08 May 2018Celebrated worldwide, the Holi festival is a traditional Hindu celebration observed throughout India, and especially prominent in the North. Traveling to India during Holi is a dream for many people. To take part in one of Hinduism's most ancient festivals and share this incredible celebration with locals. Below are answers to the questions you're surely asking yourself!

The Holi festival today is adapted worldwide in different forms. In France, you'll regularly find during summer the Holi Run, the Color Run or Color me Rad, colorful running races. Present in major French cities and throughout the world, each event gathers thousands of participants every year. So, why not travel to India to experience the unique magic of authentic Holi?

What is Holi?

Holi is a Hindu festival celebrating the end of winter and the arrival of spring. It is also a celebration of fertility. This Indian festival takes place over 2 days: on the first evening, fires are lit in memory of the cremation of the demon Holika, representing evil, defeated by Vishnu. On the second day, large festive gatherings take place in the streets. People gather regardless of caste and throw colors at each other while dancing.

What Should I Expect?

As a tourist, you can choose whether or not to participate in this festival. Locals will be delighted to include you and throw all sorts of pigmented powders your way. You can dance, have fun, and feel like a local. However, if you prefer not to participate in Holi, that won't be a problem. Even while walking through the streets, simply making a respectful hand gesture is enough to signal that you don't wish to be covered in colors. Indians will be understanding, and as long as mutual respect is maintained, you won't be bothered.

Safety Tips for Tourists

Holi is celebrated enthusiastically throughout India, but over time this festival has sometimes experienced excesses. Indeed, alcohol is present, which can lead to inappropriate behavior from some locals. Additionally, the powders used can sometimes be unsuitable for skin. To celebrate Holi safely, it's necessary to follow certain guidelines:

• Stay in a group, especially for women and preferably with trusted locals
• Be cautious of intoxicated men, who may provoke fights and behave inappropriately toward women
• Be aware that tourists are easy targets for pickpockets
• Wear loose protective clothing that you don't mind discarding afterward
• Don't wear contact lenses
• Protect your camera
• As soon as you return, shower in cold water to wash off the colors from your skin

When Are the Next Dates?

It's important to know that the Color Festival dates change each year but always fall between February and March. In 2018, it took place from March 1st to 2nd. The dates for 2019 and 2020 are as follows:

• Evening of March 20 to evening of March 21, 2019
• Evening of March 9 to evening of March 10, 2020.

Happy Holi!

Also read, The Festivals of Rajasthan.

Culture and TraditionTourismCharlène NomadaysAn SEO writer from day one at Nomadays, Charlène evolved into a content manager and head of communications, accompanying the adventure from its inception with passion and loyalty. After spending seven years in Asia – from China to Thailand, through Mongolia and South Korea – she made travel a way of being in the world. A lover of words, nature, and human connection, she is committed to conveying in her writing a sensitive, engaged, and responsible vision of tourism. For her, each article is a bridge between curiosity, respect, and wonder.