Everything to Know About Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors

The Festival of Colors is here!

Marking the beginning of spring after a long winter and signifying the triumph of good over evil, Holi is a festival celebrated annually around the end of February or early March in correspondence with the Hindu calendar's month of Phalguna.

Though originating in India — and celebrated across its subcontinents for centuries (with literary documentation dating back to the fourth century) — Holi festivities take place in a variety of countries all over the world.

Predominantly celebrated in South Asia, Holi is recognized as the country's most vivid and joyous festival. Typically spanning two days, the eve of the Hindu holiday is when traditions commence, but the actual day of Holi is the most anticipated due to the fun that ensues.

Bonfires and the throwing of bright colors are significant in celebration, in addition to the relaxation of Hindu social codes.

Read on to learn more about Holi, when it's taking place and how it's celebrated around the world.

When is Holi in 2024?

Holi is annually celebrated during February or March, depending on its correspondence with the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna. Holi takes place on March 25, 2024, but the duration varies based on festivities in different countries.

What is the origin of Holi?

Due to several legends, various Holi origin stories exist. One of the most popular chronicles is the tale of Hiranyakashipu and his son, Prahlada, who was ultimately victorious over his father, per BBC.

According to the legend, Hiranyakashipu was a king with invincible powers who demanded everyone in the kingdom worship him — and if they didn't, he would punish or kill them. Betraying his father, Prahlada chose to worship the Hindu deity Vishnu, the god of preservation, instead.

This did not sit well with the king, who then asked his sister, Holika (the name from which Holi derives), to help kill Prahlada. While wearing a fireproof cloak, Holika attempted to trick Prahlada by taking him into a fire, but since she sought to use her garment for evil, it flew off of her and onto Prahlada.

Prahlada was saved, and Vishnu defeated Hiranyakashipu. Bonfires are lit on Holi in celebration of the victorious feat.

What festivities take place during Holi?

On the eve of Holi, song and dance take place around a bonfire called Holika to signify the burning of evil spirits. Various items are often thrown into the flames, including wood, dry leaves, twigs — and even roasting grains, popcorn, coconuts and chickpeas.

The actual holiday is a time to let loose and celebrate life. Family and friends gather to playfully throw colorful paint and bright powders at each other and into the air, fully immersing themselves from head to toe in color. Additionally, a troupe plays a traditional wooden drum called a dhol while dancing amid the colors.

Each color carries a different meaning during Holi. 

According to TIME, "Red symbolizes love and fertility; yellow is the color of turmeric, a powder native to India and used as a natural remedy; blue represents the Hindu God Krishna; and green is for new beginnings."

A feast usually follows, with traditional foods like gujiya (a deep-fried sweet with dried fruit), dahi bhalla (a yogurt dish garnished with savory chutney) and lassi (a chilled, refreshing yogurt drink), to name a few.

How is Holi celebrated in the United States?

Per Times of India, "the world's biggest Holi" celebration was hosted in Spanish Fork, Utah, in March 2017. However, the festivity didn't solely carry religious significance — it was also a spiritual celebration.

In 2016, the event drew in 35,000 and 40,000 people over two days as attendees gathered to throw color in front of the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple. Las Vegas also holds a large Festival of Colors with DJs, yoga, live music, traditional foods and tons of color-throwing.

While Utah boasts the biggest, festivities are organized at temples and on college campuses, spanning from the east to west coast throughout America.

How is Holi celebrated throughout the world?

Though its origins trace back to South Asia, Holi has become popular worldwide — and is now celebrated globally, including in the U.S. and U.K.

Australia holds many Holi celebrations throughout the country due to its large Indian diaspora presence, particularly in Melbourne (via State Government of Victoria). The city hosts the annual festival where participants gather dressed in white to participate in the color craze. The festival in Australia also serves as an opportunity for Australians to deepen their understanding of the Hindu religion.

Bangladesh also celebrates Holi. While Islam is the most influential religion, per WorldAtlas, Hindus still celebrate their holidays with pride — and for Holi, in particular, the community gathers in temples to exchange greetings and enjoy colors.

With its vast Indian presence, Canada is another big celebrator of the holiday — and while festivities happen every year, 2017 was a significant Holi year because it was the first time members of the parliament joined in the celebration, according to the Society for the Confluence of Festivals in India.

South Africa takes pride in keeping the tradition alive due to Hindus comprising about 65% of those living in the area, as SCFI noted, in addition to its abundant immigrant Indian community.