What is the tradition of Holi?

Holi is a traditional Hindu festival that is typically celebrated in India and Nepal, but it is also observed in other parts of the world with Hindu communities. It is also known as the "Festival of Colors" or the "Festival of Love".

During Holi, people gather to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, and to welcome the arrival of spring. The celebration involves throwing and smearing colored powder and water on each other, singing and dancing, and feasting on sweets and other traditional dishes.

The first day of Holi, known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi, involves lighting a bonfire to symbolize the victory of good over evil. The second day, known as Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi, is when people engage in the colorful celebrations and throw colored powders, sing, dance and feast.

The festival also holds religious significance, as it is believed to commemorate the love between the Hindu deities Radha and Krishna, as well as the legend of Prahlad and Hiranyakashipu from Hindu mythology.

Overall, Holi is a vibrant and joyous festival that brings people together to celebrate the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and the power of love and friendship.

What are some interesting facts about Holi?

1. Holi is celebrated as a national holiday in India, and it is also observed in other countries with significant Hindu populations such as Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
2. The colors used during Holi are made from natural ingredients such as flowers, herbs, and roots, and are considered to be good for the skin.
3. In some parts of India, Holi is celebrated for up to 16 days, with each day having its own significance and customs.
4. Holi is one of the oldest festivals in the world, with its origins dating back to ancient India.
5. The legend of Prahlad and Hiranyakashipu, which is associated with Holi, tells the story of how Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, was saved from the demon king Hiranyakashipu by Lord Vishnu himself.
6. In some parts of India, Holi is also celebrated with traditional folk songs and dances such as the Bhangra and Garba.
7. In recent years, Holi has become a popular cultural event outside of India, with celebrations taking place in cities around the world.
8. The Holi festival is also known as the "Festival of Love" because it celebrates the joy of togetherness, friendship, and love.
9. During Holi, people of all ages and backgrounds come together to celebrate, forgetting their differences and embracing the spirit of unity and harmony.

Want to learn more about Holi? We have just the guide for you here.

How to prepare for Holi?

If you're planning to celebrate Holi, here are some tips on how to prepare:

1. Wear old clothes: Since Holi involves throwing and smearing colored powder and water on each other, it's a good idea to wear old clothes that you don't mind getting stained or ruined.
2. Protect your skin and hair: Apply a layer of oil or moisturizer to your skin and hair before going out to play Holi. This will make it easier to wash off the colors later and will also protect your skin and hair from damage.
3. Choose safe and natural colors: Choose natural and safe colors for Holi, made from flowers, herbs, and other natural ingredients. Avoid using chemical-based colors that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
4. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and during Holi to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration.
5. Plan transportation: If you're planning to go to a public Holi celebration, plan your transportation in advance, as the streets can get crowded and transportation can be difficult to find.
6. Be respectful: Holi is a time of joy and celebration, but it's important to be respectful of others and their boundaries. Don't force anyone to participate in the festivities if they don't want to, and be mindful of the impact your actions may have on others.
7. Prepare traditional food and sweets: Holi is also a time to enjoy traditional food and sweets, so consider preparing or buying some traditional holi food, sweets, and drinks to enjoy with family and friends.

By following these tips, you can prepare for a fun and safe Holi celebration.

What food items should be kept for holi event?

Many people often drink tea on Holi. Tea is a popular beverage in Indian culture and it is often consumed during celebrations and social gatherings.

During Holi, people usually enjoy festive food and drinks with family and friends, and tea is one of the preferred drinks. Some people may even prepare special tea blends that include spices like ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon to add a festive touch to the drink.

Here are some popular food items that you can consider serving or preparing for a Holi event:

1. Gujiya: Gujiya is a sweet dumpling made from flour and stuffed with a mixture of sweetened khoya, dried fruits, and nuts. It is a popular sweet dish served during Holi.
2. Mathri: Mathri is a savory snack made from flour and spices, and it is a popular Holi snack that is often served with tea.
3. Thandai: Thandai is a traditional Holi drink made from a mixture of milk, nuts, and spices. It is a refreshing drink that is often served during Holi.
4. Dahi Bhalla: Dahi Bhalla is a popular street food in India that is made from fried lentil balls soaked in yogurt and topped with chutneys and spices. It is a delicious and refreshing snack that is perfect for Holi.
5. Papri Chaat: Papri Chaat is a popular street food in India that is made from crisp fried dough wafers, boiled chickpeas, potatoes, yogurt, and chutneys. It is a popular snack that is perfect for Holi.
6. Samosas: Samosas are a popular Indian snack that are often served during Holi. They are crispy fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat.
7. Ladoo: Ladoo is a sweet ball-shaped Indian dessert made from flour, sugar, and ghee. They come in various flavors like coconut, besan, and sooji and are often served during Holi.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious food items that are popular during Holi. You can mix and match these dishes to create a festive menu that your guests will love.

What are some popular Holi recipes?

Here is our current top 5 favorite recipes that work perfect for Holi

1. Gujiya recipe https://food.ndtv.com/recipe-gujiya-218891
2. Barfi recipe https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/barfi-recipe-burfi/
3. Papdi Chaat recipe https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/papdi-chaat-delhi-papdi-chaat-recipe/
4. Chana Masala recipe https://minimalistbaker.com/easy-chana-masala/
5. Vegan Chai Spiced Thandai recipe https://animaguseats.com/2018/03/01/vegan-chai-spiced-thandai-sweet-and-creamy-cold-indian-drink-with-tea-spices/

When is Holi?

Holi is a Hindu festival that is usually celebrated in late February or early March each year, depending on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna. In 2023, Holi will be celebrated on March 10th. However, the exact date may vary depending on the specific traditions and customs of different regions and communities.

As the first and oldest tea brand in North America, Tea India's goal is to enjoy a cup of tea you can savor over good conversation and memories with family and loved ones. There's no better way to end a great Holi celebration with a cup of cardamom chai. Enjoy a pot of tea using our CTC Assam Teaand adding chai spices (cardamom, masala) or pair your favorite dish with a cup of tea using Instant Chai or a chai tea bag favorite.