Joy, happiness, and a massive cloud of color fills the air every year during India‘s Holi celebration. The entire country busts out in a frenetic fervor, doused in a hearty splash of vibrant pigments. Purple, pink, blue, red, and green powders turn many cities and villages into a riotous rainbow.
What is Holi
Holi is a joyous festival welcoming spring’s arrival. The date Holi is celebrated usually falls in March, and changes each year based on the lunar cycle. Ancient poetry and plays dating back to the fourth century make mention of the gloriously vibrant festival. Hindu legend tells a tale of good defeating evil, and huge bonfires are lit to commemorate the triumph. Holi also remembers the love story of Radha and Krishna, a Hindu deity. Krishna playfully painted her face, and ever since loved ones have been tossing matching powders on one another.
How it is Celebrated
During the weeks leading up to Holi, colorful powder is piled up in silver bowls and huge sacks sold across the country, from Rajasthan‘s small towns to Mumbai‘s busy markets. When the day arrives, everyone wears white, providing a plain canvas to splatter an unimaginable amount of dyes upon. Children mix the powder with water, spraying wildly with water pistols. It’s nearly impossible to emerge from Holi without handfuls of color spread on your face and arms. Friends and family become unrecognizable after they have been completely covered in a very huge helping of bright hues. Young and old join in the merrymaking: everyone is laughing, singing, dancing, and tossing around the palette of powder. Bring an extra set of clothes: the Holi celebration is not the time to worry about the washing.
Meaning of the Colors
Each color represents deeply ingrained aspects of Indian culture. Blue symbolizes Krishna, while green mimic’s mother nature’s beauty. Yellow is associated with turmeric, the spice sprinkled into many of India’s delicious dishes. Red, a popular choice for brides, represents love and fertility.
Where to Go
India’s energy is magnetic and there’s a splash of color around every corner year-round. During Holi, this country is amped up with frivolity and vibrancy. Ker & Downey suggests a journey to Rajasthan’s beautiful Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur to get into the Holi spirit. A bonfire is lit on the grounds of Udaipur’s regal City Palace and a lively procession of music, traditional dancing, and brightly adorned camels and horses flood the streets. The evening ends with a lavish dinner at the royal abode and fireworks light up the sky. Many of this magical city’ s magnificent properties plan lively parties with DJs, food, and a whole lot of fun.
Experience India's Holi Celebration
Ker & Downey can arrange a stay at the elegant Taj Lake Palace, the Oberoi Hotel Udaivilas, or many of Udaipur’s other regal hotels where you can experience all the magic and masti (fun) of India’s Holi celebration. Contact the travel experts at Ker & Downey to plan your own custom journey to India.