In Mughal India, Holi was celebrated with such exuberance that people of all castes could throw colour on the Emperor. [52] According to Sharma (2017), "there are several paintings of Mughal emperors celebrating Holi". [53] Grand celebrations of Holi were held at the Lal Qila, where the festival was also known as Eid-e-gulaabi or Aab-e-Pashi. Traditional Holi Celebrations in India. Holi is a two-day festival filled with devotion, fun, and colors! 1. Holika Dahan (March 13, 2025) – The Bonfire Ritual. At night, bonfires are lit to symbolize the burning away of evil. People offer coconuts, wheat grains, and jaggery to the fire. Families and friends gather to sing folk songs and Holi, widely known as the Hindu festival of colors, is a joyful annual celebration at the advent of spring with cultural and religious significance.. Typically observed in March in India, Nepal, other South Asian countries and across the diaspora, the festival celebrates love and signifies a time of rebirth and rejuvenation — a time to embrace the positive and let go of negative energy. Holi’s traditions vary throughout the country and have their roots in Indian mythology. In many places the festival is associated with the legend of Hiranyakashipu, a demon king in ancient India. Hiranyakashipu enlisted the help of his sister, Holika, to kill his son, Prahlada, a devoted worshipper of Vishnu . Holi, often called the "festival of colors," is a vibrant and joyful Hindu celebration that marks spring’s arrival, the triumph of good over evil, and the legendary love between Radha and Krishna. What is Holi? Holi has been celebrated in the Indian subcontinent for centuries, with poems documenting celebrations dating back to the 4th century CE. It marks the beginning of spring after a Holi, the festival of colours, will take place on March 14, this one of India’s most vibrant and joyous celebrations, marking the arrival of spring, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil. A. Different ways Holi is celebrated across India. Holi is celebrated differently across various regions of India, reflecting the local culture and traditions. Some notable variations include: Brajdham (Vrindavan): Known for its vibrant and traditional celebrations, with processions and singing. Mathura: Celebrated with large gatherings and The celebration of Holi is rooted in numerous legends and tales, each adding more depth to the vibrant celebrations. From the burning of Holika symbolizing the victory of good over evil to the stories of Lord Krishna playfully smearing colors on his beloved Radha, each of the stories infuses the festival with joy, devotion, and unity. Holi is a holiday celebrated by millions of Hindus around the world, from India and Pakistan to Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States. It falls on the purnima, or full-moon day of Phalguna The famous Laddu Mar Holi was celebrated in the Shri Ladliji Maharaj temple in Barsana, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Holi 2025: Color of festival & joy kicks off in India - WATCH. 11 March,2025 01: The festival, introduced by Indian laborers in the 19th century, has become a symbol of unity and joy. South Africans from all backgrounds participate, making Holi a true celebration of diversity. 8. Mauritius - A National Celebration. Holi is a national festival in Mauritius, where almost half of the population is of Indian descent. Get ready to paint the town—literally! Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, is just around the corner, bringing a whirlwind of joy, music, and, of course, colorful chaos. This ancient Hindu celebration marks the arrival of spring, the victory of good over evil, and a chance to let loose with a rainbow of powdered hues. From massive outdoor bashes to family-friendly gatherings, explore all That's Holi - India's most colourful festival. And it captures imaginations worldwide. But while these powder-throwing celebrations have become famous on Instagram, there's far more to this ancient celebration than pelting your mates with powdered dye. This year on March 8, color will hide all class lines, the caste system will disappear, and foreigners will join the locals. In the Braj region of India, Holi celebrations stretch for 16 days Holi, widely known as the Hindu festival of colors, is a joyful annual celebration at the advent of spring with cultural and religious significance. This year on March 14, color will hide all class lines, the caste system will disappear, and foreigners will join the locals. In the Braj region of India, Holi celebrations stretch for 16 days Holi, India’s vibrant festival of colors, is a celebration that transcends borders. A sensory explosion of joy, color, and music, Holi marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. For first-time travelers, this cultural extravaganza can be thrilling, but understanding the etiquette ensures you partake in the festivities respectfully. Here’s a Holi is a Hindu spring festival celebrated in India and Nepal on the full-moon day of Phalguna (February–March). On this day, participants throw colored water and colored powders on one another, and the usual societal norms are set aside. Millions of Indians celebrated Monday the Hindu Holi festival, dancing to festive music, exchanging food and drink and smearing each other with red, green, blue and pink powder, turning the air into a joyful kaleidoscope of color.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |