Sounds of Colourful Celebrations
Music and dance are at the heart of Holi festivities in India. Songs played during Holi range from traditional folk tunes to energetic Bollywood hits, capturing the joy, colour, rhythm and camaraderie of the festival. Holi songs bring people together — from family gatherings to street celebrations — and add a musical heartbeat to the festival’s fun.
Popular Bollywood Holi Songs
These songs are staples in Holi playlists across India and are often played at celebrations to uplift the festive atmosphere:
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Rang Barse (from Silsila) – A timeless Holi anthem associated strongly with the festival. The opening lines often chanted are:
Rang barse, bheege chunar wali… expressing colours raining down during Holi. -
Holi Ke Din (from Sholay) – A classic that celebrates the joy and togetherness of Holi with lively music and cheerful lyrics.
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Balam Pichkari (from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani) – A modern favourite especially among younger crowds, known for its energetic beats and colourful imagery.
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Do Me A Favour, Let’s Play Holi (from Waqt: The Race Against Time) – A playful and peppy song about letting go and enjoying Holi with friends.
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Holi Khele Raghuveera (from Baghban) – A festive track that blends traditional Holi sentiments with a celebratory spirit.
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Ang Se Ang Lagana (from Darr) – A fun romantic song often included in Holi playlists for its lively beats and festival setting.
Other Bollywood favourites include Badri Ki Dulhania and several energetic film tracks that keep people dancing during colour play.
Regional Holi Songs Across India
Holi, known by various names and customs regionally, has its own set of traditional Holi songs in different languages:
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West Bengal – “Ore Grihobashi” (Rabindra Sangeet) — A poetic and cultural song associated with Dol Jatra, the Bengali Holi celebration.
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Bihar (Bhojpuri) – “Phagunwa Ke Maza” — A lively Bhojpuri track celebrating the fun and mischief of Holi.
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Uttar Pradesh (Bhojpuri) – “Leke Sutile Takiyawa” — A spirited regional Holi song filled with local zest.
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Rajasthan – “Holi Khelan Aayo Shyam” — A classic folk song that honours Krishna’s Holi in the Braj and Rajasthani tradition.
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Assam – “Fagua Aahise” — An Assamese song that adds regional Bihu rhythms to Holi celebrations.
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Punjab – “Tenu Rang Laun Layi” — A Punjabi Holi track blending bhangra beats with festival cheer.
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Maharashtra – “Kheltana Rang Bai Holicha” — A Marathi Holi song capturing Holi’s spirit in western India.
How These Songs Shape the Festival Day
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During morning gatherings and colour play, upbeat tracks like Balam Pichkari and Do Me A Favour, Let’s Play Holi energise crowds and inspire dance.
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Traditional tracks like Holi Ke Din and regional songs keep alive the cultural roots of Holi, reminding people of shared heritage and community ties.
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In many parts of India, Holi songs are played from early morning through evening, creating a continuous soundtrack of laughter, singing and celebration.
Lyrics Snippet (Classic Holi Song)
Rang Barse (Holi Anthem)
Rang barse, bheege chunar wali
(this refrain evokes colours raining down, symbolising the joyous flood of hues during the festival).
Summary – Music of Holi
Sounds of Colourful Celebrations
Music and dance are at the heart of Holi festivities in India. Songs played during Holi range from traditional folk tunes to energetic Bollywood hits, capturing the joy, colour, rhythm and camaraderie of the festival. Holi songs bring people together — from family gatherings to street celebrations — and add a musical heartbeat to the festival’s fun.
Popular Bollywood Holi Songs
These songs are staples in Holi playlists across India and are often played at celebrations to uplift the festive atmosphere:
-
Rang Barse (from Silsila) – A timeless Holi anthem associated strongly with the festival. The opening lines often chanted are:
Rang barse, bheege chunar wali… expressing colours raining down during Holi. -
Holi Ke Din (from Sholay) – A classic that celebrates the joy and togetherness of Holi with lively music and cheerful lyrics.
-
Balam Pichkari (from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani) – A modern favourite especially among younger crowds, known for its energetic beats and colourful imagery.
-
Do Me A Favour, Let’s Play Holi (from Waqt: The Race Against Time) – A playful and peppy song about letting go and enjoying Holi with friends.
