Holi is one of India’s most celebrated festivals, marking the beginning of spring and often taking place at the end of February or early March. While its history is deeply rooted in Hindu culture and tradition, it has become a celebration worldwide. Each year, over 40,000 people from all over the world come to India to celebrate Holi. Here is everything to know about the Festival of Colors, from its origin from the Prahladpuri Temple to tips for a great experience.
What Is Holi, the Festival of Colors?
Holi, or the Festival of Colors, marks the beginning of spring and the end of winter. It's a celebration of rebirth and new beginnings and a time to get rid of the bad and the negative. As a tradition that has existed for centuries, Holi holds a more religious significance as well, which can represent triumph over evil, as told by the legend of Prahlada and Hiranyakashipu, or eternal love, from the story of Krishna and Radha. Holi is also a time to simply let loose and have fun. There will be bonfires, parties, and people throwing powders (gulal) in a kaleidoscope of colors at each other.
When Is Holi Celebrated?
As Holi marks the end of winter, it’s often celebrated at the end of February or early March, but the exact days change each year. According to the Hindu calendar, the first night of Holi starts on the full moon of the Phalguna month, which corresponds to February or March in the Gregorian calendar. Celebrations start that evening with a bonfire (Holika Dahan) and continue into the next day. In most places, the festival lasts for two days, but in Braj, Mathura, and Vrindavan, celebrations can last for a week or two.In 2024, Holi falls on Monday, March 25.
Where Is Holi Being Celebrated?
Holi is celebrated primarily in countries with a prominent Hindu population. The best place to experience it is India, where the tradition has a longstanding cultural and religious significance. There are large celebrations in Delhi and Mumbai, but Mathura, where Krishna was born, and Vrindavan, where Krishna spent his childhood, have the best Holi celebrations. Some towns also have their own set of traditions, like Lathmar Holi, which involves women showering sticks on men who playfully defend themselves.
Other countries with large Holi festivals include Nepal, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Fiji. Even London, which has the largest population of Indians outside of India, puts on an impressive Holi celebration that attracts thousands. You’ll also find parties, events, and Holi celebrations in other regions of Asia and parts of the Western world, such as Sri Lanka, although they might not be as famous as the ones on the Indian subcontinent.
What Happens During the Holi Festival?
The celebration starts the night before the festival, which is called “Chhoti Holi,” or “Little Holi.” People will gather around a bonfire, and rituals like singing and dancing may be performed — a symbol of the triumph of good over evil. The next day is when the real party starts. If you are in India, expect huge crowds and loud music. People will be flooding the streets, throwing colored powders, and spraying water guns at each other. Everyone visible is fair game, so be prepared to get wet and smothered in powder.
Each color of the powder holds a significant meaning. Red represents love, green symbolizes new beginnings, and blue is the color of Lord Krishna. The powder is often made from natural or plant-based ingredients, but chemical-made dyes are used more often today. Therefore, it’s important to wash your skin immediately after the festival. Most color-throwing parties go late into the evening, but they tend to die out in the early afternoon when people head back to wash up before visiting family and friends.
What to Eat During Holi
Gujiya, a sweet, deep-fried pastry, is one of the most popular foods to eat during Holi. Wash it down with a refreshing glass of Thandai, a cold drink prepared with almonds, fennel seeds, and rose petals — you get yourself a traditional Holi meal. Other common dishes served at Holi include Dahi Bhalla (deep-fried dumplings soaked in seasoned yogurt), Malpua (fried pancakes served with sugar syrup), and Mathri (savory deep-fried biscuits).
If you’re celebrating Holi in India, you’ll come across a drink called Bhang, a cannabis-infused beverage traditionally served during this time. It could be a Bhang Thandai, Bhang Lassi, or even a Bhang Milkshake. Bhang is legal in many states in India, particularly Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, where Bhang has historical and cultural significance, but it might be banned or regulated in others.
What to Wear to Holi
We love wearing white to make the colorful powder pop! Before you pick out an outfit for Holi, keep in mind that India is hot during this time, with highs in the 81°F (27°C), so wear something light and breathable. You’ll also want to make sure you’re dressed appropriately. Many parts of India are still very conservative when it comes to attire, especially for women, and showing too much skin or wearing too tight clothes can draw unwanted attention.
The powder will dye any fabric you’re wearing, so come in something cheap you don’t mind tossing afterward. The same goes for shoes, and many people opt for flip-flops that can be washed or thrown out. The dye, especially chemical ones, can be irritating to your skin, so cover up as much as possible. We also recommend wearing a headscarf, sunglasses, or other eyewear for protection and oiling your hair to make it easier to wash out the colors.
Celebrating Holi as a Woman
Some female travelers may be weary of celebrating Holi in India. With massive crowds and raucous parties, it’s easy for a situation to get out of hand. While incidents can happen at any time, it is generally safe for women to participate in the Holi festivities. Go with a group. There is safety in numbers, and it’s always a good idea to have people who will look out for you. Cover up. Avoid wearing tight or revealing clothes that might get you unwanted attention. Lastly, avoid overly crowded areas that can get hectic quickly.
Tips for Celebrating Holi in India
Wear appropriate clothing. You’ll get wet, you’ll get dirty, and you’ll get painted in all sorts of colors. Also, make sure you are dressed conservatively to respect the local culture and stay out of trouble.
Don’t risk losing or having your valuables stolen. Leave jewelry, nice bags, and other expensive items at home or in the hotel.
With all the bright colors, you’ll likely want to take plenty of photos. Consider bringing a plastic bag for your phone or wrapping your lens or camera in plastic to prevent it from getting damaged.
Apply moisturizer to your skin and oil to your hair before participating in Holi, which helps wash off the color once the party is over. Avoid the metallic colors — these are particularly harsh chemicals!
Stay hydrated and eat beforehand. It’s hot in India, so make sure you drink lots of water to prevent dehydration. Many restaurants are also closed or busy at this time, so eat before you head out of the day.
Holi is for people of all ages, so don’t be afraid to let loose and have fun. However, always celebrate with friends — the social taboos against touching are lowered for Holi, and there is alcohol involved.
Be cautious during the hours on and after Holi, as some kids can get out of control and will throw things other than powder and water.
What is the history of Holi?
Holi has been celebrated for centuries, but over time, its purpose has evolved from a ceremony for married women to bestow prosperity and well-being on their new families and married life to the markings of spring and the triumph of good over evil. The festival takes root from the story of Hiranyakashipu, a king who believed that he was immortal and should be worshiped. However, his son, Prahlad, a devoted worshipper of Vishnu, a Hindu deity, appeared one day and killed him, symbolizing good triumphs over evil.
The other story associated with Holi is the love story of Radha and Krishna. Krishna is always depicted with blue skin, and according to Hindu legend, his skin turned blue as a baby when he drank poisonous milk from a demon. Krishna fell in love with Radha, but he was worried that Radha wouldn’t feel the same way because of his skin. Radha accepted Krishna fully and asked him to apply color to her skin. That’s why we throw color powders at each other on Holi.
What are the best Holi celebrations in the U.S.?
Spanish Fork in Utahhosts a Holi celebration of over 70,000 people at the local Krishna temple. There are also big Holi parties across Houston, withHouston Holibeing one of the best in the country, with dancing, Indian street food, concerts, and colors, of course. On the East Coast, New Jersey is a Holi hotspot thanks to its significant Indian population. Boston also celebrates the Festival of Colors with the biggest Holi party in New England hosted bya local nonprofit.Holi in the Citytakes place annually in the Big Apple, often on two consecutive weekends near Holi’s official dates.
