55+ Holi Recipes 2026 - Sweets, Snacks & Drinks

Looking for the best Holi recipes to celebrate the festival of colors? This collection of 55+ easy Holi sweets, snacks, drinks, and party food ideas includes traditional Indian favorites and healthier baked options perfect for entertaining family and friends.

Planning a celebration? Don't miss my detailed guide on how to host a Holi party, packed with menu ideas, décor tips, and stress-free entertaining advice to make your festival unforgettable.

Holi a popular Hindu festival celebrated in India. It is also known as "festival of colors" and is celebrated in Hindu month of Phalguna, which typically falls in early March.

Holi is celebrated in different ways in different parts of India. In North India, Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi is celebrated the previous night of the Holi. The celebration signifies the victory of good over evil. People light bonfires, and sing and dance.

As a kid, I was always excited about holi. My favorite was playing with colors with my friends and cousins, water guns, and water balloons to splash and smear colored powder on each other.

No celebration would be complete without yummy food. I remember my mom used to prepare Holi festival food such as snacks, and sweets (mithai) to feast on. Friends and family used to get together and celebrate Holi, play with colors and enjoy delicious Holi festival food.

This curated Holi recipes collection brings together traditional and easy recipes you can prepare at home - whether you're hosting a Holi party or cooking with family. Ideal for all tastes, including healthier versions and make-ahead options.

Jump to:

Make-Ahead Holi Sweets
Holi Snacks Recipes
Drinks
Holi Party Food Ideas
Indian Chutney Recipes
Tips for Making the Best Holi Feast
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipe Collections

Make-Ahead Holi Sweets

No Fry Mawa Gujiya (Air Fryer | Baked)

Gujiya Recipe (Air Fryer I Baked)

Air Fryer Gujiya: Try this healthier gujiya recipe this Holi. Easy to make, delicious, and better than the deep-fried version.

Get The Air Fryer Gujiya Recipe

Til Ke Laddu

Til Ke Ladoo With Jaggery

These Til Ke Ladoo are made with toasted sesame seeds and jaggery for a nutty, naturally sweet treat that’s perfect for festive occasions. A traditional Indian sweet that’s simple, wholesome, and great for Holi celebrations.

Get The Til Ke Laddu Recipe

Besan Burfi

Besan Burfi Recipe | Easy Besan Ki Barfi

Besan Burfi is a rich and aromatic Indian fudge made with gram flour, ghee, and cardamom. This melt-in-your-mouth sweet is a must-have for Holi and other festive gatherings.

Get The Besan Burfi Recipe

2-Ingredient Mango Ice-cream Burfi

mango burfi recipe made with 2 ingredients only

2-Ingredient Mango Ice Cream Barfi

This 2-ingredient mango ice cream burfi is the easiest festive dessert you'll ever make. Creamy, fruity, and no-fuss, it's a quick Holi sweet that requires minimal effort but delivers big flavor.

Get The Mango Burfi Recipe

You may also like badam katli (burfi), nariyal ki burfi (coconut burfi)

Milk Peda

Easy Milk Peda

Milk Peda is a classic Indian sweet made with condensed milk and flavored with cardamom for a soft, fudgy texture. Perfect for festivals like Holi, it comes together quickly with just a few pantry staples.

Get The Milk Peda Recipe

Mango Shrikhand

Mango Shrikhand is a creamy yogurt-based dessert infused with sweet mango pulp and aromatic cardamom. This chilled treat is refreshing, festive, and ideal for serving during Holi celebrations.

Get The Mango Shrikhand Recipe

You may also like classic shrikhand, chocolate strawberry yogurt clusters

Lauki Ki Kheer

Lauki Ki Kheer

Lauki Ki Kheer is a traditional Indian dessert made with grated bottle gourd simmered in milk and flavored with cardamom and nuts. Light yet indulgent, it’s a comforting sweet for festive meals.

