Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, is one of the most joyful and colourful celebrations in the world. The festival marks the victory of good over evil, and the arrival of spring.
While Holi originated in India, it has now spread to many parts of the world, with people of all cultures and backgrounds joining in the colourful festivities.
In Nepal, Holi is known as “Phagu Purnima” or the “Festival of Colors.” It's celebrated for a week with each day dedicated to different aspects of the festival. The main day involves smearing each other with colors, dancing to traditional music, and enjoying festive foods.
Known as “Pongal” among the Tamil community, Holi in Sri Lanka is marked by making sweet rice dishes, decorating houses with rangolis, and lighting lamps. People gather to smear each other with colored powders and water.
Celebrated as “Phagwa,” Holi in Trinidad and Tobago includes music, dance, throwing of colored powders, and making traditional sweets and snacks.
Holi has gained popularity in cities like New York and Los Angeles among the South Asian population. Celebrations involve music, dance, throwing of colored powders, and sometimes Holi-themed parades and cultural festivals.
The Indian diaspora in the UK celebrates Holi with colored powders, traditional music, and dance performances. There's a trend towards eco-friendly celebrations using natural dyes.
Holi has become popular in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Celebrations feature music, dance, and throwing of colored powders, often accompanied by parades and cultural festivals.
Celebrated by the Indian community, Holi in South Africa includes throwing of colored powders and water, traditional music, bonfires, and burning of Holika effigies.
Holi is celebrated by the Indian diaspora with parades, cultural festivals, and community events featuring colored powders, music, and dance performances.
Known as “Phagwah,” Holi in Mauritius is celebrated by the Hindu community with colored powders, traditional music, dance performances, and festive foods including the popular drink “bhang.”
Celebrated by the Indian community, Holi in Singapore includes throwing of colored powders and water, traditional music, dance performances, and eco-friendly celebrations.
Holi is celebrated by the Indian expat community in Dubai with events, parties, colored powders, traditional music, dance performances, and festive foods.
Holi marks the arrival of spring, symbolizing new beginnings and growth.
It celebrates the victory of good over evil, teaching the importance of righteousness and faith.
Holi is a time for forgiveness and letting go of grudges, promoting positivity and love.
It brings people together, breaking barriers and fostering unity and brotherhood.
Holi is an integral part of India’s rich cultural heritage, celebrating diversity and traditions.