Looking Back: Happy Holi!

A few weeks ago, many Indians across the world celebrated the festival of Holi!

What is Holi?

Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated at the beginning of spring, the day after the full moon marked in the Hindu calendar. This year, Holi was on March 25th. This festival draws on the rich cultural backgrounds and traditions in India, known as the festival of colors, love, and spring.

What is the cultural context for Holi?

Holi celebrates the arrival of spring, as well as the fertility of the land, and the harvest. Holi is associated with multiple historic legends and religious deities. The festival celebrates the love of the Hindu deities Radha and Krishna, as well as the deity Vishnu. 

The celebration of Vishnu on Holi is linked to the legend of Prahlad, the son of King Hiranyakashipu—Prahlad refused to worship the King, his father, citing his devotion to Vishnu. The King ordered his sister to place Prahlad into a bonfire; however, Prahlad’s devotion to Vishnu protected him from the flames. Holi is also a celebration of Prahlad’s survival through Vishnu’s power.

How is Holi celebrated?

Holi is celebrated in different ways in different regions of South Asia, and across different South Asian diasporas around the world. Some regions in India light bonfires the night before the festival, celebrating the destruction of evil. Most Holi celebrations include the act of throwing colored powder into the air, coloring skin, hair, and clothes. Some celebrations include colored water, water balloons, and squirt guns! 

Where is Holi celebrated?

Holi is celebrated in parts of India, Nepal, and some surrounding South Asian nations. Although Holi is rooted in Hindu tradition, Holi is celebrated by those in other religious communities in India as well. South Asian immigrants have also brought aspects of South Asian tradition with them as parts of cultural diasporas, establishing Holi as a celebration in many other parts of the globe. Representations of Holi celebrations and festivals can also be seen in Bollywood movies!