2026 is the year when all religious and cultural events converge. From Valentine’s Day to Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Lent, and now, Holi. The Hindu Festival of Colours is a celebration of love, happiness, and spring, set to take place on March 3-4. It’s a time when those celebrating begin with prayer and end with throwing colours on each other. Given the rich tapestry of Dubai’s population, we can expect the city to make room for yet another festival, and here’s how you can celebrate it.
Dressing the Part
If you find yourself with a Holi invite but an empty wardrobe, allow these Indian designers to dress you up for the festival.
Anamika Khanna
Dressing the likes of Alia Bhatt, Ananya Panday, Jennifer Morrison, and Colman Domingo, Anamika Khanna’s designs teeter the line between modern cuts and classical Indian embroidery. With plenty of sets and dresses tailored to the modest fashion woman, her pieces can fit seamlessly even outside an Indian context.
Itrh
If you’re looking for statement pieces or pieces rich in mirror work, then Itrh has got you covered. Taking opulence to the extreme, their pieces stand like artwork, ideal for those who love to wear bold designs.
Ritu Kumar
Dressing up Bollywood’s elite for over a decade now, Ritu Kumar is the standard and one of the pioneers of the Indian fashion industry. Her work honours the diverse cultural parts of India, integrating indigenous weaves and longstanding craftsmanship techniques. With a dedicated festive edit on the official website, it makes the search for a Holi outfit ten times easier.
Tarun Tahiliani
Although known for its bridal wear, Tarun Tahiliani boasts plenty of pieces fit for any occasion. Between embellished capes and embroidered lenghas, you can find both subtle and statement pieces with this designer.
Dining this Holi
One way of celebrating the festival is by exploring traditional Indian food. While we all don’t need an excuse to taste fragrant curries and fluffy rice, dining during Holi makes the experience all the more sweeter.
Bombay Brasserie | Taj Dubai
With a mural of a traditionally decorated horse to give your company, Bombay Brasserie is celebrating Holi this year with a delectable 4-course menu. Specially curated for March 4, the second day of Holi, the feast will take place alongside a live sitar performance, blending flavours and melodies.
Jamavar | Address Residences Opera District
Sitting at the heart of Downtown Dubai, Jamavar brings Holi celebrations alongside the robust energy of Dubai. Hosting a special Holi brunch on February 28, and on March 1, 7, and 8, Jamavar’s palatial dining room becomes a space for Indian cuisine to thrive. Starting with flavour-packed kebabs, grilled chickens, and paneers, the brunch moves into mains accompanied by comforting curries, rice dishes, and a bread basket before dessert satisfies the sweet tooth and completes the meal.
Mausam | Dubai Mall
Offering the Dubai Fountain views as you celebrate, Mausam brings fresh tandoori breads, perfectly spiced curries to go with it, and a cup of chai to finish it off. While they usually offer special Holi menus during the festival, no official announcement has been made, so keep an eye out for when they eventually do!
Trèsind Studio | St. Regis Gardens The Palm
The world’s first-ever Indian restaurant to be awarded three MICHELIN stars, the service and the food only further prove it. With plenty of vegetarian options, locally sourced ingredients, and the aim to challenge the perceptions of Indian cuisine, Trèsind Studio makes for a unique celebration.
Indego by Vineet | Grosvenor House Dubai
Adding a modern twist to Indian cuisine, Indego by Vineet makes traditional flavours appear in a myriad of ways. You can also dine al fresco here, snacking on perfectly crisp pappads while boats chug down the Marina.
avatāra | Dubai Hills Estate
For vegetarians and vegans looking to celebrate, avatāra has got you covered. As Dubai’s first and only vegetarian fine dining restaurant, avatāra scales back with simple ingredients, reminding diners of early India’s predominant diet. For the Festival of Holi, the restaurant hasn’t officially announced any exclusive menus but with their intimate ambience, it makes for a quite celebration.
Little Miss India | Fairmont The Palm
With an aesthetic resembling colonial India and an alfresco dining space, Little Miss India makes for an easy environment to get comfortable in for Holi. Its vibrant atmosphere lends itself to the casual nature of the festival while the food delivers in all things taste and flavour. Don’t forget to try their Rasmalai Gelato, turning the beloved dessert into a sweeter finish that’s all the more memorable.
