Holi: Explaining the Festival of Colors

Recognizable for its signature bright-colored powders that coat celebrants head-to-toe, the annual Hindu festival of Holi is perhaps the most colorful day of the year. Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is celebrated in North India and around the world. The festival marks the start of spring, and it takes place on the full-moon day of the Hindu calendar month Phalguna, often falling in February or March. One account of Holi’s origins lies in the ancient Hindu legend of the demon king Hiranyakashipu. ​​Hiranyakashipu enlisted the help of his sister, Holika, to kill his son, Prahlada, who worshipped Vishnu instead of the king. Holika, who was immune to fire, attempted to burn Prahlada on a pyre. However, Holika’s immunity was transferred to Prahlada because of his devotion to Vishnu, and Holika burned instead. Vishnu later killed the king, confirming the triumph of good over evil. In many places, a large bonfire is lit the night before Holi, called Holika Dahan or Choti Holi, to celebrate Vishnu’s victory. Holi festivities are documented in poems dating back to the 4th century. Today, celebrations consist of large gatherings where people throw colored water and powders, called gulal, on each other. Gulal was traditionally made from flowers and herbs, though today many colors are synthetically produced. During Holi celebrations, societal rankings—including caste, gender, and age—are disregarded, and everyone is fair game to be splashed. The ritual of throwing colors is said to stem from the legendary love story of Krishna and Radha. Krishna, a Hindu deity and manifestation of Vishnu, fell in love with the milkmaid Radha. Krishna was embarrassed that his skin was dark blue and Radha’s was fair, so he playfully colored her face during a game with her. On Holi, after cleaning off the colored powder, families and friends often gather in the evenings for a festive meal. The day, while marking the start of spring, also serves as a reminder that good conquers evil, a moment of reprieve from societal norms, and a reflection on an ancient love story.