Holi, known by many as the festival of colours or the festival of love, is celebrated by millions of people around the world on the 7th and 8th of March every year.
This ancient Hindu festival is a celebration of the arrival of spring and is traditionally celebrated in India and Nepal, but has now become popular in many other countries worldwide. While Holi has religious roots, many people now celebrate it purely for the fun and joy of being caught in bursts of colour, celebrating with a lively crowd, and enjoying live music and food.
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National Geographic describes Holi as an “ancient tradition marks the end of winter and honours the triumph of good over evil. Celebrants light bonfires, throw colorful powder called gulal, eat sweets, and dance to traditional folk music.” Sounds a treat!
One of the most popular Holi celebrations takes place in the city of Mathura, India. The festivities here last for several days and include a procession of people dressed in traditional clothing, dancing and singing, and throwing coloured powder and water at each other.
Another famous Holi celebration takes place in the city of Vrindavan in India. Here, people celebrate with a traditional “lathmar” Holi, where women beat men with sticks as they try to drench them with coloured water.
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In the US, Holi is celebrated in many cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These celebrations often include music, dance, and of course, lots of coloured powder and water. Participants wear white clothing to better show off the vibrant colours of the powders flung at them.
In recent years, Holi has also become popular in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom. The city of London hosts a large-scale Holi festival each year, featuring music, food, and, of course, lots of colourful powders.
In Australia, the Holi festival is celebrated in several cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. These celebrations often include live music, dance performances, and delicious Indian food.
Here in South Africa, the Holi festival has taken on a unique flavour, with events often including traditional Indian music and dance, as well as local South African music and food.
Overall, the Holi festival is celebrated in many different ways around the world, but it is always a joyful and colourful celebration of spring (for those in the northern hemisphere), friendship, and community. Whether celebrated in India, locally or anywhere else, Holi festival is a reminder of the power of colour, music, dance, and celebration to bring people together in joy and unity.
Happy Holi!
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