The countdown to Holi Festival is getting closer and closer and we could not be more excited! We’ve been busy gearing up for Holi over at Ministry of Colours, making sure festivals and parties are stocked up with traditional colour powder and accessories for their events.
Holi is our favourite time of year as it's a time for joy, coming together and celebrating with colourful cheer. As we prepare for this vibrant celebration, it's important to remember some of the key tips for making the most of this festive occasion and celebrating the festival in the best way possible.
Gather with friends and family
First (and most importantly) gather your friends and family to join in the festivities, it’s no fun celebrating on your own! Holi Festival is all about having fun and promoting unity and is therefore best enjoyed surrounded by the company of loved ones. During this time people are encouraged to put their differences aside and the celebration is meant to bring communities together and often ends with friends and family visiting each other's homes in the evening.
Make a bonfire
On the eve of Holi, it's tradition to make a bonfire and place a small statue of Holika in the firewood. This is done due to the legend of the demon king Hiranyakashipu and symbolises the triumph of good over evil. This evening is also a time for friends and family to gather together and dance and celebrate around the bonfire.
Use colour powder
Holi is also known as the Festival of Colours as it’s tradition for people to shower each other with bright colour powder, also known as gulal, or mix the powder with water to paint on each other's faces. A rainbow of colours is typically used and each colour represents a different emotion or meaning:
Red - Colour of Love and PassionYellow - Colour of Happiness and Peace
Blue - Colour of Calm and Otherworldliness
Green - Colour of Nature and New Beginnings
Pink - Colour of Youth, Good Health and Playfulness
Orange - Colour of Courage and Sacrifice
Purple - Colour of Supreme Peace and Wisdom
The colours are non-toxic and shouldn't stain when used correctly, however it's best to wear clothing that you won't mind getting ruined and covered in colours. The best way to partake in this event however is by dressing in a white t-shirt or white clothing to show off all the colours you’ve attracted throughout the day. Don’t forget your colour accessories too!
Enjoy traditional Holi food and drink
Don’t forget to indulge in delicious festival treats! There are lots of traditional Indian meals, sweets and drinks that can be enjoyed during Holi. One staple of the festival is Thandai, a refreshing creamy milk drink that is prepared with a mixture of spices, nuts and sugar. Or perhaps try a traditional sweet like gujiya, a sweet fried dumpling filled with milk solids and nuts.
We particularly like the sound of dahi vada, a savoury snack made from lentils that are dunked in creamy yoghurt and topped with spices and chutney. Sounds delicious!
Ultimately, Holi is a celebration of new beginnings and a chance to have fun with friends and family. As March 25th draws closer, it’s time to start preparing for the festival by stocking up on colour powder (make sure you have enough of every colour!) and accessories to make your day as bright and fun-filled as possible.
We’ll be down at Leeds Holi Festival on both 23rd and 24th March selling our traditional Holi powder, so make sure you grab a ticket, come down to see us and join in the celebrations! The 23rd is for all those who want to really get into the party spirit, whilst the 24th is a family-friendly Holi celebration which is sure to keep the kids entertained all day!
Or if you’re hosting your own Holi event or party, use our handy colour powder calculator to work out how much you’ll need based on the number of people attending. You can also always drop us an email at hello@ministryofcolours.com or call us on 0330 321 3996 and we’d be happy to help you get prepared for all your Holi Festival needs!