Get The Lauki Ki Kheer Recipe

You may also like classic kheer, mango phirni, or basundi

Gur ka Halwa

Gur Ka Halwa

Gur Ka Halwa is a warm and comforting Indian dessert sweetened naturally with jaggery. Rich in flavor and perfect for cooler festive evenings, it's a wholesome alternative to refined sugar sweets.

Get The Gur ka Halwa Recipe

Pressure Cooker Gajar Ka Halwa

Pressure Cooker Gajar Ka Halwa

This Pressure Cooker Gajar Ka Halwa is a quick and easy version of the classic carrot dessert. Made with fresh carrots, milk, and ghee, it delivers traditional flavor in less time.

Get The Instant Pot Gajar Halwa Recipe

You may also like no grate gajar ka halwa, lauki ka halwa

Coconut Almond Flour Cookies

Coconut Almond Flour Cookies

These Coconut Almond Flour Cookies are gluten-free, lightly sweet, and perfect for festive snacking. Made with wholesome ingredients, they're a healthier addition to your Holi dessert spread.

Get The Coconut Almond Flour Cookies Recipe

You may also like almond flour cheese crackers, peanut butter almond flour cookies

Shakarkandi Ka Halwa

Shakarkandi Ka Halwa

Shakarkandi Ka Halwa is a naturally sweet dessert made with sweet potatoes, ghee, and warm spices. It's a simple yet flavorful festive treat that's both comforting and nourishing.

Get The Shakarkandi Ka Halwa Recipe

Sindhi Tahiri (Sweet Rice)

Sindhi Tahiri (Sweet Gur Rice)

Sindhi Tahiri is a traditional sweet rice dish made with jaggery, fragrant spices, and dry fruits. This festive gur rice is aromatic, mildly sweet, and a beautiful addition to your Holi menu.

Get The Sindhi Tahiri Recipe

Holi Snacks Recipes

Here are some Holi snacks! From traditional Holi food to improvised Holi food using modern gadgets like Air fryer for a healthier twist without compromising on flavor.

Methi Pakora

Methi Pakora Recipe | Methi Bhajiya | Methi Pakoda

Methi Pakora is a crispy Indian fritter made with fresh fenugreek leaves and gram flour, perfect for festive snacking. These crunchy bites are a must-have Holi snack served with chutney and hot tea.

Get The Methi Pakora Recipe

Kala Chana Chaat

Kala Chana Chaat is a protein-rich, tangy Indian salad made with black chickpeas, onions, and fresh spices. It's a healthy and refreshing Holi party snack that's quick to prepare.

Get The Kala Chana Chaat Recipe

You may also like this Moong Sprouts Salad, Chana Salad.

Air Fryer Pani Puri

Air Fryer Pani Puri

Air Fryer Pani Puri gives you the same crispy, hollow puris without deep frying. This lighter version of the popular Indian street food is perfect for Holi parties and interactive snacking.

Get The Air Fryer Pani Puri Recipe

Dahi Vada

Dahi Vada Recipe | Easy Dahi Bhalla Recipe

Dahi Vada features soft lentil dumplings soaked in creamy yogurt and topped with sweet and tangy chutneys. This classic Indian chaat is a festive favorite for Holi celebrations.

Get The Dahi Vada Recipe

3-Flavors Pani For Pani Puri

3 Flavors Pani for Pani Puri

These 3 flavored pani recipes - spicy mint, sweet khatta-meetha strawberry, and tangy pineapple elevate your pani puri experience. Offering variety makes your Holi party spread even more exciting.

Get 3 Flavors Pani for Pani Puri

Namak Para

Namak Para [Nimki]

Namak Para is a crispy, savory Indian snack made with seasoned dough and traditionally deep fried. Perfect for festive gatherings, it's a crunchy tea-time favorite during Holi.

Get The Namak Para Recipe

Mumbai Street-Style Ragda Pattice

Mumbai Ragda Pattice

Ragda Pattice combines crispy potato patties with spicy white pea curry and flavorful chutneys. This Mumbai-style chaat is hearty, satisfying, and ideal for Holi party menus.

