How to celebrate Hindu holiday

What is Holi and why is it celebrated? 

The celebration of Holi is an ancient tradition in India that goes back centuries. Some say it started before Christ as a special rite performed by married women for the well-being of their families and the full moon (Raka) was worshiped. The Holi we know today has been traced back to a 4th century poem.

And it’s mythological roots still play a role in how it is viewed today. The legend goes Prahlad, the son of the demon king Hiranyakashyap, refused to worship his father and instead was a follower of god Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe. Hiranyakashyap hatched a plan with his sister Holika to kill his son. Protected by an enchanted shawl Holika took Prahlad into a bonfire, but it didn’t work. Holika died as the shawl only protected her from fire if she was alone and Vishnu saved Prahlad.

The message that lives on today is good triumphs over evil. Holi directly translates to “burning.” You might also hear the celebration called Holi “mela,” which translates to Holi festival. 

Marking the end of winter and the beginning of Spring, Holi is typically held in March but on a different day every year as it falls on the day of the last full moon in the Hindu calendar.

What do people do during Holi? 

In India, Holi starts the eve before the main day with a bonfire after sunset in reference to the mythological story. Praying, music and dancing accompany the bonfires.

The next day is when the celebration amps up with the throwing of colored powder and water. People sing and dance as pigments of vibrant colors rain on them. 

It’s a joyous celebration where people also enjoy traditional delicacies like gujiya, a desert corn pastry; rasmalai, a sweet dumpling; and thandai, a refreshing milk drink.

What do the Holi festival colors mean?

For how the throwing of colors came into the picture, that dates back to another mythological story of Radha and Krishna. Lord Krishna who was in love with Radha, had blue skin and complained to his mother that he was unhappy to be different from Radha’s fair complexion. His mother Yashoda told him to color Radha to look like himself. And so the fun tradition began. 

The individual colors used in the festival also have meaning. The most obvious is blue representing the Hindu God Krishna, then red symbolizes love and fertility, yellow happiness, green new beginnings, pink youth, orange courage and purple wisdom. 

Colors never used are black and white—black being negative and white being used for funerals.

READ MORE: Everyone’s a kid again at Houston’s colorful Holi festivals

What is Holi powder made of? Is it safe for my skin and children?

Originally, the color powders came from natural ingredients: tumeric, flowers, leaves and fruits.

Today, Holi colors, including those sold at the Houston Holi festival at BH Ranch, are herbal and organic specifically designed for use on the body. It should not irritate the skin and can be washed off with plain water. It will stain clothes, but should wash out of jeans. 

At some festivals, people can take their own colors as long as it’s herbal Holi body color powder that is washable with plain water. Permanent colors or dyes are not permitted.

Children are encouraged to take part in the festivities. 

And if you’re trying to celebrate at home, you can make the colored powders by combining one cup of flour and half a cup of water with food coloring. Roll out the paste to one-fourth inch of thickness, let sit overnight and then grind in a coffee grinder the next day. 

What to bring and wear to Holi  

If you’re participating in color play, remember you could stain your clothes. People are encouraged to wear white to showcase the vibrant colors. 

Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and to bring your shades since you’ll be outside. 

Check the website of the organization hosting the festival you’re attending to know if you can purchase color powders there or if you can bring your own. You likely can’t take food to the Holi festival you attend, but many offer traditional delicacies. And don’t bring alcohol. 

Don’t forget a plastic bag to wrap your phone or camera in. 

Where are there celebrations in Houston?

Holi on the ranch is one of the biggest celebrations in the United States. Masala Radio is hosting the 14th annual Houston Holi festival on March 4 at BH Ranch, 14149 Player St. Expect throwing of the colors, a concert by Rap Star Bali, Bollywood dancing, DJs, street foods, a petting zoo and free carnival rides. Early bird tickets are $12, day of tickets are $15 and kids are free.

JKYog’s Holi for a cause had more than 3,000 attendees last year, Lindsey Peyton reports. That celebration is at India House, 888 W. Bellfort. 

Other events in Houston and surrounding suburbs: 

• Holi at Arthur Storey Park: Head to Arthur Storey Park, 7400 W. Sam Houston Pkwy S., for a color party with music from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 4. T-shurts and colors available for purchase. 
• Holi at Vallabh Priti Seva Samaj: Free and open to the public, the singing of prayer songs and dinner start at 5 p.m. March 4. A bonfire will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 6 and a celebration will go from noon to 3 p.m. March 8. 
• Holi supper at Pondicheri: Enjoy a Holi supper cooked by Anita Jaisinghani at Pondicheri on March 4. Reservations cost $5 to make with the meal costing $75 a person. Tickets should be purchased ahead of time as seating is limited. 
• Holi at University of Houston Clear Lake: UHCL’s Indian Student Association is hosting Holi at the football ground Delta fields, 2700 Bay Area Blvd. The celebration will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 5. Tickets are $10 for non-ISA members.
• Holi festival at the Woodlands: Kahani Social Group is hosting “Amrina’s Holi Moli Festival of Colors” 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 5 at the Crowne Plaza Shenandoah, 19333 David Memorial Drive. Expect color play, a DJ, food and alcohol at this family friendly event. Tickets are $55 a person and children under 10 get in free. 
• Holi by Houston Maharashtra Mandal: Houston Maharashtra Mandal is hosting a celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 5 at VPSS Haveli and VVM, 11715 Bellfort Village St. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for kids with members getting a 25% discount.
• Holi Mela in Katy: Nonprofit Teluga Bhavanam is hosting Holi Mela outdoors at 27030 FM Road 529, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 11. Expect dry colors, a DJ, Bollywood dancing and a kids play area. Tickets are $8 for adults and children under 12 years get in free.
• Holi at India House: A festival of colors will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 12 at India House, 8888 W. Bellfort Ave. Festivities include color play, dancing and traditional foods. Tickets are $10.
• Holi in Pearland: Pearland is having its festival of colors from noon to 5 p.m. April 1. Expect color play, DJs, games, kids activites and local vendors. Entry is free but $6 tickets are required to participate in color throwing.