Celebrating the triumph of love over hatred, unity over division, and the vibrant colors of life
Caribbean/Guyana
Bengal
Manipur
Goa
Krishna's birthplace with week-long celebrations
Radha's birthplace with unique Lathmar Holi
Sikh Hola Mohalla celebrations
Cultural celebrations started by Rabindranath Tagore
Holi, known as the Festival of Colors, is a vibrant Hindu celebration that marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. It's a joyous occasion where people come together to play with colors, share sweets, and celebrate the unity of all beings.
This ancient festival embodies the spirit of love, forgiveness, and new beginnings. It breaks down social barriers and brings people together in a celebration of life's colorful diversity.
Holi: Derived from "Holaka," referring to the demoness who was burned
Phagwah: From "Phalguna," the lunar month when it's celebrated
Colors: Represent the diversity and unity of creation
The most beloved story connects Holi to the eternal love of Radha and Krishna. Young Krishna, with his dark complexion, was jealous of Radha's fair skin. His mother Yashoda playfully suggested he color Radha's face any way he liked. This playful act of coloring became the tradition of playing with colors, symbolizing the divine love that transcends physical appearances.
The demon king Hiranyakashipu tried to kill his devotee son Prahlad by making him sit in fire with his sister Holika, who had a boon of fire immunity. Due to Prahlad's devotion to Vishnu, Holika burned while Prahlad remained safe. Holika Dahan commemorates the victory of devotion over evil and good over evil.
In South India, Holi is associated with the love story of Kamadeva (god of love) and Lord Shiva. When Kamadeva tried to awaken Shiva from meditation to save the world, Shiva's third eye burned him to ashes. Later, moved by Rati's (Kamadeva's wife) devotion, Shiva restored Kamadeva. This represents the triumph of divine love.
Love, passion, and fertility
Red sandalwood, rose petals
Turmeric, prosperity, and knowledge
Turmeric powder, marigold flowers
New beginnings and nature
Henna, mint leaves, spinach
Krishna's divine love
Indigo, blue flowers
Compassion and care
Rose water, beetroot
Courage and strength
Saffron, orange peels
Night before Holi
Lighting bonfires to burn away evil and negativity
Purification and protection from evil forces
Main Holi day
Playing with colors, water, and celebrating with loved ones
Unity, joy, and breaking social barriers
Evening of Holi
Offering prayers to rivers and water bodies
Gratitude to nature and cleansing of sins
Throughout the day
Sharing traditional sweets and drinks like gujiya, thandai
Brotherhood and sharing happiness
Women playfully beat men with sticks while men try to color them. Celebrates Radha-Krishna's love story.
Throwing laddu (sweets) at each other before colors. Men from Nandgaon visit Barsana to play Holi.
Sikh celebration with martial arts displays, music, and poetry. Started by Guru Gobind Singh.
Celebrating with Radha-Krishna idols on swings, traditional songs, and dance.
Six-day celebration with traditional dances, sports, and community bonding.
Spring festival with elaborate floats, folk dances, and cultural performances.
Holi teaches us that beneath different colors (appearances), we are all one. The festival breaks down social barriers and promotes equality, reminding us that love transcends all differences.
Celebrated at the onset of spring, Holi represents the renewal of life and nature. It's a time to let go of past grievances, forgive others, and start fresh with new energy and positive intentions.
Through the story of Radha-Krishna, Holi celebrates divine love that is pure, selfless, and transcendent. It reminds us that the highest love is spiritual union with the divine.
Holi has been celebrated for over 3,000 years, with mentions in ancient texts like the Narada Purana and Bhavishya Purana.
Holi is celebrated in over 30 countries, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and by Hindu diaspora worldwide.
Holi marks the spring equinox and the end of winter, celebrating nature's renewal and fertility.
Traditional Holi colors were made from natural sources like turmeric, beetroot, indigo, and flowers.
Holi breaks down social barriers as people from all castes, classes, and ages celebrate together equally.
The birthplace of Krishna celebrates Holi for over a week with different themes each day.
"होली की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं! May the colors of Holi bring joy, love, and prosperity to your life."
"May this Holi paint your life with the brightest colors of joy, happiness, and success."
"Let the colors of Holi spread the message of peace, love, and harmony in your life."
"Wishing you a Holi filled with sweet moments and colorful memories to cherish forever."
"May the festival of colors bring new beginnings and wash away all your sorrows."
"रंगों का त्यौहार आया है, खुशियों का संदेशा लाया है। Happy Holi!"
वसन्ते वासन्ती पुष्पाणि विकाशयन्ति युवतिषु
In spring, spring flowers bloom and develop in the young
— Sanskrit Verse
सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिन: सर्वे सन्तु निरामया:
May all beings be happy, may all beings be free from illness
— Universal Prayer
प्रेम रूपी राधा कृष्णा रंग भरे निराले
Radha and Krishna, embodiments of love, play with unique colors
— Devotional Song
Holi 2024 falls on March 25th (Monday), with Holika Dahan on March 24th (Sunday) evening. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Phalguna.
Playing with colors represents the unity of all beings beyond superficial differences. It symbolizes that all colors merge into the divine white light, teaching us that diversity is beautiful and all souls are equal in the eyes of God.
Krishna's childhood in Vrindavan is deeply connected to Holi. Stories tell of young Krishna playfully coloring the gopis (cowherd girls), especially Radha. This divine play (leela) represents the soul's loving relationship with the divine.
Holika Dahan is the ritual burning of Holika effigies on the night before Holi. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil, devotion over malice, and the burning away of negative qualities like ego, jealousy, and hatred.
Celebrate eco-friendly Holi by using natural colors made from flowers, turmeric, and herbs. Avoid synthetic colors, conserve water, use organic sweets, and focus on the spiritual aspects of love, forgiveness, and unity.
Traditional Holi foods include gujiya (sweet dumplings), mathri, dahi bhalla, puran poli, and drinks like thandai (spiced milk), bhang, and lassi. Each region has its specialties prepared with love and shared with community.