5 Things to know about India’s Holi Festival

Time to spill some tea: Pride is *not* the world’s most colourful celebration. That honour belongs to Holi, the Hindu Festival of Spring. Colour us impressed, so we’re heading there in March. The celebration marks the climax of nearly two weeks touring Rajasthan – here’s five things to know about the festivities.

1. Things kick off the night before.

Holika Dahan is a purification ritual celebrated around bonfires on the eve of Holi. People dance and sing to bid conflicts and bad energy farewell.

2. Cannabis cocktails are customary.

FYI, one of Holi Festival’s most popular libations is quite infused with marijuana. If somebody offers you a ‘bhang’, it’s not a sexual proposition, but it may blow your hair back.

3. It’s all about colour.

Imagine a city-wide battle starring giant clouds of colour.  Traditionally made with natural dyes such as turmeric, most of today’s powders are synthetic.

4. Everyone gets involved

Like Pride, one thing we love about Holi is how everyone joins the celebration. Once the colour starts to fly, anyone is fair game.

5. There’s an after party…obviously.

As fun as the fight is, winding down with friends and relatives is also part of the ritual. Since Holi also marks the end of our trip, we’ll scrub down and dress up for an extra-festive Farewell Dinner on the terrace of Shiv Niwas Palace.

Join Out Adventures on our Holi Festival Foray through India.