Holi, known as India's most vibrant and joyful festival, is celebrated with a burst of colors and excitement.
The festival has gained international popularity, with celebrations in countries like the U.S. and U.K., often accompanied by lively photos of colorful festivities alongside iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal.
What is Holi?
Holi, celebrated for centuries, marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes the victory of positivity over negativity. It is celebrated in March, corresponding to the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna. In 2023, Holi begins on March 8.
Holi's origins are based on several ancient stories. One popular legend involves a king who demanded to be worshipped but was opposed by his son, who remained loyal to his beliefs. In a turn of events, the king's plans to harm his son failed, and the festival celebrates the triumph of good over adversity.
How is Holi Celebrated?
The festivities begin with the lighting of large bonfires, often symbolizing the burning away of negativity. People gather around the flames, throwing wood and dried leaves into the fire.
On the day of Holi, streets and neighborhoods come alive as people throw colored powders at each other in a joyous celebration. Each color holds meaning: red symbolizes love and passion, while green represents fresh starts. Water fights also take place, with people using water and balloons filled with colored water to splash one another. Later in the day, families and communities come together to enjoy festive meals and share sweets with friends and neighbors, making Holi a time of connection, joy, and renewal.
Why Has Holi Become Popular Outside India?
Holi's popularity has surged worldwide, largely due to the millions of people of South Asian descent who now live across the globe. Like Diwali, another major festival from India, Holi has found a place in many countries, where local South Asian communities come together to celebrate.
Minal Jaiswal, who moved from Mumbai to London in 2003, organizes a non-profit Holi event every year for the South Asian community in the city. The event features dance performances and short plays explaining the origins of Holi. Jaiswal emphasizes the importance of celebrating the festival as a community, helping the younger generation stay connected to their cultural roots.
However, some commercialized Holi events have faced criticism for cultural appropriation. Critics argue that events, such as “color runs” in the U.S. and Europe, often focus more on the party atmosphere than the cultural and traditional aspects of Holi. These events are sometimes accused of stripping away the festival's deeper meaning, turning it into just another entertainment spectacle.
“There has been a commodification of Holi,” says Shana Sippy, assistant professor of religion at Centre College in Kentucky. “It has been turned into a money-making enterprise.”
On the other hand, some believe that expanding the celebration of Holi helps foster cross-cultural understanding. Caru Das, who organizes Holi events in the U.S., disagrees with the accusations of cultural appropriation. He argues that the festivals offer an opportunity to unite people from different backgrounds, especially in a time when political divisions are so prevalent.
Final Thoughts
It is common to see people from different backgrounds coming together to mark the occasion, with families from different groups often sharing the festivities.
However, this year's Holi celebrations take place amid rising social tensions in India, with protests and clashes sparked by a controversial government law. Holi, historically a festival of unity, is being overshadowed by some of the country's worst communal violence in years.
Despite this, many believe that spreading Holi's festive spirit fosters cross-cultural understanding, especially in a divided world. However, the ongoing social and political challenges in India remind us that, while Holi is a time for joy, it also carries deeper meanings and sometimes highlights underlying societal tensions.
