Holi

Holi History

Holi celebrates the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. It is often known as the "Festival of Colours", reflecting its vibrant and cheerful character. A significant part of the observance is the playful throwing of coloured powders and water, creating a joyous spectacle. Additionally, participants sing, dance, and enjoy delicacies, such as “gujiya” and “thandai,” throughout the day. The Holi festival is also a time to mend broken relationships, let go of past grudges, and start anew, marking it as a festival of forgiveness and fresh beginnings.

The roots of Holi lie in various ancient Hindu legends, primarily related to Lord Krishna. Its vibrant colours are said to mirror the spring blooms and Krishna's playful nature. Many of these traditions are still maintained and can hold appeal to people in the United Kingdom. Synonymous with embracing diversity and promoting unity, Holi resonates with those who believe in the power of shared community experiences. It's an opportunity to enjoy a tradition different to western ones, offering a lively and memorable insight into Hindu culture.

In the UK, Holi is observed by Hindus and non-Hindus alike. Celebrations often occur in public parks, where everyone is invited to join in. Participants typically wear white clothes, to provide a canvas for the vibrant Holi powders, and there's often music, food and communal entertainment. The exact date of Holi changes each year, as it is determined by the lunar calendar, but it usually falls in March. Despite the colder climate compared to India, the UK Holi observers bring the same level of enthusiasm and vibrancy, making the British version of the celebration as colourful and engaging as anywhere else.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Holi (Hindu Festival) in the UK

• The upcoming celebration of Holi in 2026 begins on the evening of 3 March with the ritual bonfire known as Holika Dahan, followed by the main day of festivities on 4 March.
• The festival commemorates the ancient legend of Prahlada and Holika, where the young devotee Prahlada was miraculously saved from a fire by the deity Vishnu, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
• In the United Kingdom, major public celebrations often shift to the nearest weekends, with large-scale events like London Ki Holi and the Magic of India Colour Dance Festival expected to draw thousands of participants to parks and community spaces.
• The tradition of throwing vibrant gulal, or coloured powder, originates from the divine love story of Radha and Krishna, in which Krishna playfully coloured Radha's face to match his own blue complexion.
• Each colour used during the festivities carries a specific symbolic meaning, such as red for love and fertility, blue for the divine nature of Krishna, and green for new beginnings and the arrival of spring.
• For those attending celebrations in the UK, it is a common practical tradition to apply a layer of coconut oil to the hair and skin beforehand to prevent the pigmented powders from causing long-term staining.
• A centerpiece of the festive menu is the Gujiya, a crescent-shaped sweet dumpling filled with a rich mixture of khoya, nuts, and dried fruits, which is traditionally shared among friends and neighbours.
• Public celebrations in the capital often feature unique British-Indian cultural fusions, such as the Holi Bollywood Boat Party on the Thames, where revellers enjoy music and colour throwing while sailing past iconic London landmarks.
• Beyond the colour play, the festival is a significant time for reconciliation and social harmony, often encapsulated by the popular Hindi phrase “Bura na mano, Holi hai”, which translates as “Do not be offended, it is Holi.”
• The transition from winter to spring is also marked by the consumption of Thandai, a cooling and aromatic milk-based drink infused with saffron, fennel seeds, and rose petals.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Holi

Top things to do in the UK for Holi

• Decorate your home with colorful ribbons and adornments to recognize the Holi festival. Marigold flowers are traditionally hung over balconies, railings and staircases. Sofa cushions are often covered with bold, bright colors. Walls are traditionally covered with colorful fabric patchwork.
• Eat at an Indian restaurant on this day to enjoy some Holi specialty sweet dishes such as shakarpara (sweet crispy bread), gujjias (sweet fried dumplings), kheer (rice pudding) and malpua (pancakes).
• Attend the Holi Festival in Wembley, London: Wembley Park, London, hosts the Holi Festival of Colours, a day filled with music, dance, and of course, colours. People flock to the park to enjoy the live music and throw colour on each other.
• Read a book to learn more about Holi Festival in United Kingdom:
  Festivals Together - by Sue Fitzjohn, Minda Weston, Judy Large - includes comprehensive information about multicultural festivals celebrated around the globe including Holi.
  Celebration - Festivals from Around the World - by Katy Holder - Although not UK specific, it offers broad insights into global festivals including Holi.