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“Holi Hai!” the words themselves are enough to bring a smile to your face. This colourful festival, celebrated with colours and laughter is one of India’s favourite traditions. Holi celebration marks the beginning of spring and the victory of good over evil and love. This festival transcends all boundaries and brings people together to dance in colours, music and yummy food.

Rooted in Hindu mythology Holi is about the stories of Prahlad and Holika and the playful love of Radha and Krishna. From Holika Dahan to Dhuleti, Holi is a time for laughter, forgiveness and togetherness. Whether through colors, rituals or traditional songs Holi invites everyone to be joyous and share love with an open heart.

The Mythological Roots of Holi

Holi has its roots in some amazing stories of bravery, devotion and divine intervention.

Prahlad was a devotee of Lord Vishnu and refused to worship his father the demon king Hiranyakashipu who wanted to be worshipped as a god. Enraged by his son’s devotion Hiranyakashipu planned to kill him with the help of his sister Holika who was immune to fire. Holika sat on a pyre with Prahlad on her lap but her immunity failed her. Protected by his unwavering faith in Vishnu Prahlad emerged unscathed while Holika was burnt to ashes.

This is the basis of Holika Dahan where bonfires are lit on the eve of Holi to mark the victory of good over evil.

Another popular legend is about Lord Krishna and Radha. Krishna was known for his mischievous nature and once complained to his mother Yashoda that Radha’s complexion was fairer than his. Yashoda suggested he should colour Radha’s face so that she would look like him. This playful act is the basis of the colourful Holi celebrations.

The Celebrations of Holi and Dhuleti

Holi is traditionally a 2 day festival celebrated all over India but in the Brij region it is celebrated for 9 days. The first day is Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi where we light bonfires to destroy evil and protect good. Families and communities gather around the fire offer prayers and celebrate the victory of virtue.

The second day is Dhuleti or Rangwali Holi where people come out on the streets with coloured powders (Gulal), water balloons and water guns. Faces are painted, clothes are soaked and everyone's friends, family and strangers join in the fun.

Holi is also a time to indulge in some festive food. Gujiyas, Thandai and a variety of sweets and snacks make the festival even more delicious.

In many places in India Holi is accompanied by cultural events, musical nights and temple rituals, where fun meets devotion. Celebrate Holi to its fullest with our Mathura Vrindavan Tour Package because these are the two places where people from all over the world come together to experience the divinity of the festival.

Holi Traditions Across India

This festival is celebrated widely across the country and here is the list of top places you can visit to enjoy the best Holi celebrations.

• Mathura and Vrindavan: Mathura and Vrindavan are all about Lord Krishna. The celebrations here are all about devotion and tradition. Women playfully beat men with sticks in Lathmar Holi. Explore the Temples in Mathura and Vrindavan and participate in various events as well as celebrations with songs and dances for Radha and Krishna.
• Rajasthan: Rajasthan makes Holi royal with the grand celebrations. The state has street parades and folk performances. In Udaipur palaces have special Holi events with traditional music and dances. People come together to enjoy the festive spirit.
• Gujarat: Gujarat has its own pot-breaking tradition. Men form human pyramids to reach and break the pots filled with buttermilk. The festival is all about the mischievous spirit of Lord Krishna. People gather in public places to enjoy music and celebrate.
• West Bengal: In West Bengal Holi is called Dol Jatra and is celebrated with finesse. Idols of Radha and Krishna are placed on swings and worshipped. Devotees sing bhajans and apply colours to each other.
• Punjab: Punjab celebrates Hola Mohalla, a festival with Sikh flavour. People gather at Anandpur Sahib to show off their martial skills and bravery. There are poetry recitations and cultural performances.
• Goa: Holi in Goa merges with the Shigmo festival. The streets come alive with colourful parades and folk dances. People wear colourful costumes and celebrate with abandon.

Holi 2025: Dates, Timing, and Significance

Mark your calendars as the Holi celebration of 2025 is going to be huge!

Holika Dahan (Chhoti Holi):

• Date: 13th March 2025
• Muhurat: 6:57 PM to 10:22 PM

Holi (Dhuleti or Badi Holi):

• Date: 14th March 2025
• Muhurat for Holika Dahan: 11:26 PM (13th) to 12:27 AM (14th)

The representation of Holika Dahan is all about good winning over evil and Rangwali Holi (Dhuleti) is all about spreading happiness, love and colours.

As the Phalguna full moon rises in the sky, bonfires will be lit across India and the next day the streets will be painted with colours. Whether you are celebrating this festival in the city or in the lap of nature, Holi 2025 is going to be colourful and Unforgettable.

Dates of Holi in Brij Region (Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul)

• March 7, 2025 (Friday): Laddoo Festival in Barsana
• March 8, 2025 (Saturday): Stick Fight Holi in Barsana
• March 9, 2025 (Sunday): Stick Fight Holi in Nandgaon
• March 10, 2025 (Monday): Flower Holi in Vrindavan and Mathura
• March 11, 2025 (Tuesday): Gokul Holi
• March 12, 2025 (Wednesday): Holi for Widows at Gopinath Temple
• March 13, 2025 (Thursday): Holi Bonfire (Holika Dahan)
• March 14, 2025 (Friday): Rangwali Holi (Dhuleti)
• March 15, 2025 (Saturday): Huranga Holi at Dauji Temple

Traditional Holi Food and Drinks

Holi is a festival of flavours as much as it is of colours, with a whole bunch of traditional treats that make the celebrations even more delicious. No Holi is complete without Gujiya, the crescent-shaped sweet stuffed with khoya, nuts and sugar which is the face of the festival. Other treats include dahi bhalla, a refreshing lentil-based dish topped with yoghurt and tangy chutneys and Thandai, a chilled milk-based drink with spices, almonds and sometimes bhang (a cannabis preparation) which adds a fun twist to the celebrations.

Savoury options like Pakoras (fritters) and Mathri (flaky crackers) are accompanied by sweet treats so that the flavours are in balance. In some places, Puran Poli (a sweet flatbread) and Malpua (a syrup-soaked pancake) are the stars of the show. These traditional foods and drinks are not just dishes, they are the essence of Holi.

How to Celebrate Holi Safely

Holi is a festival of celebration but do take care to make it safe and enjoyable for everyone. Follow these tips and celebrate Holi with joy and safety.

Use Safe and Eco-Friendly Colours

The key to a safe Holi is using non-toxic, eco-friendly colours. Opt for natural colours made from flowers or plant-based ingredients as they are gentle on the skin and the environment. Avoid synthetic or metallic colors which can cause skin irritation and health issues.

Protect Your Skin and Hair

Before you play with colours apply coconut oil or moisturizer on your skin. This will create a barrier so colours don’t get absorbed into your skin and will be easier to wash off later. For hair use oil or serum to protect it from colour stains and damage. Always wash off colours immediately to avoid skin irritation.

Wear Protective Clothing

Wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from the colours. Old clothes are best, Holi colours are hard to remove. Cover as much skin as possible to reduce the risk of irritation.

Eye and Ear Safety

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from colour splashes. If colour goes into your eyes, rinse them immediately with water. You can also use cotton balls to protect your ears from irritation.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when you are out in the sun. Eat fresh and hygienic food and if you consume bhang do it in moderation.

Respect Consent

Always ask for permission before applying colours to others and respect those who don’t want to play.