Celebrate the spring festival of Holi with joy and colour

14 March marks this year’s Holi celebrations for the Hindu community, commemorating the festival of colours and the return of spring.

What is Holi?

Holi, also known as the festival of colours, is a public holiday celebrated by Hindu communities in India and other South Asian countries around the world. While there are religious aspects to Holi, for most it’s a fun celebration with singing, dancing and throwing colourful paint powder.

Taking place over two days, this festival begins on the evening of Holika Dahan (13 March 2025) and through to the second day of the festival, Rangwali Holi (14 March 2025).

As Holi is observed from the Hindu lunar calendar, also known as Panchanga, the exact dates change each year to be in line with the end of Phalguna (the twelfth month of the year).

The history of Holi festival

Holi traditions vary throughout the country and have their roots in Indian mythology.

In many places the festival is associated with the legend of Hiranyakashipu, a demon king in ancient India. Hiranyakashipu enlisted the help of his sister, Holika, to kill his son, Prahlada, a devoted worshipper of Vishnu. In an attempt to burn Prahlada, Holika sat with him on a pyre (a pile of material to be burned) while wearing a cloak that protected her from the fire. But the cloak protected Prahlada instead, and Holika burned. Later that night Vishnu succeeded in killing Hiranyakashipu, and the story signals the triumph of good over evil. In many places in India, a large pyre is lit on the night before Holi to celebrate this occasion.

Over time, Holi evolved into a joyous festival that allows people to come together and strengthen social bonds, making it one of the most vibrant and unifying celebrations in India.

How is Holi celebrated?

The first night of Holi, Holika Dahan (13 March 2025) is celebrated with a bonfire that symbolises the victory of good over evil, as depicted in the legend above. It’s also an opportunity to share sacrificial offerings like wheat grains, mustard seeds and sweets to show appreciation for nature’s abundance and blessings.

The second day of Holi is Rangwali Holi (14 March 2025) and the most prominent day of the holiday. This is the day where colours are thrown, bringing the festival to life.

While the colourful displays are unanimous with Holi, different regions in India add their own flair to the celebrations.

‘Holi with flowers’ takes place in the city of Vrindavan. This celebration replaces the paint powders with marigolds, roses, and jasmine petals.

There are also places that take on a quieter approach to commemorating the festival of colours. Focusing on art and expression, the neighbourhood of Shantiniketan celebrate Basanta Utsav (Spring Festival) with art, culture, and nature. Students and teachers wear yellow (symbolising the colours of spring) and perform Tagore’s songs and dances.

 

We wish all students, staff and alumni celebrating the return of spring a very happy Holi that’s full of colour!