Color Your Life

Wherever you are in the world, celebrate the festival of Holi

While we have plenty of ways to mark the beginning of spring, there’s nothing quite like Holi with all its color and symbolism.

Growing up, even during the harshest winters, my family celebrated Holi together in Lancaster, PA (not exactly the Mecca of South Asian culture). But just the simplicity of my brothers and I throwing colored powder and water balloons at each other in the yard and reveling in the joy of the holiday brought me out of my cold-weather doldrums. Although the Hindu festival of colors finds its origins in South Asia, it has now gained popularity across the world, with Holi events organized across the U.S., the U.K., and elsewhere. Even my hometown of Doylestown, PA, holds a Holi celebration the center of town (albeit in April).

Wherever you are in the world, there is likely a celebration within reach. If not, you can buy Holi colors online and have them delivered to your doorstep in time for the March 7-8 celebration so you can revel in the magic of spring and the happiness of Holi.

The Story of Holi

Ancient Indian literature offers varying accounts of Holi’s origin. However, the most widely recognized version tells the story of an evil king who forced his subjects to worship him as their god. But his son, Prahlada maintained his devotion to the Hindu god Vishnu, which made the king furious. The king plotted with his sister, Holika, to kill his son—Holika, who was immune to fire, tricked Prahlada into sitting in a pyre with her. However, when the pyre was lit, the boy’s devotion to Lord Vishnu helped him walk away unscathed while Holika was burned to death.

—Amita Mehta

How to Celebrate

This year, Holi takes place on the evening of March 7 and the day of March 8, 2023. While there are festivals and celebrations in cities, towns, and university campuses across the United States, these seven events will feature Bollywood guest stars.

March 4 – Holi with Kartik Aaryan – Dallas, TX

March 10 – Balam Pichkari Neon Holi Bollywood Party – Los Angeles, CA

March 10 – Holi-Themed Flash Mob at SXSW –

Austin, TX

March 11 – Rang De with Sunny Leone & Drums

Sivamani – Hutto, TX

March 18 - Rang Barse – Edison, NJ

March 18 – Bollywood Dance Party/Holi Bash –

Denver, CO

March 18 – Holi Cruise on the Hudson – New York City, NY