You've probably seen those striking images on social media. Crowds of people covered head to toe in vibrant colours, dancing in streets clouded with rainbow powder.
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.
Although that’s definitely a big part of the fun.
Why is Holi Celebrated? Your Guide to India's Festival of Colours
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But what is Holi and why is it celebrated?
How did it become such a beloved Indian tradition? And what’s with all the colours?
From its origins to its modern-day celebrations, let's dive into what makes Holi one of India's most cherished festivals.
What is the Festival of Colour?
In essence, Holi is the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
It’s one of the most joyful dates in the Hindu calendar and marks the arrival of spring. It brings people together in a riot of colour, music and dance.
But there’s more to it than just a massive paint fight. Holi is about renewal, reconciliation and spreading happiness.
The festival kicks off with Holika Dahan. This includes lighting bonfires to symbolise the burning away of negativity.
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Rangwali Holi comes the following day. This is the part everyone knows and loves.
When people take to the streets to throw coloured powders, dance and drench each other with water.
It’s chaotic, messy and heaps of fun.
The Origins of Holi Festival
Like many Indian festivals, Holi is rooted in fascinating mythology.
Two powerful stories shape the celebration. One about good triumphing over evil and another about unconditional love.
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A Story of Faith and Courage
Like many historic festivals, Holi originates from an old legend. Passed down through generations, it involves a demon king, a power struggle and a miraculous escape from evil.
Holi’s roots lie in the story of Prahlada and his father, King Hiranyakashipu.
Legend has it, the king had special powers, which made him almost invincible. But he became corrupted by this power and commanded everyone in the land to worship him.
But his son Prahlada rebelled against his father and remained loyal to Lord Vishnu.
Adobe Free Stock / Alexandra Lande - Statue of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi at the Ganga river bank in Rishkesh
Predictably, this enraged the king, who plotted to kill his own son. A bit harsh, I know, but that’s how the story goes.
The king enlisted the help of his sister, Holika, who had a magical immunity to fire - or so she thought.
Holika took Prahlada to a blazing fire and entered the fire with him. She expected Prahlada to burst into flames.
Instead, the flames consumed her and Prahlada emerged unscathed. Hence, the bonfires of Holika Dahan.
The Love Story That Brought Colour to the Festival
The second story that shaped the Holi Festival we know and love today comes from the playful tale of Krishna and Radha.
Symbolising the masculine and feminine, these gods are regarded as the perfect couple.
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Shorter than that of Prahlada's, their story involves significantly less fire and goes something like this.
Krishna had been in love with Radha since they were children. But he was worried that Radha didn’t feel the same.
Krishna’s mother grew tired of his desperation. She playfully suggested that he smear colour on Radha’s face. Or ask her to smear colour on his face, depending on which version you run with.
And so the tradition of throwing coloured powders was born.
Holi combines these two symbolic Hindu folk tales into one huge celebration that waves goodbye to darkness and welcomes the beginning of love.
The Significance of Colours
Image by atish lowanshi from Pixabay
When you're getting doused in colours during Holi, you're actually being showered with symbolism. Each colour carries its own significance.
- Red represents love and fertility.
- Yellow, derived from turmeric, symbolises health and prosperity.
- Blue recalls Krishna and represents divine protection.
- Green celebrates new beginnings and spring's arrival.
When is the Holi Festival?
This year, Holi falls on Friday 14th March, right at the beginning of spring.
And of course, that’s no accident. It’s a time when colours start to come through. Buds push through the earth and flowers begin to bloom.
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Save the date - things are going to get colourful and maybe a bit chaotic.
Top Tips for Celebrating Holi
Before you throw yourself into a colour fight, here’s how to do Holi the right way.
Wear old clothes and accept that you won't be going home in the same state you left in.
Adobe Free Stock / spyrakot
In fact, part of the fun is coming away with a once-white t-shirt now decorated with colours. Embrace the chaos and keep it as a souvenir.
- Protect your hair - Unless you fancy rocking a neon scalp for a week or two afterwards, a bit of coconut oil can save you from a colour disaster. Alternatively, you could wear a shower cap, but be prepared to look a bit of a wally.
- Enjoy the moment - Your phone will not thank you for taking it into a Holi battlefield unprotected. A waterproof pouch is likely to be your best friend.
- Respect traditions - It’s all about fun, but don’t forget the festival’s roots. Be mindful and join in respectfully.
Embrace The Spirit of Holi
Beyond the colours and chaos, Holi represents unity, forgiveness and new beginnings.
It's a time when social barriers dissolve and communities come together to celebrate and have fun.
No wonder it’s so popular.
Stay Connected on Your Holi Adventures
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Whether you're documenting the pre-dawn Holika Dahan or capturing the kaleidoscopic fun of the main day, the last thing you want to worry about is extortionate roaming charges.
That's where an eSIM from Airalo comes in handy. Choose the region you’re travelling to, install your eSIM and activate before your trip.
And there - you're ready to share your technicolour adventures with the world. Happy Holi!
