India is known for its unique festival celebrations across regions, cities, and states. Just like the northern part of the country celebrates Rangpanchami on Holi, the eastern side celebrates it as Dol Jatra with regional twists. One such unique eastern Holi celebration is Kolkata’s iconic Rolls-Royce Holi.
Yes, you read that right!
Centered in vibrant Burrabazar, it features a century-old 1921 Rolls-Royce with idols of Radha and Krishna placed inside.
Here’s everything you must know about this unique celebration.
All About Rolls-Royce Holi 2026
Rolls-Royce Holi Kolkata 2026 Date And Time
Kolkata’s iconic Rolls-Royce Holi features a century-old Rolls-Royce. On Holi, during Dol Jatra, this Rolls-Royce is transformed into a flower-decked chariot for Radha and Krishna idols.
According to a famous legend, this Rolls-Royce was once owned by Rudyard Kipling and later acquired by the Bagla family in 1927. Since then, the car acts like a mobile shrine of Radha Krishna for all the devotees.
This year, it will be celebrated on March 4, 2026. The procession starts around midday at 12:00 PM from Satyanarayan Jee Temple on Kalakar Street in Burrabazar. It continues for many hours and crosses Howrah Bridge through central Kolkata streets.
Rolls-Royce Holi Kolkata: History
Rolls-Royce Holi history dates back to 1927, when the Prominent Marwari business clan in Burrabazar, the Bagla family, acquired a Rolls-Royce from Rudyard Kipling. It was a rare 1921 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, which was owned by Rudyard Kipling for 6 years.
The influential family was patrons of the Satyanarayan Jee Temple on Kalakar Street. They repurposed the vintage car into a divine chariot for Radha Krishna idols instead of using it as a status symbol during Dol Jatra.
Dol Jatra is a unique Holi celebration across West Bengal. It features colorful processions of idols of Krishna and Radha carried on a dola (decorated palanquin).
Devotees dance to bhajans, play cymbals, and shower gulal colors as they walk around the city as a part of the Rolls-Royce Holi procession.
This local ritual within Burrabazar’s mercantile community continued quietly for decades. It soon became popular because of social media and attracted many people to be a part of it.
This flower-adorned car also paraded on Janmashtami. It also joined India’s first Statesman Vintage Car Rally in 1968.
You May Like Also: Best Holi Parties In Kolkata 2026: Venues, Entry Passes, Timings & DJ Nights
Summing Up
Rolls-Royce Holi celebration in Kolkata is one of the most unique Holi celebrations in India. It combines luxury with devotion in a beautiful manner. So if you are in Kolkata for Holi, try not miss this unique celebration.
FAQs
What Time Is Masan Holi In 2025?
Masan Holi is a tantric ritual in Varanasi and was celebrated on March 13-14 in 2025.
Which Place Is Famous For Holi In Kolkata?
Kumartuli is known as Kolkata’s most famous spot for Holi.
What Is The Schedule Of Holi In Vrindavan In 2026?
The schedule of Holi in Vrindavan in 2026:
Lathmar Holi: Feb 25-26
Phoolon Ki Holi: March 1
Holika Dahan: March 3
Rangpanchami: March 4
