The Most Colorful Party in the World
If you happen to find yourself in India, Sri Lanka or Nepal during the last lunar cycle of the winter called Phalguna (usually between February to March), you just might get caught in a rainbow battlefield. Every imaginable type of brightly colored dye and ink is thrown in an all-out war in the form of powder, dye or water balloons. Don’t wear any clothes you care about! It gets massively crowded and women are urged to use extra caution in the wild streets. It’s a very photogenic scene but be warned: I lost a camera to a paint-filled water balloon on the streets of Delhi.
Holi’s religious roots come from a Sanskrit manuscript from the 7th century. Krishna was believed to have been unhappy with the color of his dark skin compared to Radhu’s fair complexion, so his mother evened out the balance by putting beautiful colors on Radhu’s face. This festival helps locals say goodbye to winter and welcome Spring, the season of love. It is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and happy travelers alike.
The major cities in India, the Rajastan region and the city of Varanasi, are famous for having the wildest and most photogenic celebrations. Each town’s celebration can vary in lengths of up to 16 days. Fly into Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM). It might be possible to find a party at home as most large Indian communities celebrate.
Video: Experience Holi in New Delhi►
Holi’s religious roots come from a Sanskrit manuscript from the 7th century. Krishna was believed to have been unhappy with the color of his dark skin compared to Radhu’s fair complexion, so his mother evened out the balance by putting beautiful colors on Radhu’s face. This festival helps locals say goodbye to winter and welcome Spring, the season of love. It is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and happy travelers alike.
The major cities in India, the Rajastan region and the city of Varanasi, are famous for having the wildest and most photogenic celebrations. Each town’s celebration can vary in lengths of up to 16 days. Fly into Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM). It might be possible to find a party at home as most large Indian communities celebrate.
Video: Experience Holi in New Delhi►
- Airport Codes: DEL and BOM
- Country Profile (Wikipedia)
- Dangers: Crowds and Toxic Dyes
- Info (Wikipedia)
- Language: Hindu
- Weather: Moderate to Hot
- Weather Link
Holi Dates
- Holi 2012 - 8th March
- Holi 2013 - 27th March
- Holi 2014 - 17th March
- Holi 2015 - 06th March
- Holi 2016 - 23th March
| Month | March |
| Categories | Asia, Cultural Events, Religious Celebrations, Weird & Quirky |
| Adult Price | Free |
| Website | http://www.holifestival.org |
| http://www.facebook.com/holifestivalindia | |
| Dates | Each March |