Celebrating Holi: The Colorful Festival from India to America

Fact checked by Sarah Cahalan

Partaking in the annual Holi Festival is one of the most enjoyable experiences. Holi is a vibrant Hindu festival of colors, celebrated once a year in March. Growing up in a Hindu household, I cherished the excitement and joy that accompanied the festivities.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this Indian color festival is its enthusiastic and carefree spirit. Holi is a day purely dedicated to fun and celebration. Personally, I never relished the visits to temple as a child, but attending temple for Holi was a delightful exception, as throwing colors created immense joy.

Attending a Holi festival transcends mere color throwing and photo opportunities. It liberates you from the winter monotony and encourages interaction among family and friends, making it a remarkable occasion. The Holi celebrations I attended were always welcoming; my Hindu relatives, young and old, were thrilled to share the occasion with anyone eager to join the festivities.

If you’re curious about “What is Holi?”, it’s essential to understand that there isn’t one straightforward answer. Holi represents the culmination of winter and the welcoming of spring, symbolizing rebirth and fresh beginnings. It serves as a time to let go of negativity and embrace positivity.

What is Holi?

Holi is a Hindu festival that occurs every spring, celebrating new beginnings and the arrival of the spring season. This vibrant festival always takes place on Purnima, or the full moon day. It spans two days: the day before the full moon features Holika Dahan, a bonfire symbolizing purification and an opportunity to cast away negativity. The following day is entirely devoted to the festival of colors.

Why is Holi called the festival of colors?

The highlight of Holi is undoubtedly the color-filled celebrations. Unlike the Holika Dahan bonfire, which carries a religious significance, the day of the color festival is primarily about enjoyment within the community. Participants joyfully throw colors at each other in the streets and private gatherings, which symbolize various aspects of life. Blue represents Krishna, a Hindu god; green signifies rebirth; red symbolizes marriage; and yellow, often associated with turmeric, celebrates auspicious occasions.

What is the history of Holi?

The festival of Holi has ancient roots and has been celebrated for centuries. Initially, it was a ceremony conducted by married women to bestow prosperity and well-being on their families. Over time, however, the cultural significance has transformed. Today, a primary theme of Holi is the victory of good over evil, stemming from the tale of Hiranyakashipu, an immortal king who demanded worship. His son, Prahlad, idolized Vishnu, leading to the king’s demise at the hands of Lord Vishnu, thus representing good’s triumph.

Another popular narrative associated with Holi is the love story of Krishna and Radha. According to legend, Krishna’s skin turned blue after drinking poisoned milk as an infant. Concerned that Radha might not love him because of his complexion, he gained her affection by playfully applying color to her skin during Holi celebrations.

When is Holi?

Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna, aligning with late February to early March in the Gregorian calendar. The eve of Holi features Holika Dahan, which precedes the grand celebration on the day known as Purnima or Rangwali Holi. In 2024, Holi will be celebrated on March 24 and 25. Dates for subsequent years can be explored here.

Where is Holi Celebrated?

The Indian color festival is primarily observed in India, yet Holi festivities are enjoyed worldwide. Across various regions in India, celebrations adopt unique flavors. In West Bengal, for instance, singing and dancing play a significant role in the festivities, and Holi is celebrated a day earlier. In Rajasthan, the celebrations are notably inclusive of international guests, particularly since it’s home to popular tourist attractions like Jaipur and Pushkar. The Mathura district, tied to the childhood of Lord Krishna, is especially famous for its festivities, located approximately three hours from Delhi.

What are the best U.S. Holi celebrations?

Holi celebrations are rampant in the U.S., allowing anyone interested in joining the vibrant festivities to do so effortlessly. Spanish Fork, Utah, hosts a Holi celebration that attracts 70,000 attendees at the local Krishna temple, with similar events held nearby.

Houston also boasts massive Holi parties; the Houston Holi festival markets itself as the “biggest festival of colors in the U.S.,” featuring dancing, Indian street food vendors, concerts, and, of course, colors.

The east coast, particularly New Jersey, stands out as a Holi hotspot, thanks to its large Indian community. My visits to Holi parties at relatives’ homes in New Jersey have revealed a strong sense of unity. In Boston, the largest Holi celebration in New England takes place, orchestrated by a local nonprofit organization.

Lastly, Holi in the City is an annual feature in New York City, usually occurring on two consecutive weekends close to the official dates of Holi.