About Holi (Festival of Colours)
Holi is India's exuberant Festival of Colours, one of the most joyful and recognisable celebrations in the world. It welcomes the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil, drawing on the legend of the demoness Holika and the devotee Prahlad, as well as the playful love of Krishna and Radha. For a day or two, social barriers fall away as people of every age and background chase one another through the streets, drenching friends and strangers alike in clouds of brilliant colour.
The festivities begin the night before with Holika Dahan, a bonfire symbolising the burning away of evil. The next morning is Rangwali Holi, when crowds throw handfuls of vivid powder (gulal) and spray coloured water, dance to music and share festive sweets like gujiya and the spiced drink thandai. Though rooted in Hindu tradition and biggest across India and Nepal, Holi is now celebrated by communities and at colour-run events around the globe, a byword for shared, unguarded joy.
Holi falls on the full moon (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Phalguna, which lands in February or March on the Gregorian calendar, so its date shifts each year. Regional traditions vary, from the week-long celebrations of Mathura and Vrindavan to the Lathmar Holi of Barsana. Whether you plan to play with colours or simply love the spirit of the festival, add Holi to your own page and the counter above will show exactly how long until the next one.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Monday, March 22, 2027next |
| 2028 | Saturday, March 11, 2028 |
| 2029 | Thursday, March 1, 2029 |
| 2030 | Wednesday, March 20, 2030 |
| 2031 | Sunday, March 9, 2031 |
FAQ
When is Holi?
Holi falls on the full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna, usually in March (sometimes late February). The date shifts each year — the countdown above shows the days, hours and minutes until the next Holi.
Why is Holi celebrated?
Holi marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil, drawing on the legend of Holika and Prahlad and the playful love of Krishna and Radha. It is a day of joy, forgiveness and renewed bonds.
How is Holi celebrated?
With the Holika Dahan bonfire the night before, then a day of throwing coloured powder (gulal) and spraying coloured water, dancing to music, and sharing sweets like gujiya and the drink thandai.
What do the colours of Holi mean?
The powders carry festive symbolism — red for love and fertility, blue for Krishna, green for new beginnings and yellow for turmeric and well-being — though today the riot of colour is above all an expression of shared joy.