11 Songs To Add To Your Holi Playlist That Aren’t ‘Rang Barse’ Or ‘Balam Pichkari’

Despite being a more lowkey event this year, or maybe especially because of it, Holi playlists are an important and sacred part of celebrating the festival. Whether you’re making it for your group of friends, spending time with your partner, or just for yourself if you’ve chosen to spend the holiday at home (which, I recommend, is a fantastic experience), a mix of songs for vibes is a must.

While ‘Rang Barse’ and ‘Balam Pichkari’ are Holi staples, and deservedly so, sometimes the heart just wants something different. So, here, I’ve collected a few Holi essentials and some other Indian and international bops to help you curate the perfect playlist!

1. ‘Holi Mein Rangeele’ – Mika Singh, Abhinav Shekhar, Pallavi Ishpuniyani

The latest addition to the overflowing Holi songs in India, this song is no doubt going to become a permanent fixture in Holi playlists. And while we may not be able to get as “rangeele” this year, this song is sure to add some colour to Holi.

2. ‘Badri Ki Dulhaniya’ – Dev Negi, Neha Kakkar, Monali Thakur, Ikka

The title track of the 2014 movie Badrinath Ki Dulhania, this Varun-Alia starrer is also a strong contender in being the title track of the thousands of Holi playlists across the country. 

3. ‘Holi (Manganiyars & Langa’s folk song)’ – Richa Sharma, Shail Hada

Spending Holi with just your partner? You might remember this folk song from the movie Padmaavat, starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, and Shahid Kapoor, which will definitely set the mood for a romantic day at home this Holi.

4. ‘Tum Tak’ – Keerthi Sagathia, Pooja Vaidyanath, Javed Ali

A timeless classic, ‘Tum Tak’ is just the song you need for slower vibes when you’re just interested in spending a quiet and peaceful day with good music. It especially makes for a wonderful drive song, so make sure to add it to your playlist if long drives are on the cards this Holi.

5. ‘Ey Gori’ – Kailash Kher, Sonu Kakkar

From the 2007 movie Delhii Heights, Kailash Kher and Sonu Kakkar’s ‘Ey Gori’ will add playfulness and cheer to your playlist. And in my opinion, we really need to hear this song a little more on Holi — someone remind DJs this exists, please?

6. ‘Lahu Munh Lag Gaya’ – Shail Hada

Featured in the Deepika-Ranveer starring film Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram Leela, ‘Lahu Munh Lag Gaya’ is a romantic and sensual song that’s fit for both the dance floor or a private Holi with your partner.

7. ‘Go Pagal’ – Raftaar, Nindy Kaur

From the Akshay Kumar-Huma Qureshi starrer movie Jolly LLB 2, this song is sure to add a little freshness and variety to your playlist. A lighthearted and simple track, this is one song meant for the dance floor.

8. ‘Holi’ – Begum Akhtar

Admittedly not something your local DJ would be playing to hype you up, but this timeless piece by Begum Akhtar will have you closing your eyes in awe and enjoyment. If we’re stuck indoors anyway, why not spend Holi revisiting all the traditional music India has to offer?

9. ‘Colors’ – Black Pumas

Holi playlists are majorly populated with Hindi and Bollywood songs, but there are some wonderful international songs that are sure to set the mood. ‘Colors’ by the Grammy-winning band Black Pumas is just what you need to add some soul to your Holi this year.

10. ‘Dynamite’ – BTS

A perfect hype track, this bop will have you Dynananana-ing uncontrollably and breathe some life into the party. Performed by the Grammy-nominated group BTS, the song is just what you need to “light it up like Dynamite” on Holi.

11. ‘Do It’ – Chloe x Halle

You’ve probably heard it everywhere on the internet already, but if you haven’t yet had the pleasure to listen to Chloe x Halle yet then let me introduce you to this bop. ‘Do It’ is just such a “good vibes only” song, perfect for adding some flavour to your Holi playlist.