Get The Ragda Pattice Recipe

No Fry Chakli (Air Fryer | Oven)

No Fry Chakli (Air Fryer, Oven)

No Fry Chakli is a baked or air-fried version of the traditional spiral snack, offering all the crunch with less oil. It's a healthier festive snack perfect for Holi celebrations.

Get The Air Fryer Chakli Recipe

Instant Oats Dhokla

Instant Oats Dhokla is a soft, steamed savory cake made with oats for a healthy twist. This quick and nutritious snack is great for Holi brunch or party platters. Serve with ketchup or chutney.

Get The Instant Dhokla Recipe

Cream Cheese Pistachios Hot Honey Dip

Cream cheese dip topped with pistachios and hot honey

Cream Cheese Pistachios Hot Honey Dip

This Cream Cheese Pistachios Hot Honey Dip is creamy, nutty, and slightly spicy - a unique appetizer for festive gatherings. It pairs beautifully with crackers or flatbread for an easy Holi party snack.

Get The Cheese Pistachios Dip Recipe

Whole Wheat Shakarpara

Whole Wheat Shakarpara

Whole Wheat Shakarpara is a lightly sweet, crispy snack made with whole wheat flour and sugar syrup. A festive favorite, it's perfect for preparing in advance for Holi celebrations.

Get The Shakarpara Recipe

Pressure Cooker Pav Bhaji

Mumbai Pav Bhaji

Pressure Cooker Pav Bhaji is a quick and flavorful version of the iconic Mumbai street food. This buttery vegetable mash served with toasted buns makes a crowd-pleasing Holi party meal.

Get The Pav Bhaji Recipe

Poha Chivda

Poha Chivda

Poha Chivda is a light and crunchy snack made with flattened rice, peanuts, and aromatic spices. It's an easy make-ahead Holi snack that's perfect for munching throughout the day.

Get The Poha Chivda Recipe

No Fry Mathri (Air Fryer | Baked)

close up of air fryer mathri served in a platter

No Fry Methi Mathri (Air Fryer & Oven Baked)

No Fry Mathri delivers the same flaky, savory crunch without deep frying. This baked version is a healthier addition to your festive Holi snack platter.

Get The Air Fryer Mathri Recipe

Air Fryer Chickpeas

Air Fryer Chickpeas (5 Different Flavors)

Air Fryer Chickpeas are crispy, protein-packed, and seasoned to perfection. They make a healthy and addictive Holi snack alternative to traditional fried munchies.

Get The Air Fryer Chickpeas Recipe

Sindhi Dal Pakwan

Sindhi Dal Pakwan | Pakwan Recipe

Sindhi Dal Pakwan is a traditional Sindhi breakfast dish featuring crispy pakwan topped with spiced chana dal. It's a flavorful and festive option for a special Holi brunch.

Get The Pakwan Recipe

Sabudana Vada (Air Fryer & Baked)

No Fry Sabudana Vada

No Fry Sabudana Vada is a healthier take on the popular tapioca fritter, made crispy in the air fryer or oven. It's light, crunchy, and perfect for festive snacking.

Get Air Fryer Sabudana Vada Recipe

Quinoa Idli (No rice)

Quinoa Idli Recipe (without rice)

Quinoa Idli is a protein-rich, gluten-free twist on the classic South Indian steamed idli. This healthy option fits beautifully into a modern Holi menu.

Get The Quinoa Idli Recipe

Mushroom Galuoti Kebab

mushroom galouti kebab served with mint yogurt sauce

Mushroom Galouti Kebab (Veg Galouti Kabab Recipe)

Mushroom Galouti Kebab is a vegetarian version of the famous melt-in-mouth Lucknowi kebab. Packed with spices and rich flavor, it's an elegant appetizer for your Holi party spread.

