"Holi khele Raghuveera… Awadh mein Holi khele Raghuveera!"—the moment these beats drop, you know the festival has truly begun.
For those who say Holi is just another celebration, they have got it all wrong. It is no less than a mood, a fever, a full-blown, colour-soaked, bass-thumping state of mind. It’s that one time of the year when dance floors spill into streets, strangers turn into backup dancers, and the only rule is- THERE ARE NO RULES. But let’s be real - no matter how wild the colours get, no Holi is complete without the right beats.
What is Holi without Rang Barse making uncles think they’re Bollywood heroes or Balam Pichkari, that ignites a water war every time? Or the dhol beats that can literally wake up your ancestors?
So, before you grab that pichkari, make sure your speakers are ready- because Holi without music is like gujiya without the stuffing. And no way we are letting that happen.
Bollywood’s Timeless Holi Hits
Some songs fade with time, but Holi anthems? They only get louder. Decades may pass and trends may change, but the moment “Rang Barse” starts playing, something shifts. Friends break into dramatic slow-motion twirls and someone without fail drenches you in coloured water just as the chorus drops.
If you think deeply enough, Bollywood doesn’t just give us music; it gives us moments. It gives us songs that turn a simple splash of colour into a full-blown cinematic experience. So, before you step into this colour-soaked, music-driven madness, let’s revisit the songs that have been making every Holi unforgettable, year after year.
Rang Barse (Silsila, 1981)
If there’s one song that defines Holi perfectly, it’s Rang Barse. Sung by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan himself, this track has an almost hypnotic effect. Once it starts playing, everyone from your youngest cousin to the oldest uncle suddenly turns into a Bollywood star. The song’s playful lyrics, combined with the infectious beats, make it the unofficial national anthem of Holi. There’s just something about the way Bachchan’s deep voice croons “Rang barse bheege chunar wali rang barse” making you want to throw fistfuls of colour into the air.
Holi Ke Din (Sholay, 1975)
Before Rang Barse topped the charts and ruled Holi, this song was the go-to anthem for the festival. From the legendary film Sholay, this track is a joyful reminder of how Holi is all about celebrating with loved ones. With Dharmendra and Hema Malini’s playful chemistry, lively dhol beats and a melody that makes you want to break into dance, this song is a priceless addition to every Holi playlist.
Ang Se Ang Lagana (Darr, 1993)
Playful, mischievous and full of classic Bollywood charm, Ang Se Ang Lagana is yet another Holi staple. This song captures the authentic spirit of the festival, where people let go of their inhibitions and just enjoy the moment. It’s got that nostalgic 90’s magic and is perfect for those who love a mix of old-school and festive fun.
Soni Soni (Mohabbatein, 2000)
Who says, Holi is just for throwing colour? You can throw as many hints too! And Soni Soni is the ultimate soundtrack for that playful, Bollywood-style romance in the middle of all the madness. With Shah Rukh Khan setting the vibe and the entire crew twirling in hues of pink and yellow, this song is all about stolen glances, mischievous smiles, and love stories written in gulaal. While the dhol beats keep the energy high, the flirtatious lyrics make it the perfect track for those cheeky-colour-smearing moments. So if your Holi needs a dose of romance with this revelry, this song is non-negotiable.
Gulaal, Groove And New Gen Holi Anthems
Holi isn’t just about colours anymore- it’s a full-blown rager. The dhol has met EDM and Bollywood now delivers beats as vibrant as the festival itself. While the classics bring nostalgia, the latest Holi hits are all about energy, high-voltage drops and dance floors that refuse to slow down.
If you are ready to swap classic tunes for something bold, bass-heavy, and party-approved, here’s a lineup of the freshest Bollywood Holi anthems to keep the celebration going till the last splash of colour!
Balam Pichkari (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, 2013)
If there’s one song that defines millennial and Gen-Z holi parties, it’s Balam Pichkari. The moment the music kicks in, it’s game over. Water guns are loaded, bhaang kicks in, and suddenly, everyone’s a choreographer. With Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone leading the madness, this song is the ultimate anthem for a Holi party that goes from zero to wild, just in seconds.
Do Me A Favour, Let’s Play Holi (Waqt, 2005)
This song may be from the early 2000s, but it still carries that fresh, playful vibe perfect for any Holi celebration. Anu Malik’s signature peppy beats, Akshay Kumar’s charm, and Sunidhi Chauhan’s lively vocals make this track impossible to resist. It’s cheeky, it’s colourful, and it practically begs you to get drenched in the Holi spirit—literally.
Badri Ki Dulhaniya (Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya, 2017)
Holi meets Bollywood’s desi swag in this high-energy track featuring Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt. With its addictive beats, vibrant visuals, and playful lyrics, Badri Ki Dulhania is a certified banger for any Holi party. If you’re looking to get a full-blown dance battle going, this one’s your cue to hit the floor.
Holi Biraj Ma (Genius, 2018)
A new-age track with an old-school folk touch, Holi Biraj Ma brings together tradition and modern beats seamlessly. If you want a song that keeps the cultural essence of Holi alive while still being party-ready, this one’s a perfect pick.
Go Pagal (Jolly LLB 2, 2017)
As the name suggests, this song is pure, unfiltered chaos—and that’s exactly what Holi is about. Akshay Kumar and Huma Qureshi bring the madness, while the beats push you to let loose and go absolutely wild with colours. If your Holi vibe is all about masti and mayhem, this track deserves a top spot on your playlist.
Holi Goes Global: Hollywood Pop Anthems For A Lit Holi Party
Who says Holi is only about Bollywood beats? Sometimes, a little international flavour can turn the “rang” and revelry up a notch. From high-energy EDM drops to chart-topping pop anthems, these Hollywood tracks bring a whole new vibe to the festival- think neon colours, bass-thumping madness, and a dance floor that never dies down.
Cheap Thrills – Sia ft. Sean Paul (2016)
Holi is all about fun without fancy plans and “Cheap Thrills” is the perfect track to match that carefree spirit. Just like Holi, this song is pure joy, no expensive setups needed, just good music and great company.
Wake Me Up - Avicii (2013)
A Holi playlist needs a track that builds up energy and then explodes—and this Avicii hit does just that. The folk-meets-EDM vibe makes it a perfect blend for a festival that’s both traditional and electric.
I Got A Feeling - Black Eyes Peas (2009)
A song that literally declares, "Tonight’s gonna be a good night"—what better track to set the tone for a colour-filled, unforgettable Holi bash?
We Found Love – Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris (2011)
Holi is not just about fun—it’s about that pure, euphoric feeling that comes with it. This song captures that high-on-life vibe, making it the ultimate track for when you're covered in colour and living your best moment.
On The Floor – Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull (2011)
When this track drops, you know the party just went into overdrive. The infectious beats, Pitbull’s rap, and JLo’s energy make it the ultimate dance floor anthem—perfect for when the Holi madness reaches its peak.
The Final Splash
A wild, uninhibited, full-volume explosion of colour, rhythm and energy, Holi is a full-blown experience. And while the gulaal may fade and the water balloons may run out the right beats? They echo long after the last splash of colour has settled.
This Holi, as you step onto the dance floor (or, let’s be real, any surface that can handle a good bhangra breakdown), make sure your playlist is as vibrant as your festive spirit. From evergreen Bollywood classics to bass-thumping global hits, let the music take over, the colours fly higher, and the celebrations never stop. After all, Holi comes once in a year- but the memories? Those beats will bring them back, again and again.