Holi, the vibrant Hindu festival of colours, love, and spring, is steeped in mythology, from the playful romance of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha to Lord Narasimha’s triumph over evil. This festival also signifies the transition from winter to spring in India, symbolising renewal, love, and the hope for a prosperous harvest. Celebrated over a night and a day, it begins on the evening of the Purnima (full moon) in the Hindu month of Phalguna, typically mid-March in the Gregorian calendar.
The festivities begin on the evening before Holi with Chhoti Holi/Holika Dahan, which is observed on March 13. People gather to light a bonfire symbolising the victory of good over evil, placing an effigy of Holika atop the pyre. After sunset, religious rituals are performed before the fire is ignited, marking the start of the joyous celebrations.
A jar of barley seeds is placed beneath the fire, and once the pyre burns out, people consume the seeds, using their condition to predict the future harvest. The fire symbolises the destruction of negativity and evil habits, celebrating the triumph of good, much like Lord Vishnu’s victory as Narasimha over the demon king Hiranyakashipu in ancient India. Holika Dahan should ideally be performed at the auspicious time of Pradosh Kaal, and a special puja is conducted to protect children from evil influences.
Rangwali Holi/Phagwa, is a day of joy and togetherness, where people set aside differences and celebrate with laughter, love, and a riot of colours on March 14. Friends and family smear each other with gulaal, throw water, feast on gujiyas, and dance to the energetic beats of dholaks. Social barriers like caste, gender, and status dissolve in the festive spirit. The excitement builds weeks in advance as people eagerly gather colours, water guns, balloons, and treats, gearing up for the ultimate celebration of unity and fun.
Holika Dahan is a significant Hindu ritual symbolising the triumph of good over evil. According to legend, young Prahlad was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, much to the displeasure of his father, the tyrant king Hiranyakashipu, who demanded sole worship. Furious, the king conspired with his sister, Holika, who possessed a magical fire-resistant cloak, to kill Prahlad. She tricked him into sitting with her in the flames, but divine intervention saved Prahlad while Holika was reduced to ashes. Later that night, Lord Vishnu vanquished Hiranyakashipu, marking the ultimate victory of righteousness over arrogance and oppression. Holika Dahan continues to be celebrated as a reminder of faith, devotion, and the power of good prevailing over evil.
Holi is also linked to the divine love between Lord Krishna and Radha. According to legend, Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, was enamoured with Radha but felt self-conscious about his dark blue skin compared to her fair complexion. When he expressed his concern to his mother, she playfully suggested he colour Radha’s face to make them equal. Taking her advice, Krishna smeared colours on Radha and her friends, sparking a joyful tradition. This playful act is believed to have inspired the vibrant colour-throwing festivities of Holi, reflecting Krishna’s fun-loving nature.
Another mythological tale linked to Holi involves Kamadeva, the god of love and desire. According to Hindu mythology, Kamadeva disrupted Lord Shiva’s deep meditation to restore cosmic balance but faced Shiva’s wrath and was reduced to ashes. However, moved by Kamadeva’s love and devotion, Shiva later revived him in a formless, spiritual state. Holi is thus also celebrated as a tribute to Kamadeva’s sacrifice and the renewal of love and passion. In southern India, devotees honour Kamadeva on Holi, recognising his selfless act and its significance.
Delicious treats and festive drinks, especially sweets and thandai, are essential to Holi celebrations. Popular sweets like gujiya and rasgullas take centre stage, while savoury delights such as gol gappe (puchkas), dal kachori, kanji vada, chhole bhature, and papri chaat fill food stalls. After a day of playful colour splashes, people wash off the hues, dress up, and visit friends and family, following the tradition of seeking blessings from elders by touching their feet.
Though Holi is a time of fun and freedom, certain precautions ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration. Opt for organic, herbal gulaal instead of chemical-laden dyes that stain and harm the skin. Before heading out, applying oil to the hair and moisturiser to the skin helps prevent color from sticking and causing damage. A key rule of Holi is to respect consent—never force anyone to join in or apply colours if they’re unwilling. Celebration should be joyful, not uncomfortable or unsafe for others. Another important guideline is moderation with bhang-infused thandai. While it’s a festive tradition in many regions, over indulging can turn the fun into a nuisance for those around you.
