Are you visiting India this spring, and want to see a lot of color? If you’re lucky, you’ll be there for the Holi Festival. Find out all you need to know about this famous event!
Also known as the « festival of colors », Phalgunotsava, or Holika, the Holi festival is celebrated throughout India over 2 days in the month of Phalgun, on the full moon.
Dates vary according to theequinox, which occurs either in February or March according to the Hindu calendar.
The Holi festival is an opportunity for Indians of all castes to take to the streets for a convivial, colorful time. Intensely celebrated in Orissa and Mathura, Holi can also be celebrated in major cities such as New Delhi, Siliguri, Calcutta, Guwahati and Allahabad. Extremely popular in India, the festival’s festive spirit has, over time, won it over many of the world’s metropolises. In France in particular, the Holi Run has attracted thousands of followers.
Would you like to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Holi festival and fill up on good memories full of authenticity? Follow the guide!
History of the Holi festival
The festival of Holi dates back to several centuries BC. Once a special rite performed by married women for the happiness and well-being of their families, it was also the last opportunity for fun before the difficult period of planting.
Over time, its meaning has evolved considerably, and varies from region to region. In northern India, it is mainly dedicated to Krishna, notably in the regions of Orissa and Mathura. In the south, it is dedicated to Kâma.
The legend of Holi
Holi, derived from the word Holika, literally means « to burn ». According to the most widespread legend, the word derives from the name of the sister of the demon-king Hiranyakashipu. The latter had a visceral hatred of the god Vishnu, who had killed her brother to protect the gods and goddesses from his persecution.
Determined to get rid of Vishnu and enslave gods and devotees, he was finally confronted with the fact that his son – Prahlad – worshipped his long-standing enemy. He repeatedly tried to have his own son killed, but Prahlad enjoyed Vishnu’s protection.
As a last resort, he called on his sister Holika. With a shawl to protect her from the flames, she sat down in a brazier with her nephew on her lap. But once again, Vishnu protected Prahlad with his breath, which transposed the veil over the boy and saved him from burning. Holika, on the other hand, perished in the fire.
Origin of the festival of colors
The throwing of pigmented powders is said to be linked to the god Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism.
In his youth, Krishna had a complex about the bluish tint of his skin, and was jealous of Radha’s fair complexion. As he complained to his mother, she came up with the idea of putting colored powder on Radha’s face. In a playful mood, Krishna followed this advice, which did not displease Radha.
He also played this little game with the gopîs – cowherds – by throwing powder and water at them. These cowherds, with whom he used to spend time, also took pleasure in this.
And so the custom of throwing gunpowder on Holi was born.
How does the Holi festival work?
The Holi festival takes place over two days:
DAY 1: Holika Dahan
This is the name given to the first day of the festival. Holi begins with a bonfire in honor of the cremation of the demon Holika, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Preparations for this ceremony begin some 40 days beforehand, and involve gathering wood and other combustible materials in a specific location. On D-Day, Holika’s effigy made of combustible material and Prahlad’s effigy made of non-combustible material are added to the pile of wood.
The pile of wood is then burned while the people recite mantras from the Rig-Veda to ward off evil spirits. The remaining ashes, considered sacred, are collected the following day. Locals smear it all over their bodies to purify themselves.
DAY 2:Rangapanchami
This is the most important moment of the festival. A day of peace and sharing, resentment and negativity are put aside and best wishes are exchanged. In an atmosphere of joy and good humor, participants dressed in white throw colored water and pigments called « gulal » at each other.
Young and old of all castes dance to the rhythm of the dholak and sing Holi songs. In some regions, boys sometimes form a human pyramid so that one of them can break a buttermilk jar hanging high in the street.
In the midst of this happy bustle, when a craving arises, it’s customary to enjoy typical snacks: gujiya, mathri, malpua and many other delicious specialties. Some locals sprinkle on the famous Bhang, a drink made from milk and hemp. Bhang is said to intensify the festive spirit. But be warned: while its taste is said to be pleasant, Bhang can cause hallucinations and paranoia!
After a day of feasting and throwing buckets of colored water and other pigments at each other, the evenings are usually reserved for hugging and handing out sweets until late at night.
Good to know
– Every time someone touches another person, smearing their face or whatever, they have to say « Bura na mano, Holî hai », which in Hindi means « Don’t be angry, it’s Holi ».
– Each color is not thrown at random:
- Red = joy and love
- Blue = vitality
- Green = harmony
- Orange = optimism
How to get to the Holi Festival
You’ve decided to take part in the Holi Festival and want to stay in a well-connected city? Opt for New Delhi, the country’s capital! As a tourist city, it’s easy to get around.
From France
Several airlines, such as Air India and Jet Airways, offer direct flights from Paris CDG to Indira Gandhi airport.
However, it is possible to find lower fares on flights with stopovers, from Paris and other French cities.
Don’t hesitate to use the Ulysses flight comparator to find the best prices for your dates.
On site
Once there, you can reach the city center:
- In Metro
In New Delhi, the metro is the fastest and most efficient way to get around. It serves many districts and strategic points, starting with the Indira-Ghandi airport.
The orange line connects the airport with the city center in less than 25 minutes.
Tickets can be purchased from the ticket machines in Terminal 3 and outside Terminal 1. Tickets cost around Rs. 60 ( €0.76).
- By Bus
Comfortable, air-conditioned buses provide regular service (every 30 minutes) to the city center, including Connaught Place and the interstate bus station. Tickets cost less than €1.
To reach these buses, a shuttle service departs from Terminal 3 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Every 15 minutes, a shuttle bus will take you to the bus stop opposite the Centaur Hotel. You’ll then have easy access to the city center.
But beware: buses are often overcrowded and not the easiest way to get around if you’re visiting the city for the first time.
- By cab
If you don’t want to take public transport, cabs are a great way to get to the center of New-Delhi.
The Indira-Gandhi airport has links with several cab companies, so it’s easy to find a taxi at the exit of each terminal.
How to prepare for the Holi Festival?
To make your Holi festival unforgettable and avoid it turning into a nightmare, here are a few tips on how to make it the best it can be.
- Choose your venue carefully
A time of fun and conviviality, the Holi festival can also give way to all kinds of excesses, particularly alcohol and other substances. The general atmosphere varies from region to region, so it’s important to choose the one that suits you best. Ask your travel agent or a local guide.
- Protect yourself from toxic pigments
It may seem paradoxical, but in the midst of this battle of colors, you have to try to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. While some pigments are made naturally, others may contain chemicals or even heavy metals.
Here are a few tips to help you protect yourself:
– Cover your head or brush your hair with coconut or olive oil
– Cover up with waterproof sun cream or oil
– Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes
– Protect your face with a cloth
– When you return from Holi, rinse first with cold water and no soap, to prevent the colors from sealing in.
- Go out in a group
Especially if you’re a girl, it’s advisable to take part in Holi with a group of friends, preferably men.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to hear that some locals take advantage of the effervescence to touch the participants.