Celebrate Holi

The Holi festival commemorates the victory of good over evil, particularly the burning and destruction of a demoness named Holika. This was made possible with the help of Hindu god of preservation, Lord Vishnu. Holi got its name as the "Festival of Colors" from the childhood antics of Lord Krishna, a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, who liked to play pranks on the village girls by drenching them in water and colors. In parts of India, Holi is also celebrated as a spring festival, to provide thanksgiving for an abundant harvest season.

When is Holi Celebrated?

The day after the full moon in March each year. In 2020, Holi will fall on March 10, with Holika Dahan on March 9. The festival takes place a day earlier in West Bengal and Odisha. In addition, in some parts of India (such as Mathura and Vrindavan) festivities commence a week or so earlier.

Traditional Holi celebrations are the biggest at Mathura and Vrindavan, about four hours from Delhi, where Lord Krishna is believed to have grown up. However, safety issues are a concern for women there, due to the rowdy behavior of many local men. So, it's best to travel as part of a guided group tour. Holi celebrations happen in most areas of India. However, Holi is more exuberant in some places than others. Rajasthan is a popular Holi destination for foreign tourists, particularly places such as Pushkar and Jaipur. Many backpacker hostels organize Holi parties for guests there. Rajasthan Tourism also holds a special Holi festival in Jaipur.