What is Holi, the Hindu festival of colors and how is it celebrated?

Holi is annually celebrated during February or March, depending on its correspondence with the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna. Holi takes place on March 25, 2024, but the duration varies based on festivities in different countries.

What’s the Origin of Holi and Celebrated?

Holi, widely known as the Hindu festival of colors, is a joyful annual celebration at the advent of spring with cultural and religious significance. Typically observed in March in India, Nepal, other South Asian countries and across the diaspora, the festival celebrates love and signifies a time of rebirth and rejuvenation -- a time to embrace the positive and let go of negative energy. There are several origin tales for Holi because of multiple mythology. The story of Hiranyakashipu and his son Prahlada, who eventually triumphed over his father, is among the most well-known histories, according to the BBC. The legend of Holi traces back to the ancient tale of Hiranyakashipu, a powerful king who demanded worship from all in his kingdom. His son, Prahlada, defied him by worshipping the deity Vishnu. In a bid to eliminate Prahlada, the king's sister, Holika, attempted to use her fireproof cloak to trick him into a fire. However, divine intervention caused the cloak to protect Prahlada instead, leading to the defeat of Hiranyakashipu by Vishnu. Today, Holi celebrates this victory with bonfires symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

For one of Holi’ s most well-known traditions, celebrants clad in all white, come out to the street and throw colored powders at each other, leaving behind a kaleidoscope of pigments and joy. Festivities with music, dancing and food ensue. Bonfires and the throwing of bright colors are significant in celebration, in addition to the relaxation of Hindu social codes.

How is the Festival of Colors Celebrated?

In many parts of India, people light large bonfires the night before the festival to signify the destruction of evil and victory of good. On the day of Holi, entire streets and towns are filled with people who throw colored powder in the air. Some fling balloons filled with colored water from rooftops and others use squirt guns. For one day, it’s all fair game. Cries of “Holi hai!” which means “It’s Holi!” can be heard on the streets. Holi has also been romanticized and popularized over the decades in Bollywood films.

The colors seen during Holi symbolize different things. Blue represents the color of Lord Krishna’s skin while green symbolizes spring and rebirth. Red symbolizes marriage or fertility while both red and yellow -- commonly used in ritual and ceremony -- symbolize auspiciousness.

An array of special foods are part of the celebration, with the most popular food during Holi being “gujia,” a flaky, deep-fried sweet pastry stuffed with milk curd, nuts and dried fruits. Holi parties also feature “thandai,” a cold drink prepared with a mix of almonds, fennel seeds, rose petals, poppy seeds, saffron, milk and sugar.

How is Holi celebrated in the United States?

Per Times of India, "the world's biggest Holi" celebration was hosted in Spanish Fork, Utah, in March 2017. However, the festivity didn't solely carry religious significance -- it was also a spiritual celebration. In 2016, the event drew in 35,000 and 40,000 people over two days as attendees gathered to throw color in front of the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple. Las Vegas also holds a large Festival of Colors with DJs, yoga, live music, traditional foods and tons of color-throwing. While Utah boasts the biggest, festivities are organized at temples and on college campuses, spanning from the east to west coast throughout America.

How do People Dress for Holi?

And before you step into this color ka battlefield, you gotta have your armor ready. By armor, I mean those Holi outfit ideas that’ ll make you the star of this rang birangi saga. This year, let's give our Holi look a “not so ethnic” twist—think traditional Holi theme with a touch of modernism.

3D Pattern Holi Festival Print Baseball Jersey	3D Design Holi Festival Color Powder T-Shirt	3D Pattern Holi Festival Print Baseball Jersey	3D Design Holi Festival Color Powder T-Shirt

It is about the outfits that answer your “what to wear on Holi?” question not just while celebrating but for the post-party as well. Our special festival collection now is in stock. At Fansidea, experience the vibrant spirit of Holi with our exclusive holi festival-themed print baseball jerseys and t-shirts! Our prints feature an explosion of colors, reminiscent of the playful splashes that mark the festivities of Holi. Whether you're attending a Holi party, participating in colorful street celebrations, or simply spreading the joy with friends and family, our t-shirts are the perfect choice to showcase your love for this beautiful festival.

Embrace the spirit of togetherness and happiness with our Holi-themed print t-shirts and baseball shirts. Make a statement, stand out from the crowd, and let your attire reflect the vibrant energy of this beloved festival. It's time to paint the town red, blue, green, and every color of the rainbow with our stunning Holi print t-shirts and baseball apparel. Get yours today and join in the colorful fun!