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Holi is one of the most joyful, chaotic, and colorful festivals in the world. And while the gulal, the water guns, and the gujiyas are non-negotiable, there is one thing that truly sets the mood: the perfect bollywood holi song blasting on the speakers. A great bollywood holi song has the power to get everyone on their feet, whether they are three years old or eighty-three.
This article brings you a handpicked playlist of 20 best holi songs that cover everything from timeless classics to modern party anthems. Whether you love the nostalgia of old holi song hindi tracks or the high-energy beats of today's hits, this list has something for everyone. But before we dive in, let's take a quick trip back to where it all began.
Where Did Holi Come From?
Holi has its roots in ancient Hindu mythology. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, specifically the story of Prahlad and Holika. Prahlad, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, was saved from the flames by his own faith, while his aunt Holika perished. This is why we light bonfires on Holika Dahan the night before Holi, to symbolically burn away negativity and welcome new beginnings.
Why Do We Play Holi with Colors?
The tradition of throwing colors comes from the playful love story of Radha and Krishna. Legend has it that Krishna, self-conscious about his dark complexion, wondered whether Radha would ever love him. His mother playfully suggested he smear color on Radha's face. That one mischievous act became the foundation of a tradition that has lasted centuries, with people smearing, splashing, and showering each other in vibrant color to celebrate love and togetherness.
Did You Know Holi Wasn't Always Just a Hindu Festival?
The Mughals embraced Holi with great enthusiasm. It became a celebration of music, poetry, and color in royal courts, and is said to have been a favorite of emperors like Akbar and Jahangir. Sikhs celebrate a related festival called Hola Mohalla, which incorporates martial arts, poetry, and music. In Bengal, Holi is celebrated as Basanta Utsav, and in Barsana, the famous Lathmar Holi sees women playfully chasing men with sticks. Holi has always been about joy crossing every boundary of region, religion, and age.
The Ultimate Bollywood Holi Song Playlist
Now that you know the story behind the festival, let's get to the playlist. Here are 20 of the best bollywood holi song picks that absolutely belong in your festival celebration.
1. Rang Barse - Silsila (1981)
If there is one bollywood holi song that is synonymous with the festival itself, it is Rang Barse. Sung by Amitabh Bachchan with lyrics by Harivansh Rai Bachchan, this song is practically the national anthem of Holi. The combination of a folk-influenced melody, mischievous lyrics, and Big B's iconic voice makes it utterly irresistible. No Holi playlist is complete without it.
2. Holi Ke Din - Sholay (1975)
Sholay gave us many unforgettable things, and this classic bollywood holi song is one of them. Sung by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar, it perfectly captures the spirit of togetherness and carefree joy that Holi represents. The warmth and nostalgia of this track make it a must-play for family gatherings.
3. Holi Khele Raghuveera - Baghban (2003)
Another gem featuring Amitabh Bachchan, this bollywood holi song is full of festive energy and family warmth. With its devotional undertones and upbeat rhythm, it bridges the spiritual and the celebratory beautifully. A track that tends to get grandparents and grandchildren dancing together.
4. Ang Se Ang Lagana - Darr (1993)
For a more romantic take on the festival, this bollywood holi song from Darr is well worth adding to your playlist. Featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla, the song has a dreamy, festive quality that sets it apart from the more boisterous Holi anthems. A good pick if you want to add some filmy romance to your celebrations.
5. Balam Pichkari - Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
This bollywood holi song captures youth energy in full force. Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone brought this track to life in a way that made it an instant modern classic. Peppy beats, fun wordplay, and an infectious hook have kept Balam Pichkari among the best holi songs of the last decade.
6. Do Me a Favour, Let's Play Holi - Waqt (2005)
A total crowd-pleaser and one of the most fun bollywood holi song picks in recent memory, this one is made for dance-offs and friendly mischief. Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra's on-screen chemistry made this a breakout party anthem that lives on in Holi playlists everywhere.
7. Jai Jai Shiv Shankar - War (2019)
Originally a classic from the 1974 film Aap Ki Kasam, this reimagined bollywood holi song from the Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff starrer War gave it a whole new lease on life. With its thumping beats and spiritual energy, it works beautifully as both a Holi track and a dance anthem.
8. Badri Ki Dulhania - Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017)
High energy, full-on desi vibes, and an irresistible hook make this bollywood holi song a party in itself. Alia Bhatt absolutely owns this track, and it has become a staple at Holi events and college celebrations alike. Turn this one up loud.
9. Go Pagal - Jolly LLB 2 (2017)
The name says it all. This bollywood holi song is designed for the moment when you want to just let go completely. Fast beats, fun energy, and a carefree spirit make this the perfect track for the peak of your Holi celebrations.
10. Gori Tu Latth Maar - Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017)
Inspired by the tradition of Lathmar Holi, this bollywood holi song celebrates one of India's most unique regional Holi customs. Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar bring the festive spirit to life in a track that blends tradition with a modern, playful twist.
11. Holi Re - Mangal Pandey (2005)
Mohabbatein gave us two great Holi tracks, and this one deserves its spot in any bollywood holi song list. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Gurukul, this song captures the joy of playing Holi with the people you love. Its warm, collegiate charm makes it feel instantly nostalgic.
