{"id":876168,"date":"2024-03-21T12:19:32","date_gmt":"2024-03-21T11:19:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=876168"},"modified":"2025-05-01T15:56:19","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T14:56:19","slug":"what-is-holi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/what-is-holi\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Holi? Everything you need to know about India’s festival of colors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every spring, vibrant clouds of colored powder paint the streets of India<\/a> as millions celebrate what is known as Holi \u2013 the Festival of Colors. This joyous Hindu festival explodes with revelry, marking the triumph of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and new beginnings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Holi is much more than just throwing colorful powder. It’s a time for communities to come together and celebrate life. Let\u2019s look at everything you need to know about Holi, from its ancient stories and traditions to the reasons behind the vibrant colors and how this fun festival has spread its vibrant magic around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Holi and why is it celebrated?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is a vibrant Hindu celebration that marks the end of winter and welcomes spring. Celebrated on the last full moon day of the Hindu lunar calendar, Holi is a time for joyous revelry, symbolizing new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The festival draws inspiration from two key stories: the victory of the god Vishnu, in his Narasimha avatar, over the demon king Hiranyakashipu, and the playful love story of Krishna and Radha. Today, Holi celebrations are a chance for communities to strengthen bonds, let go of past grievances and embrace the hopeful spirit of spring with a riot of color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TAKE A TRIP:<\/em><\/strong> Captivating Kerala<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What are the stories behind Holi?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the main ideas behind Holi is the triumph of good over evil. Holi festivals intertwine two prominent Hindu narratives. The first recounts the legend of Hiranyakashipu, a demon king granted immunity from death by man or animal, day or night, inside or outside. Intoxicated by power, he demanded sole worship, even from his son Prahlada, a steadfast devotee of Vishnu, a Hindu deity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiranyakashipu was upset at his son\u2019s devotion to Vishnu and plotted his demise. However, Vishnu intervened, taking the form of Narasimha, a half-man, half-lion who killed Hiranyakashipu at mortal dusk. The bonfire lit on Holi eve (Holika Dahan) commemorates this victory of good over evil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second Holi story centers around Krishna, a playful Hindu god with blue skin, and Radha, his beloved. Krishna, self-conscious about his complexion, once expressed concern to his mother. She playfully suggested he color Radha’s face. This legend is said to be the origin of the playful throwing of colors during Holi, particularly prevalent in regions associated with Krishna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PLAN A TRIP: Best of India<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When is Holi celebrated?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"An<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Holi’s vibrant festivities aren’t fixed on a single date. Instead, it follows the Hindu lunar calendar, landing on the last full moon (Purnima) of the month Phalguna. This usually translates to late February or early March, but the exact date changes year to year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2024 the dates are March 24 and 25. The eve of the festival is called Holika Dahan, when puja and bonfires are held. Then the following day is Purnima or Rangwali Holi, when you can expect the vibrant color throwing, water guns, and dancing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re eager to witness the colorful chaos firsthand, keep an eye out for news about the upcoming ways to celebrate holi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED BLOG:<\/em><\/strong> 9 reasons why you’ll fall in love with the culture in India<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why do they throw colors at Holi?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During Holi, the throwing of colored powder, called “gulal,” symbolizes several things. It reflects the vibrant colors of spring and celebrates new beginnings. Traditionally colors came from Indian flowers and herbs, but now they are usually synthetic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The colors themselves hold meaning, and throwing colors is a playful way to break down social barriers, forget differences, and celebrate life’s joy together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n