Holi 2023: Ultimate guide to celebrating Holi in India: Traditions, customs, and festivities

Holi is one of the most vibrant and colourful festivals celebrated in India. The festival is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. The festival is also known as the Festival of Colours and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour across the country. In this ultimate guide, we will take a closer look at the traditions, customs, and festivities associated with Holi.

Holi has its roots in Hindu mythology and is associated with the legend of Prahlad and Holika. Prahlad was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, while his father, Hiranyakashipu, was a demon who did not believe in the gods. Hiranyakashipu was enraged by his son's devotion to Vishnu and tried several times to kill him. However, each time he was saved by Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu then enlisted the help of his sister, Holika, who had a boon that made her immune to fire. She tried to kill Prahlad by taking him into a fire, but the boon failed and she was burned to death, while Prahlad emerged unscathed. The festival of Holi celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the victory of Prahlad over his evil father.

Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which falls in February or March according to the Gregorian calendar. The festival is celebrated over two days, with the first day, known as Holika Dahan, being celebrated the night before the main day of Holi. On Holika Dahan, people light bonfires to symbolise the burning of Holika and the victory of good over evil.

The main day of Holi is celebrated by smearing coloured powder and water on each other, known as gulal and pichkari. People also exchange sweets and delicacies, such as gujiya and mathri. The festival is also associated with bhang, a cannabis-based drink that is consumed during Holi.

Holi is a festival of fun and frolic, but it also has some important traditions and customs. One of the most important customs is the playing of colours, where people smear coloured powder and water on each other. The colours are a symbol of the vibrant and colourful spring season and also represent the diversity and unity of India.

Another important tradition is the exchange of sweets and delicacies. People visit their friends and family and exchange sweets and other delicacies, such as gujiya and mathri. Bhang is also an important tradition during Holi and is consumed by many people as part of the festivities.

While Holi is a festival of fun and frolic, it is important to take some safety precautions to avoid any mishaps. Some of the precautions that you can take include:

Wear old clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.

Use natural colours instead of synthetic ones that can cause skin irritation.

Apply oil to your hair and skin before playing with colours to prevent them from sticking to your skin.

Stay away from crowded areas if you have any respiratory issues, as the coloured powder can cause breathing difficulties.

In conclusion, Holi is a colourful and vibrant festival that celebrates the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. The festival is celebrated across India with great enthusiasm and fervour and is a time to come together with friends and family. By following some simple safety precautions, you can ensure that you have a fun and safe Holi.