12. Soni Soni - Mohabbatein (2000)
The second Holi gem from Mohabbatein, Soni Soni has a more romantic and melodious quality. As a bollywood holi song, it balances festive colors with heartfelt emotion. Uday Chopra, Jimmy Shergill, and the rest of the cast made this a memorable celebration sequence that fans still love.
13. Aaj Na Chhodenge - Kati Patang (1970)
This bollywood holi song is one of the most beloved holi song hindi tracks from the golden era. Sung by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar, the song features the iconic pairing of Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parekh. The playful, teasing spirit of the song captures Holi's mischief perfectly, and it remains a timeless classic that older generations adore.
14. Phagun Aayo Re - Phagun (1958)
One of the earliest and most enduring bollywood holi song picks from Hindi cinema, this classic from the 1950s captures the arrival of spring and the festive mood of Holi with a gentle, folk-inspired melody. A beautiful window into the era when Bollywood songs were deeply rooted in Indian musical tradition.
15. Holi Aayi Re Kanhaai - Mother India (1957)
From one of the greatest films in Indian cinema comes this timeless bollywood holi song that connects the festival to its mythological roots with Krishna. Sung with raw emotion and a distinctly folk quality, this track is a reminder of how deeply Holi is woven into India's cultural fabric.
16. Prem Leela - Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015)
This bollywood holi song from the Salman Khan blockbuster is a visual and auditory feast. Grand, royal, and spectacularly shot, the track brings together hundreds of dancers in a riot of color. It is a modern take on the classic Holi celebration, big, bold, and impossible to ignore on a playlist.
17. Lahu Munh Lag Gaya - Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his visually opulent filmmaking, and this bollywood holi song is no exception. From his retelling of Romeo and Juliet, this track is intense, passionate, and full of fire. Deepika Padukone's performance in this song is legendary, bringing a raw and electric energy that makes it stand out from every other Holi track on this list.
18. Burj Khalifa (Holi Edit) - Laxmii (2020)
This Akshay Kumar banger may not be a traditional holi song hindi track, but the remix and Holi edits have made it a surprising hit at modern Holi parties. Upbeat, catchy, and great for dancing, it represents how the Bollywood Holi playlist continues to evolve with each generation.
19. Khele Holi - D day (2013)
A lesser-known gem that deserves more love, this bollywood holi song from D day is a celebration track. It captures the emotional togetherness at the heart of Holi, making it a great addition to a playlist that balances party energy with genuine feeling.
20. Holiya Mein Ude Re Gulal - Navrang (1959)
We end this playlist with one of the most celebrated bollywood holi song picks from classic Hindi cinema. From the 1959 film Navrang, this exuberant track is a pure expression of Holi joy, with the gulal flying, the music soaring, and the spirit of the festival alive in every note. A beautiful reminder of how deeply music and Holi have always been intertwined.
Learn Music and Make Every Festival More Special - Spardha School of Music
Music makes every moment better, and Holi is no exception. Imagine being able to do more than just listen to your favorite bollywood holi song, actually singing it, or playing it on an instrument for your family and friends.
At Spardha School of Music, that is exactly what we help you do. We offer live, 1:1 online music and dance classes for kids and adults, taught by friendly, professional teachers who genuinely care about your progress. Every student receives a personalised curriculum designed around their learning pace, goals, and musical interests, whether that means learning Bollywood vocals, picking up the guitar, or starting on the keyboard.
You get dedicated attention from your teacher in every session, which means faster progress and a more enjoyable experience overall. From beginners to advanced learners, Spardha has courses across instruments, vocals, and dance that can take you from simply enjoying holi songs to actually performing them.
This Holi, add music to your celebration in a whole new way. Book your free trial class at Spardha School of Music and start your musical journey today.
Conclusion
Holi is a festival that truly comes alive with music. The right bollywood holi song has the power to turn any gathering into a full-blown celebration, and this playlist of 20 best holi songs covers every mood, every generation, and every kind of Holi moment, from romantic and mellow to loud and chaotic.
So turn up the volume, throw some gulal, and let these holi songs do what they do best. Happy Holi!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best holi songs?
Some of the all-time best holi songs include Rang Barse from Silsila, Balam Pichkari from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Holi Ke Din from Sholay, and Do Me a Favour, Let's Play Holi from Waqt. These tracks have consistently topped Holi playlists for years and continue to be crowd favourites at every celebration.
2. Which is the most popular bollywood holi song?
Rang Barse from the 1981 film Silsila is widely regarded as the most popular bollywood holi song of all time. Sung by Amitabh Bachchan with lyrics by his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan, the song has an unmistakable festive energy that has made it synonymous with the festival itself across generations.
3. Which bollywood holi song features Rajesh Khanna?
The bollywood holi song that famously features Rajesh Khanna is Aaj Na Chhodenge from the 1970 film Kati Patang. Rajesh Khanna stars alongside Asha Parekh in a playful, mischievous Holi sequence. It is one of the most cherished holi song hindi tracks from the golden age of Bollywood.
4. Which is the best bollywood holi song?
While taste is personal, Rang Barse from Silsila is often considered the best bollywood holi song ever made. It has stood the test of time for over four decades and remains the first song that plays at almost every Holi celebration across India. For a more modern pick, Balam Pichkari from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is the best holi song of the contemporary era.
