Holi 2026 is just around the corner, and we know that you are all very excited to turn the streets into vibrant colours, play unlimited songs and dance till you can’t breathe, to celebrate the festival of colours to the fullest.
Have you heard about a guide to Holi festival? This may be new but you are surely going to love it because it is going to help you make the most of your Holi celebration with your friends, family, and loved ones.
Now you must be wondering why you even need a Guide to Holi festival, you are no longer a kid who is new to the festival. However, a little heads-up doesn’t hurt anybody, right?
Holi is the only time of the year when throwing colours on a random stranger is completely okay, but there are certain things to keep in mind that you don’t overdo it. Before we head to what we should and shouldn’t do during the Holi celebration, let’s check out why we celebrate Holi and what is the history of Holi festival.
Suggested Read: Top Holi Events In Gurgaon 2024
History And Significance Of Holi
The festival of colours is celebrated on the day of Phalguna, and today people play with artificial colours, however, during the 4th century, Holi was celebrated in a very different manner, as mentioned by Kalidasa, the great poet during the time. There are many legends associated with the celebration of Holi, some of which are:
We are no strangers to the fact that Krishna was of a dark complexion, and he was a lot self-conscious about his dark complexion. He asked his mother for advice, to which she suggested that can put a colour on Radha of his choice. Krishna playfully coloured Radha’s skin, making it look similar to his, and Radha fell for his charm. So it is believed that the festival of Holi is celebrated to commemorate their love for each other.As per the legends, after the death of Sati, Lord Shiva was deeply disturbed and found solace in deep meditation. The world started to suffer because Shiva was deep into meditation. Goddess Sati was reborn as Parvati to rouse Shiva to bring normalcy to the world. After Parvati’s attempt did not bore fruit, she asked Kamadeva for her help. Lord Kamadeva was a cupid of the time, in short, he was the deity of love and passion. Kamadeva shot his arrow of love into Shiva’s heart, which awakened but angered him enough to open his third eye. It was then and there that Shiva incinerated Kamadeva on the day of Phalguna. Thus the people on the South side of India started worshipping him for his sacrifice because even though he was incinerated, his arrow awakened Shiva and made him fall for Parvati, hence bringing normalcy to the world.
At some places, Holi is celebrated to rejoice the end of the Ogress Pootana, who was killed one night before Holi. The king of Mathura, Kansa, ordered Pootana to kill infant Krishna by feeding him poisonous milk, however Krishna sucked the life out of her and she died one day before the Holi. So in some places it is believed that Holi marks the end of the cold, dark winters, and welcomes spring.
Pootana was considered as winter and her end marks the heroic win of Lord Krishna over evil.
There are plenty of legends that go way back in time but the best part about all of it, is that these legends are responsible for introducing the world with such a cool festival that brings so much joy and happiness to every household and brings people together.
The Holi Celebration Guide is a must if you are new to the festival. This usually happens when you have been away from the country for a long time, or you live somewhere in South India, where the Holi celebration is not as grand as the ones in the North. The celebration of Holi is grand in some parts of the country which by the way you should definitely check out because it is going to be an experience worth having.
Guide To Holi Festival: When Is Holi Celebrated?
Every year Holi is celebrated on the day of Phalguna, marking the end of the cold winters, and welcoming Spring with its blooming flowers. Since nature begins to show its vibrant colours, the best way to get back at it is to colour the streets with vibrant colours. The timings of the Holi festival differ every year as it is in accordance with the Lunar Cycle, however, every year Holi falls in the month of February and March. The entire festival lasts for three days, after the Holika Dehen one night before the main Holi day.
The day begins by offering pooja, and then putting Gulaal(Red colour) on each other and greeting each other with Happy Holi.
Relatives exchange gifts and sweets on this day, however, the showstopper sweet Gujiya remains everyone’s favourite.
There is Gujiya, colours, rocking music, and bhaang to keep the merriment going throughout the three-day celebration.
Holi Celebrations In The Country
According to our Guide to Holi Festival, Holi celebrations in India are just wild, and there are people who plan trips especially to witness the Holi celebrations in different corners of the country. One very popular place to the wild Holi celebrations is Vrindavan, and Mathura which are considered the birthplace of Lord Krishna and one of the best places to celebrate Holi. You are in for some wild celebrations.
Some of the best Holi celebrations can be seen in Hampi, Udaipur, Jaipur, Shantiniketan, Barsana, Delhi, Banke Bihari, and plenty of other places to witness the crazy vibe of the festival of colours and festival of love, bringing people closer.
Ultimate Guide To Holi Festival: Do’s & Dont’s
Guide To Holi Festival: Do’s
According to our Holi festival guide, here are some things that you should ensure:
- According to our Holi festival guide, you should visit your relatives and friends and greet them with love.
- Do exchange Gujiyas with family and friends
- Oil your hair before playing with colors because, as per our guide to the Holi festival, if you don’t oil your hair before playing with colors, it may cause hair damage.
- Do oil your other body parts that you may think are going to be exposed to protect them from the harsh colours.
- Wear long sleeves and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Guide To Holi Festival: Don’ts
The Holi Safety Tips are here to help you with certain things. We know that you may get a little too excited because everyone is high on adrenaline and happiness. However, even if you are enjoying yourself too much, you have to ensure that you don’t overdo anything that may be disrespectful to others or land you in trouble.
- Don’t pull anyone’s hair.
- Don’t make anyone uncomfortable by maintaining too much physical touch; if they are uncomfortable, sense the tone and maintain your distance. As per our guide to Holi Festival, it will save you from a lot of trouble.
- Don’t drink too much bhaang or lassi because it may intoxicate you.
This Guide to Holi Festival helps you understand everything about this colorful festival—from its Holi festival historyand Holi festival traditions to the best places to celebrate Holi and Holi safety tips.
As Holi festival 2025 approaches, start planning your trip to India and experience the Holi festival in India like never before. Whether you celebrate at home or in one of the best Holi festival destinations, remember to spread joy, love, and happiness.
Happy Holi!