Get The Veg Galouti Kabob Recipe

You may also like my kala chana kebab or Broccoli Tikki

Drinks

Badam Milk

Badam Doodh | Badam Milk Recipe

Badam Milk is a rich and creamy Indian almond drink flavored with cardamom and saffron, perfect for festive occasions like Holi. Served warm or chilled, this traditional drink is nourishing, aromatic, and wonderfully indulgent.

Get The Badam Doodh Recipe

Lemonade Concentrate

Homemade Lemonade Concentrate

This homemade Lemonade Concentrate is a refreshing, make-ahead syrup made with fresh lemon juice and sugar, perfect for quick summer drinks. Just mix with cold water or sparkling soda for an instant, tangy refreshment - ideal for Holi parties and warm-weather gatherings.

Get The Recipe to make Lemonade Concentrate

Holi Party Food Ideas

Planning a Holi party can be fun and exciting to celebrate the festival with friends and family. Here are some delicious recipes to help you plan a memorable Holi party:

Welcome your guests with a traditional Holi drink Thandai. Followed by an Indian-inspired charcuterie board with Holi food such as sweets and snacks.

For the main course, try our popular North Indian dish Mathura Ke Dubki Wale Aloo with Bedmi Puri or Khasta Kachori to your menu. We like to pair this with Bathua Raita, and Green Mango Chutney.

You can make some Dal Makhani or Chana Masala. If you like methi, try our Methi Chole, one of my family favorites. These will go great with my homemade Naan or Basmati Rice.

Need more inspiration for dinner ideas? Checkout this awesome collection of 75+ Easy Indian Dinner Recipes & ideas!

Aloo Gobi, Aloo Gobi Matar, or Gobi Matar Masala make a great side dish. It's a quick and easy recipe and pairs well with naan, puri, or paratha. Love cauliflower? Here's a lovely collection of Indian Cauliflower Recipes.

Paneer is always a hit among all ages. Try my viral recipe Paneer In Veggie Sauce, or Paneer Butter Masala. Looking for a no-onion, no-garlic paneer recipe? Try my easy Kashmiri Paneer Masala recipe that you can make in under 20 minutes.

Love Paneer? Check out this amazing collection of 75+ Indian Paneer Recipes.

This, and Tomato Onion Raita are easy to make and make an excellent addition to any meal.

Indian Chutney Recipes

An Indian party food menu would be complete without these lip-smacking Indian Chutneys! They are versatile and you can use them in a variety of ways to enhance the flavor of a dish. Typically, chutneys are served alongside main dishes or snacks. You can use chutney as a spread or dip.

Tips for Making the Best Holi Feast

Ingredient Prep:
Chop nuts, soak lentils, and pre-measure spices before you start cooking to streamline the process.

Healthy Swaps:
Use air fryer and baked versions of fried foods - like air fryer gujiya and baked chakli - to make your menu lighter.

Make Ahead:
Many sweets like besan burfi and til laddus can be prepared up to 3-4 days ahead and stored in airtight containers.

Visual Appeal:
Add edible silver leaf (chandi vark), pistachio slivers, and saffron threads to sweets for festive presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What food is traditionally eaten on Holi?

Traditional Holi food includes gujiya, thandai, dahi vada, malpua, namak para, and festive sweets made with khoya and dry fruits.

What are easy Holi snacks for a party?

Easy Holi snacks include air fryer gujiya, baked mathri, pani puri, ragda patties, pakoras, and chivda.

What sweets can I make for Holi in advance?

Gujiya, besan burfi, peda, namak para, and mathri can be prepared 3–5 days in advance and stored in airtight containers.

What drinks are popular during Holi?

Thandai, kesar milk, badam milk, and mango lassi are popular Holi drinks.

Spread the colors of love and joy on this happy occasion of Holi festival! Wishing you all a very Happy Holi 2026!

I hope you guys enjoy this collection of Holi Celebration Food recipes. If you try these recipes, leave a comment or share them on Facebook or Instagram. I would love to hear back from you!

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