The Festival of Colour!

The Holi (Festival of Colour) has become known as India’s most vivid and joyous celebrations.

Dating back to the 4th century CE, Holi marks the beginning of spring after a long winter. Traditionally, the celebration also included religious rituals for fertile land and productive crops for the new season. It is celebrated in March, corresponding to the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna. 

On the day of Holi, entire streets and towns turn red, green and yellow as people throw coloured powder into the air and splash them on others. Each colour carries a meaning. The love and fertility of red, green’s new beginnings, blur to represent the Hindu God Krishna and yellow, the colour of turmeric (a powder native to India).

Families all over the world celebrate Holi by coming together, enjoying a meal and sharing sweets as gifts.

How You Can Celebrate at Home

Throw a Holi party by inviting friends and relatives over. Ask them to wear bright colours, since it is a festival of colour. Play upbeat music. 

You could have an outdoor fire the night before if you really wanted to celebrate the Holi properly (obviously ask a parent for this!). 

Make the colours yourself! For yellow, blend turmeric with gram flour to make a dry powder. Green can be made with henna or mehendi powder. For magenta, soak beetroots in water overnight. Throw the colours in the air or at each other. It’s all about having fun with loved ones.