How to experience Holi in India like a local

If you are planning on visiting India during the festival of colors, you may want to find out how to experience Holi in India like a local. Holi, the festival of lights, is celebrated in most places across India in March. It is one of the most popular and unique festivals, not just in India, but all over the world. Read this blog to find out how you can fully experience this festival of colors in India just like locals.

How to experience Holi like a local?

There are a few things that are traditionally done in Holi by most people across India. To get a taste of the authentic celebration, here are a few things you should do during the festival.

Buy some colors

Around a week before Holi, you will see vendors selling powdered colors on the streets and in the markets. They are extremely inexpensive, so make sure to buy 3-4 colors at least. They also sell packets of permanent colors, which often contain chemicals. Steer clear of those and only buy natural colors.

Also buy some coconut oil. You will need to apply it to your hair and skin so that the color does not stick to your body for a long time.

You can also make your own colors using organic ingredients like turmeric, beetroot, or henna.

Vibrant colors of Holi (Photo Credit Frankspandl)

Visit a holi pyre for Holika Dahan

On the eve of Holi is Holika Dahan – a big bonfire is lit up in the evening, marking the beginning of the festival. This takes place on a full moon night in March. You will find burning pyres at regular intervals on the streets. People gather together around the burning pyre and seek blessings. Some food and garlands are thrown in the pyre. Many people also throw in firecrackers before the pyre is lit up. If you are planning on attending a Holi party, make sure you also try and experience Holika Dahan, the religious and spiritual part of the festival of colors. You can ask the reception at your hotel or hostel to locate a pyre nearby.

Holika Dahan

Dress for the festival: what to wear

A lot of people wear white clothes for Holi, because once the festivities are over, you are left behind with a colorful mosaic of the powders. However, you will also see many people wearing their oldest clothes, so that they can simply throw them away once done with the festival!

Whatever your choice, wear breathable clothes, but stay covered, especially if you are a woman.

Wear comfortable shoes in which you can walk and dance, and make sure you are okay with the shoes being stained with colors, because they will be. Carry a scarf and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun and dust. Also apply plenty of sunscreen.

Most importantly, wear coconut oil on your hair and body, so that minimal color sticks and leaves stains on you.

Start early

The festival of Holi starts quite early in the morning, and in many cities, wraps up by 3 p.m. In regions where Holi is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm, some parties go on until midnight. These celebrations are often accompanied by alcohol. The longer the party goes on, the drunker people can get. So make sure you leave on time.

Celebrate in a group

There is safety in groups, not to mention a lot more fun. Holi in India can become an excuse for a lot of unnecessary touching and groping, especially if you are a woman. It is much safer to be a part of a group, where strangers won’t try to intrude. Plus, Holi is a festival best celebrated with a lot of people around. There are colors, water, music, dancing, and food.

If you are staying in a hostel, you can try to be friends with the others living there. Most probably, all of them will be celebrating the festival as well, and you can simply join in.

Holi, the festival of colors, is best played in a group

Feast on delicious traditional fare

Festivals in India come with a lot of delicious, traditional dishes. Holi, too, sees rich fare, different in different regions. You should definitely try the gujiya, malpua, puranpoli, and dahi vada. The specialty of the day are bhang ladoo and bhang thandai. Make sure you try at least some local food no matter where you are celebrating the festival.

Respect local traditions and customs

Holi may be a fun party of colors, but the festival is rooted in Indian culture and has many legends surrounding it. There are also a lot of rituals that are a part of the festival, such as exchanging sweets with family, friends, and neighbors, praying to the burning pyre, or seeking the blessings of elders. Make sure you respect the local customs.

Safety tips

Holi is a crowded festival, and it is not always safe, especially for foreigners and women. Here are a few safety precautions you can remember.

Stay aware

Always stay aware of your surroundings. Preferably stay in a group. The festival of colors is fun, but it can often get rough. The crowds are also a good cover for thieves to steal belongings. So have fun, but stay alert.

Keep your belongings safe

A Holi celebration means large crowds, so don’t carry a lot of money with you where the chances of it getting stolen are high. You also don’t need to carry much else. We would recommend carrying a small bag with your phone, water bottle, and a small amount of money. There is not much else you would need. Also don’t forget to keep an eye on your belongings. If you are carrying a phone or a camera, make sure you cover it with waterproof casing so that it does not get ruined.

Be careful of the colors

In recent times, most of the colors used are pretty safe for everyone. However, there are still some colors in use that are permanent, containing metal, or simply not good for your skin. Make sure to be careful about the colors entering your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Do not indulge in too much bhang

Bhang lassi or bhang thandai are traditional Holi drinks made with cannabis and are consumed on this day in many parts of India. However, bhang is quite strong and can make you intoxicated. Plus, bhang is illegal in many states in India. Make sure to drink it with caution, especially if you are around strangers.

Stay hydrated

Holi takes place in March, when it is quite hot. Make sure you carry a bottle of water with you and stay hydrated. Most of the shops and restaurants are closed during the day as everyone celebrates the festival. If you are at a paid Holi party, it is likely that they will be selling packaged water at exorbitant prices. So it is best to carry a bottle of water, just in case.

Thandai is often made with bhaang during Holi (Picture credits: Hindustan Times)

Things to keep in mind

Here are a few things you should keep in mind when you celebrate Holi.

Don’t throw color on animals

You will find a lot of animals like stray dogs and cats, or horses, camels, or cows on the streets of India, depending on the region. A lot of people, in their over-enthusiasm, try to paint the animals as well, but the powders that are safe for us to use are often harmful for the animals. Paints thrown on animals can result in rashes on their body and even getting sick. So make sure you are not harming animals while having fun.

No matter how covered you are, the colors will stain your body.

Yes, Holi paint stains – even the organic, non-permanent ones will stain for a bit before you vigorously rub and wash the color off. One thing to make removing color easier is coconut oil. This stops the colored powders from absorbing into the skin. If you have light-colored hair, be ready to have it temporarily dyed for at least 3-4 days.

Paint is not the only thing people play with

Holi may be the festival of colors, but people do not play with just colors. There are also water balloons, squirt guns, bucket-loads of water, and sometimes even eggs. Be prepared for anything, although most of it is done in jest.

All Indians do not celebrate Holi

Holi is a Hindu festival. While people of other communities also celebrate and enjoy the festival, a lot of Muslim and Buddhist Indians do not celebrate this festival. So, do not try to engage in playing with anyone if you see that they are

Water balloons (Picture credits: JioMart)

Are you excited to celebrate Holi, the festival of colors in India? Let us know! At India Someday, we customize trips to India according to your interests and requirements. Contact us and we will plan the perfect trip  to India for you!