Holi, the Hindu festival of celebrating the advent of spring, is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in India and among Indian communities around the world. Legends connected to the origin of Holi vary, and while some Hindu communities prefer one story over the other, the messages of goodness, renewal, and love are always the same.
Known for its vibrant color play, traditional music, festive foods, and an atmosphere of togetherness, Holi brings people together regardless of age, caste, or background.
Holi is celebrated according to the Hindu lunar calendar, falling on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Phalguna, which typically occurs in late February or March. This year, Holi was observed on March 14, 2025, but celebrations will be held in the days and weeks to come as the weather gets warmer across New Jersey.
The Colors of Holi and Their Symbolism
Holi is often called the Festival of Colors because of the bright powders, known as gulal, that are thrown into the air and onto participants. Each color holds a special significance:
- Red – Symbolizes love, passion, and fertility. It is also associated with marriage and auspiciousness in Indian culture.
- Yellow – Represents happiness, energy, and health. It is linked to turmeric, an important spice used in Indian traditions.
- Blue – Signifies divinity and is associated with Lord Krishna.
- Green – Represents new beginnings, harvest, and harmony, as Holi marks the arrival of spring.
- Pink, Purple, and Orange – Stand for joy, enthusiasm, and optimism, embodying the festive spirit of Holi.
Throwing these colors is a way to break barriers and celebrate human connections in a joyous and equalizing manner.
How Holi is Celebrated
Holi is typically celebrated over two days:
- Holika Dahan (The Bonfire Night)The night before Holi, people gather around bonfires to perform rituals, sing devotional songs, and burn effigies representing Holika, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. This fire-cleansing ritual is believed to remove negativity and bring prosperity.
- Rangwali Holi (The Color Celebration)The second day is the most famous part of Holi, where people take to the streets and open spaces to play with dry and wet colors. Water guns (pichkaris), balloons filled with colored water, and clouds of powdered gulal create an atmosphere of laughter and fun. The tradition of applying colors to one another is a way to express joy and equality, breaking societal norms and embracing unity.
Traditional Holi Festivities
Beyond the color play, Holi is a festival rich in music, dance, and culinary traditions.
- Music and Dance: Folk and Bollywood songs celebrating Holi are played, and people break into spontaneous dance. In some regions, special performances, such as the Lathmar Holi in Barsana, where women playfully chase men with sticks, are held.
- Food and Sweets: Holi is also a festival of feasting. Traditional sweets like gujiyas (fried dumplings filled with khoya and dry fruits), malpua (sweet pancakes), and dahi vada (lentil dumplings in yogurt) are enjoyed. The popular festive drink thandai, made with milk, nuts, and spices, adds to the celebratory spirit.
The Social and Cultural Impact of Holi
Holi is not just about colors and fun; it carries deep cultural and social significance:
- Bridging Social Gaps: Holi breaks down social barriers, as people of all backgrounds, regardless of caste, religion, or social status, come together to celebrate.
- Renewing Relationships: The festival encourages forgiveness and new beginnings, making it a time to mend broken relationships and let go of past grievances.
- Celebrating Spring and Agriculture: Since Holi marks the arrival of spring, it is also an agricultural festival that celebrates the harvest season.
Holi Around the World
While Holi is primarily an Indian festival, its spirit has spread globally. Major Holi celebrations take place in countries with significant Indian diaspora communities, such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the Caribbean. Events in these countries blend traditional customs with modern music, creating a cultural fusion that introduces Holi to a wider audience.
Celebrations You Can Plug Into
Here’s a sampling of events planned in the area:
March 22 | Rang Barse – 401 Riverview Drive, Perth Amboy (12 PM – 5 PM)-
March 22 | Holi Hai – Akbar Restaurant, Edison (12 PM – 5 PM)
March 29 | Rang Barse Holi Open Air Patio at Brown Stone Bar & Grill, Metuchen (11 am- 5 pm)
April 12 | New Brunswick Public library & the Rutgers Indian Graduate Student Association (1PM to 3 PM)
April 27 | Open Air Holi – Akbar Restaurant, Edison (11:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
If you’ve never experienced Holi before, this is the perfect year to join in! Find a Holi celebration near you, immerse yourself in the vibrant hues, enjoy the festive music and dance, and savor the delicious traditional treats. It’s an unforgettable way to welcome spring, embrace joy, and be part of a tradition that has been bringing people together for centuries.
Debjani Banerjee is a theatre practitioner and a non-profit professional. She uses theater professionally to address issues of gender equity, abortion rights, and women’s empowerment. She is also part of the executive committee of Kolkata Foundation, a Princeton based non-profit working on women’s empowerment, public health, and education. Debjani is also past President and current ex-officio of Indian Cultural Society, a community non-profit based out of central NJ.