The unique Indian powder throwing festival.

People throw colored powder during the Holi festival.

Held on the full moon day of the month of Phalgun according to the Hindu calendar, Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is one of the most important festivals in India as well as many countries with Hindu communities.

This year, the Holi festival will be celebrated on March 14th. Here are some things tourists should know if they are in India during this time.

Start early

The Holi festival begins the night before the main day with the Holika Dahan ritual – burning effigies to commemorate the demise of the demoness Holika. The following day, Rangwali Holi, is the most lively time as people throw colored powder at each other. Children eagerly practice throwing powder for days beforehand, while people shop for items in preparation for the festival. In the Braj region, Holi lasts 16 days.

A symbol of justice

Holi is named after Holika, a demoness in Hindu mythology, the sister of the demon king Hiranyakashyap. According to legend, the cruel king wanted to prevent his son, Prahlad, from worshipping the protective god Vishnu, but failed. He ordered Prahlad and Holika—who was believed to be immune to fire—to sit on a pyre. When the fire blazed, Holika was consumed, while Prahlad survived thanks to the protection of Vishnu. Holi thus became a symbol of the victory of righteousness. On the eve of the festival or after sunset, people gather together and light pyres.

The Holi festival in the twin towns of Barsana and Nandgaon, India.

Festival specialties

During this occasion, Indian families prepare gujiya – a type of sweet pastry filled with dried fruit and nuts, often flavored with cardamom. Popular fillings include pistachios, cashews, coconut, and raisins. Gujiya is an indispensable dish at Holika Dahan celebrations.

Celebrate with cannabis milk.

Some people drink bhang – a beverage made from milk mixed with the resin and leaves of the Himalayan cannabis plant. The drink, which has a history of over 3,000 years, is associated with the god Shiva and is legally sold at government -run bhang shops.

The meaning of throwing flour

According to legend, the god Krishna was once cursed by a demon, causing his skin to turn green. Fearing that his lover Radha would not accept him, his mother advised him to paint her face with color. From then on, the custom of throwing colored powder became a characteristic feature of Holi.

Inside the factory that supplies pigments for the Holi festival.

Each color carries a meaning.

Beyond creating a vibrant spectacle, the colors in Holi carry their own symbolic meanings. Red symbolizes love and marriage, while blue is associated with the god Krishna and new beginnings.

Secrets to protecting your skin

To prevent the powder from sticking for too long, festival-goers often moisturize their skin and hair thoroughly to minimize powder buildup. However, clothing is almost impossible to reuse after the festival.

Spreading throughout the world

Not limited to India, Holi is also celebrated in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and countries with large Hindu communities such as South Africa and Malaysia. In the UK and the US, numerous events, festivals, and concerts are held, giving people everywhere the opportunity to immerse themselves in the colorful atmosphere of the festival.

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Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/doc-dao-le-hoi-nem-bot-mau-an-do-407223.html