Celebrate Holi Without Traveling to India

Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, is celebrated every year to mark the end of winter and the coming of spring. While, religiously, the message of Holi is to mark the victory of good over evil and embrace new beginnings, new relationships and new life, the festival is gaining worldwide popularity thanks to its tradition of throwing colored powders and water on friends, family and strangers. Participating in a Holi celebration brings out the child in everyone. If you have fond childhood memories of water balloon fights, this just might be perfect for you.

The festival is a social one, bringing strangers together to share in the merriment. While the holiday originated in India, the message of love and the atmosphere of fun is contagious, spreading to cities around the world. If travel to India isn’t on your radar this spring but you are still excited to take part in the festivities, find a local Holi celebration in your area and join in the fun. While Holi is officially celebrated March 21 this year, across America celebrations are occurring throughout March and into April.

Los Angeles

The City of Angels is hosting several celebrations including the March 9 and 10 event at Whittier Narrows Park. In addition to the traditional throwing of colors, the festival will include live music, dancing, yoga and food vendors. Come prepared to have fun and expect to leave looking like a watercolor portrait. Admission to the festival is $6.50 for adults and children 12 and under get in for free. Ticket packages are available that include color packets and entrance for both days.

Kids and color packets for Holi celebrations. Photo: Dushyant Kumar Thakur | Dreamstime.com

San Francisco

SF Holi, hosted by Asha San Francisco March 16 at the California College for the Arts, offers a day of colorful fun for $25, which includes unlimited color packets. The festivities run from 12–4 p.m. and will include live music and a variety of food vendors.

Chicago

On March 23, the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago will host its annual Holi Festival with a day of events that include a bazaar, a cultural program and a bindya yoga class, culminating in an evening color-throwing event. The event is free and activities start at 8:30 a.m. with the yoga class. The color-throwing takes place 5:30–9:30 p.m.

Houston

Houston Holi will occur March 23 at the city’s Crown Festival Park. The event is great for families because, in addition to the all-day color throwing and live Indian music and dancing, the event is alcohol-free and offers free slides and carnival rides for the kids to enjoy throughout the day. Entrance fees are $15 at the gate or $12 online.