BC
since
Indian states celebrate
main colours
+
day celebration
%
global pop. are hindu
Holi Festival
Celebrate the festival of colours in India
Holi is a popular ancient Hindu festival, also known as the Indian “festival of love”. Nowadays the festival has become widely recognisable for being so bright and colourful. Although Holi originated in India it is now celebrated and enjoyed around the world.
What is Holi?
Holi festival is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. People come together to throw coloured and perfumed powder which represents spreading love and positivity. The powder is known as Gulal and comes in an array of colours that signify specific things. For example, red represents love, blue is for the Hindu god Krishna, yellow is for turmeric, and green for spring. The powders fall on people’s hair, clothes and skin. Water is then mischievously squirted through water guns or thrown in balloons to help the colours stick. Naturally, this a fun and joyous occasion for everyone with people of all ages getting involved.
When Is Holi Festival
Holi Festival takes place once a year across India and is celebrated at the end of winter. Because the date of Holi is based on the Hindu lunar calendar it is different every year. However, Holi typically falls around the full moon in mid March. Celebrations last for a night and a day, starting on the full moon night (Holi eve). Large bonfires are lit to mark the occasion and to burn evil spirits. This is known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi. The following day, Holi, is when the coloured powders are thrown. This day is also known as Rangwali Holi, Dhuleti, Dhulandi, or Phagwah.
The Best Places In India to Celebrate Holi
Different regions across India have their own way of celebrating Holi. Some regions focus heavily on the religious aspects of the festival, whilst others really enjoy the party side of things. Try to choose a location based on what you want to get out of your Holi experience. Here’s a breakdown of how some of the main locations in India celebrate Holi:
• Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh: Traditional Holi
• Jaipur and Udaipur, Rajasthan: Royal Holi
• Delhi: Bollywood Holi
• Barsana, Uttar Pradesh: Holi with Sticks
• Goa: Holi with music, drama & parades
Holi Around the World
The festival of love originated and is predominantly celebrated in India. However over the years it has spread to other parts of the world. In addition to India and Nepal, Holi is celebrated by Indian communities abroad. People in the Caribbean, South Africa, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, North America, Mauritius, and Fiji all celebrate Holi. The festival has also become popular among non-Hindus in many parts of South Asia, as well as people of other communities outside of Asia. For example, the festival has reached parts of Europe in recent years, becoming a spring celebration of love and colours.
