What is Holi?
Holi welcomes spring and celebrates the victory of good over evil. The evening before, bonfires are lit for Holika Dahan, which recalls the story of Prahlad, a devotee of Vishnu who survived unharmed when his aunt Holika tried to burn him.
The playful colours are linked to Krishna, who in the stories smeared colour on Radha's face. In Mathura and Vrindavan, the places of Krishna's childhood, celebrations last more than a week, including the famous Lathmar Holi of Barsana.
When is Holi? Dates for 2026 and 2027
2026
- Tuesday 3 March 2026Holika Dahan bonfires
- Wednesday 4 March 2026Holi, the day of colours
2027
- Sunday 21 March 2027Holika Dahan bonfires
- Monday 22 March 2027Holi, the day of colours
- Tuesday 23 March 2027Holi holiday for central-government offices in Delhi
Holi follows the Hindu lunar calendar and falls on the day after the full moon of Phalguna. Holiday lists can differ by a day from place to place: in 2027 the central-government holiday in Delhi is on 23 March, the day after the religious date.
How people celebrate
- Throwing gulal, coloured powder, and spraying coloured water from water pistols.
- Sweets such as gujiya, and the cool spiced drink thandai.
- Music and dancing to dhol drums in the streets.
Good to know
- Rub coconut or another oil into your skin and hair before you play: the colour comes off far more easily.
- Choose natural, skin-safe colours and protect your eyes.
- Wear old clothes: some colours never wash out.