What Is Holi Festival?
The celebration of Holi is a Hindu festival observed across India every year. It celebrates the arrival of spring and it signifies the triumph of good over evil. While it is a Hindu festival, most Indians observe Holi. The Festival of Holi Colors is such a vibrant and festive occasion how can you not want to take part?
When Is Holi Celebrated In 2023?
In 2023 the Celebration of Holi takes place on March 8 and March 9.
The dates of Holi celebrations change every year because Holi is celebrated on the eve of the full moon and the full moon day of the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna (March). This day marks the beginning of Spring. But the celebrations have extended to several days beforehand. During our time at the Holi festival in India, the colored powder and water were being spread in full force four days in advance with music blaring and people dancing in the streets.
Holika Dahan
For several days leading up to the Holi festival, people gather wood to make large bonfires that are lit on the eve of Holi known as Holika Dahan. Holi Dahan happens every year on the evening of Purnima in the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna. (aka The full moon in March and night before Holi) Holika Dahan celebrates the death of the Hindu Demon, Holika, and the victory of good over evil.
In Hinduism, the demon Holika was the sister of the Demon King, Hiranyakashipu (Hiranyakashyap) who was given immunity to fire by the Gods. Hiranyakashipu asked Holika to kill his son Prahlada by burning him alive. He hated Prahlada because of his devotion to the Hindu God, Lord Vishnu and made several attempts to murder him. But Prahlada survived.
Since the Gods had given Holika immunity to fire, she tried to kill Prahalada by sitting in a fire with him trying to burn him to death. Instead, the Gods punished Holika for using her powers for evil. She burned to death instead while Prahalada lived to rule as a wise king.
During the evening of the Holika Dahan festival people gather to light the fires to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. The fires burn late into the night and people are out dancing and celebrating to the wee hours of the morning. The entire country of India is alive with energy.
Where Is Holi Celebrated?
We celebrated Holi in Mathura but Holi is celebrated across India. Northern India celebrates Holi with more vigor, but it is catching on in other parts of the country and around the world too.
12 Tips For Celebrating Holi In India
- Mathura is where we celebrated Holi, but no matter where you are in India, it will be celebrated.
- Go to local parks and residential neighborhoods, or ask at your guest house where Holi is being celebrated nearby.
- Don’t wear anything that you want to keep. Every piece of clothing will be ruined and you will have to throw it out.
- Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts so as to have minimal skin exposed.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, but buy cheap ones that you don’t mind throwing away afterward.
- Take off all watches and jewelry. (as you can see, I didn’t and my watch was trashed)
- Ladies, wear your hair back or wear a scarf. My hair was pink for weeks.
- Use only waterproof camera gear: Holi is messy. It’s not just water, but thick powder. It can ruin cameras.
- Put everything in waterproof dry bags and only bring them out when necessary. Even GoPros can get ruined.
- Don’t carry any valuables.
- Make sure to have a meeting place should you get lost. The crowds are huge and you may become separated.
- As a foreigner, you are sometimes targeted by overzealous festival-goers. They can be a little too aggressive, and some men can cross the line and grab and touch women a little too aggressively. I am sad to report that women are often groped during Holi, myself and my friend Becca included. Men can be aggressive when throwing foam or powder in your face, so be on your guard.
A word of advice, if you are going to celebrate Holi at one of the popular celebration destinations, book your hotel in advance. When we got off the train, we couldn’t believe the crowds! It is overwhelming and we had a difficult time finding a hotel.
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