-
Holi Khele Raghuveera (from Baghban) – A festive track that blends traditional Holi sentiments with a celebratory spirit.
-
Ang Se Ang Lagana (from Darr) – A fun romantic song often included in Holi playlists for its lively beats and festival setting.
Other Bollywood favourites include Badri Ki Dulhania and several energetic film tracks that keep people dancing during colour play.
Regional Holi Songs Across India
Holi, known by various names and customs regionally, has its own set of traditional Holi songs in different languages:
-
West Bengal – “Ore Grihobashi” (Rabindra Sangeet) — A poetic and cultural song associated with Dol Jatra, the Bengali Holi celebration.
-
Bihar (Bhojpuri) – “Phagunwa Ke Maza” — A lively Bhojpuri track celebrating the fun and mischief of Holi.
-
Uttar Pradesh (Bhojpuri) – “Leke Sutile Takiyawa” — A spirited regional Holi song filled with local zest.
-
Rajasthan – “Holi Khelan Aayo Shyam” — A classic folk song that honours Krishna’s Holi in the Braj and Rajasthani tradition.
-
Assam – “Fagua Aahise” — An Assamese song that adds regional Bihu rhythms to Holi celebrations.
-
Punjab – “Tenu Rang Laun Layi” — A Punjabi Holi track blending bhangra beats with festival cheer.
-
Maharashtra – “Kheltana Rang Bai Holicha” — A Marathi Holi song capturing Holi’s spirit in western India.
Holi Celebration Playlist – All-Day Festive Mix
This playlist blends classic Holi songs, today’s popular tracks, and regional favourites, making it suitable for people of all ages during Holi celebrations.
Morning Colour Play (High Energy & Fun)
Best for outdoor celebrations, colour throwing and group dancing.
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Rang Barse – Silsila
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Balam Pichkari – Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
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Do Me A Favour, Let’s Play Holi – Waqt
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Badri Ki Dulhania – Badrinath Ki Dulhania
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Holi Khele Raghuveera – Baghban
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Go Pagal – Jolly LLB 2
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Ang Se Ang Lagana – Darr
Family & Community Gathering (Traditional & Cultural)
Ideal for society events, temple celebrations, and family get-togethers.
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Holi Ke Din – Sholay
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Aaj Na Chhodenge – Kati Patang
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Jai Jai Shiv Shankar – Aap Ki Kasam
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Phagun Aayo Re – Traditional Folk
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Holi Aayi Re Kanhai – Traditional Krishna Bhajan
Youth & Friends Party Playlist (Modern Beats)
Perfect for younger crowds, DJ setups and evening celebrations.
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Jai Jai Shivshankar – War
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Bansuri – Popular Holi Dance Track
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Holi Mein Rangeele – Remix Versions
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Bam Bam Bole – Taare Zameen Par
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Festival Mashup (Holi Special DJ Mix)
Regional Holi Songs Section
Uttar Pradesh / Braj Region
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Holi Khelan Aayo Shyam
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Braj Ki Holi Folk Songs
Bihar / Bhojpuri Region
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Phagun Mein Rang Barse
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Holiya Mein Ude Re Gulal
West Bengal (Dol Jatra)
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Ore Grihobashi (Rabindra Sangeet)
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Phaguner Mohonaay
Rajasthan
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Chang Folk Holi Songs
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Kesariya Holi Geet
Maharashtra
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Kheltana Rang Bai Holicha
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Rang Panchami Songs
Punjab
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Holi Khedni Aa
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Punjabi Folk Holi Beats
Soft Evening & Wind-Down Songs
Good for relaxed evenings, elders, and post-celebration time.
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Mohe Rang Do Laal – Classical Holi Theme
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Aaj Biraj Mein Holi Re Rasiya – Classical
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Krishna Bhajans (Holi Special)
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Folk Instrumental Holi Tunes
How to Use This Playlist
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Start with high-energy tracks in the morning
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Switch to traditional songs for family gatherings
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Play modern tracks for youth parties
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End the day with soft devotional or folk music
This playlist keeps Holi joyful, inclusive and culturally rich, allowing everyone — children, youth, elders, and even non-players — to enjoy the festival through music.