Rang Panchami 2026: What Is It? How Is It Different From Holi, Places Where It’s Celebrated

We all celebrate Holi as a two-day festival of colours and Holika Dahan, but did you know the celebrations don’t end there? Yes, you heard that right, the festival of colours concludes with another vibrant celebration called Rang Panchami. Considered an extension of Holi, Rang Panchami remains lesser-known to many. Read on to learn more about this colourful festival.

What Is Rang Panchami?

Rang Panchami is a Hindu festival celebrated just five days after Holi, on Phalguna Shukla Panchami, to mark the end of the spring festivities and the victory of divine love. Rang Panchami is celebrated much like Holi, with people playing with colours. However, the festivities of Rang Panchami often include splashing coloured water on one another.

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How It Is Different From Holi?

There is not much difference between Holi and Rang Panchami, as the latter is celebrated five days after Holi. While Holi marks the triumph of good over evil with bonfires and colours, Rang Panchami focuses more on spiritual purification and the invitation of divine energy. The festival is mostly celebrated in parts of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

The festival is said to have originated in Maharashtra and is also known as Shimga. In some places, people also make small processions carrying an image of a deity and then immersing the deity in a nearby river, pond, or any waterbody.

Places Where Rang Panchami Is Celebrated

Rang Panchami is celebrated only in a few places across India. Here are some of the best places where the festival is celebrated. Take a look!

1. Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Indore in Madhya Pradesh celebrates the festival on a grand scale. Thousands gather from across the city to enjoy the festival every year. The city comes alive with vibrant colours, water tankers, live music, and even decorated trucks moving through the streets of Indore.

2. Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Another place to witness the magic of the festival is Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Devotees gather near temples and take part in the vibrant processions that bring the city together.

3. Pune, Maharashtra

Pune also celebrates the festival with vibrant events like music festivals, colour parties and traditional dance performances. These events bring people around the city together to play with colours while enjoying food and music.

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How did you celebrate your Rang Panchami this year? Let us know in the comments!

Cover Image Courtesy: Pexels/Yogendra Singh