya, is a royal Rajasthani treat. Mawa Kachori, a deep-fried pastry filled with sweetened khoya and nuts, is another indulgent addition to Rajasthan’s famous sweets for Holi, making the festival celebrations truly special.

Uttar Pradesh: Imarti and Gujiya

Imarti, a flower-shaped delicacy made from urad dal and sugar syrup, is a festive delight in Uttar Pradesh. Paired with Gujiya—North India’s iconic Holi celebration sweet, these treats perfectly capture the spirit of the festival with their rich, sugary flavours and crisp textures.

Bihar: Pedakiya

Bihar’s Pedakiya, a local variant of Gujiya, features a distinct flavour profile thanks to subtle regional ingredients. This crispy, khoya-filled delicacy is a staple Holi festival sweet that is lovingly prepared in Bihari households to enhance the festive cheer and the spirit of togetherness.

West Bengal: Sandesh and Payesh

West Bengal celebrates Holi with Sandesh, a milk-based sweet infused with cardamom, and Payesh, a creamy rice pudding flavoured with jaggery. These famous sweets for Holi add a touch of Bengali finesse to the festival, delighting everyone with their delicate flavours and traditional charm.

Maharashtra: Puran Poli and Shrikhand

Puran Poli, a flatbread stuffed with jaggery and lentils, is a festive favourite in Maharashtra. Shrikhand, a creamy yoghurt dessert flavoured with saffron and cardamom, is another Holi sweet that adds a refreshing twist to the celebrations, especially on warm afternoons.

Punjab: Pinni and Gajar Halwa

Pinni, made with wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, is a hearty sweet enjoyed during Holi in Punjab. Gajar Halwa, a rich carrot-based dessert cooked with milk and nuts, is another best Holi sweet that brings warmth and richness to the festival menu.

Gujarat: Basundi and Mohanthal

Basundi, a thickened milk dessert flavoured with cardamom and nuts, is a creamy delight enjoyed during Holi in Gujarat. Mohanthal, a gram flour fudge prepared with ghee and saffron, is another Holi festival sweet that perfectly represents Gujarat’s vibrant culinary traditions.

Goa: Bebinca and Dodol

Goa’s Bebinca, a layered coconut-based dessert, is a festive treat enjoyed during Holi. Dodol, made with jaggery, rice flour, and coconut milk, adds a coastal flavour to the list of famous sweets for Holi, making it a must-try delicacy for sweet lovers.

Himachal Pradesh: Mittha

Mittha, a traditional Himachali dish of sweetened rice with raisins and dry fruits, is a simple yet flavourful Holi celebration sweet. Its earthy ingredients and natural sweetness reflect the region’s rustic charm and add a unique touch to the festival’s culinary spread.

South India: Payasam and Coconut Ladoo

In South India, Payasam—a creamy dessert made with jaggery, rice, and coconut milk—is a festive staple during Holi. Coconut Ladoo, made with fresh coconut and condensed milk, is another beloved Holi sweet, offering a light yet indulgent way to celebrate the festival.

Experiencing Holi Sweets at Club Mahindra Destinations

Holi 2025 falls on March 14th, making it the perfect opportunity for a long weekend getaway with family and friends. For those looking to combine the joy of the festival with a relaxing holiday, Club Mahindra Resorts across India offers a truly memorable experience. From colourful celebrations to indulging in the best Holi sweets, each destination adds its own unique charm to the festivities.

Rajasthan: Ghewar and Malpua

Celebrate Holi in Rajasthan with the grandeur of Ghewar and the syrupy delight of Malpua. At Club Mahindra Resorts in Udaipur and Jaisalmer, guests can savour these famous sweets for Holi while enjoying traditional Rajasthani music, dance, and the vibrant festival spirit.

Goa: Bebinca and Coconut Desserts

Holi in Goa offers a tropical twist with desserts like Bebinca and coconut ladoos. Club Mahindra’s Goa resorts, like Club Mahindra Acacia Palms, Club Mahindra Emerald Palms, Club Mahindra Varca and Club Mahindra Assonora, take the festival up a notch with beachside celebrations, live music, and an array of Holi festival sweets to make your getaway unforgettable.

Himachal Pradesh: Thandai and Mittha

In the serene hills of Himachal, Holi celebrations are made special with Thandai and Mittha. At Club Mahindra Resorts in Manali or Shimla, guests can enjoy these Holi celebration sweets alongside the cool mountain air and picturesque views.

Maharashtra: Puran Poli and Shrikhand

Club Mahindra resorts in Maharashtra, such as Club Mahindra Mahabaleshwar or Club Mahindra Tungi Lonavala, offer the chance to experience local Holi festival sweets like Puran Poli and Shrikhand. Guests can participate in traditional Holi festivities and savour these iconic dishes as part of the celebration.

Cultural Immersion and Sweet-Making Workshops 

One of the highlights of Holi at Club Mahindra is the opportunity to learn how to make traditional Holi sweets. Guests can participate in sweet-making workshops led by local chefs, discovering the secrets behind delicacies like Gujiya, Thandai, and Malpua. These sessions not only bring families together but also create lasting memories.

Colourful Festivities and Culinary Delights

At every Club Mahindra resort, Holi is celebrated with a mix of tradition and fun. From lively colour play to festive feasts featuring the best sweets for Holi, the experience is designed to make the most of the long weekend. Whether you’re dancing to folk tunes in Rajasthan or enjoying a beachside Holi party in Goa, the festival becomes a magical experience when paired with delicious Holi celebration sweets.

With Holi 2025 offering a long weekend, there’s no better way to celebrate than by combining the joy of the festival with the comfort and hospitality of Club Mahindra Resorts. Indulge in the famous sweets for Holi, embrace regional traditions, and create colourful memories with your loved ones!

Enhancing Your Holi Celebrations with Authentic Sweets

Holi is incomplete without indulging in authentic Holi sweets that create lasting memories. Whether you’re celebrating at home or travelling, these tips will help you make the most of the best sweets for Holi:

1. Try Local Delicacies: Explore regional Holi festival sweets like Gujiya in Uttar Pradesh, Ghewar in Rajasthan, and Bebinca in Goa to connect with the festival’s rich traditions.
2. Make Sweets at Home: Prepare classic Holi celebration sweets like Gujiya, Malpua, and Puran Poli with your family for fun, festive experience.
3. Share and Gift: Spread the spirit of Holi by sharing homemade or store-bought famous sweets for Holi, like Laddoos, Barfi, and Thandai, with friends and neighbours.
4. Embrace Local Traditions: At Club Mahindra Resorts, participate in sweet-making workshops and savour regional Holi festival sweets, creating unforgettable festive memories.
5. Celebrate Togetherness: Relish the joy of bonding over Holi sweets like Thandai and Gujiya, whether at home or during a festive getaway.

Celebrate Holi with the sweetness of authentic Holi celebration sweets and cherish the vibrant spirit of the festival!

Conclusion

Holi is a celebration of joy, colours, and togetherness, and no Holi is complete without indulging in the finest Holi sweets. From iconic treats like Gujiya and Thandai to regional specialities like Ghewar and Puran Poli, these Holi festival sweets add a unique charm to the festivities. Whether you’re travelling to explore the famous sweets for Holi or making them at home, the flavours of Holi symbolize love and happiness. This year, embrace the festive spirit by savouring the best sweets for Holi with your loved ones and creating memories that are as sweet as the treats themselves.