In partnership with
Travelers see them as an opportunity for fun, but beyond the colors, the festival holds meaning that tells the story of its people.
Gravité: The Men’s Cologne That Lasts All Day
Introducing Gravité: the Cologne for Men from Particle that lasts up to 12 hours, giving you an amazing smell all day long.
Gravité is a true standout, blending bright citrus, warm amber, and aromatic rosemary, and scientifically engineered to last all day.
Bold, masculine, and refined without being overpowering, Gravité is guaranteed to earn compliments and quickly become your everyday signature scent.
Treat yourself (or that special man in your life) and enjoy an exclusive 20% off plus free shipping with code BH20!
🇮🇳 A Festival Born From Mythology and Devotion 🤲🏾
Holi is one of the oldest and most widely celebrated festivals in India. It has documented roots in ancient Hindu scriptures, such as the Puranas, texts written between the 4th and 13th centuries CE. According to the Indian Ministry of Culture, the earliest textual references to Holi are found in the Narada Purana and the Bhavishya Purana. These texts describe ritual bonfires and communal celebrations related to the story of Prahlada, a devout follower of the god Vishnu, and his demonic aunt Holika, who died in a fire after attempting to kill him. The night of the bonfires—Holika Dahan—commemorates the triumph of devotion over evil.
Seventh-century historical records, including King Harsha's Sanskrit work Ratnaavali, refer to celebrations similar to Holi, suggesting that the festival predates even those writings in oral tradition.
As every year, Holi arrives in 2026 on March 2nd (Holika Dahan, the night of bonfires) and March 3rd (Rangwali Holi, the celebration of color). The dates change annually according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, specifically on the full moon of the month of Phalguna, which occurs between February and March.
🟡 More Than Just Colors 🩷
Holi is popular worldwide as a festival of colors; however, its significance for Indian communities runs much deeper.
The official national tourism agency (Tourism India) describes Holi as a festival of renewal that marks the end of winter, the beginning of spring, and a time of social leveling where caste, class, and social hierarchies are temporarily suspended.
Less internationally known, but locally traditional, Holi also celebrates the ripening of the spring harvest (rabi). Holika Dahan bonfires are used to roast grains and coconuts as an offering. These practices are documented in the state cultural records of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
🐘 Where Holi is Celebrated and Why Those Cities 🇮🇳
Holi is celebrated across most of India, but certain cities hold special significance:
Mathura and Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh): Considered the birthplace of Lord Krishna, the deity associated with Holi in its playful form. Here, celebrations begin up to 10 days before the main festival. These are among the oldest continuous celebrations in the country. The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Board recognizes these cities as the spiritual heart of Holi.
Barsana: Famous for Lathmar Holi, where women traditionally chase men with sticks. This act is a reenactment of a legend involving Krishna and the women of Barsana. The tradition is officially recognized and documented by the Uttar Pradesh cultural authority as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Jaipur (Rajasthan): It is known for its Elephant Festival celebrations, which historically took place around Holi. This tradition has been modified due to animal welfare regulations from the Rajasthan High Court.
Purulia (West Bengal): Dol Jatra is celebrated, a quieter processional version of Holi, where idols of Krishna and Radha are paraded through the streets.
🍠 The Color Powder: Origin, Material & Meaning
Have you ever wondered about the composition of "gulal" (colored powders) and how it has evolved? Perhaps not.
Want to find out? Keep reading.
Traditionally, gulal was made entirely from natural materials: dried flowers (particularly tesu or palash, Butea monosperma), turmeric, sandalwood, and neem leaves.
The palash flower produces an intense orange-red, the dominant color of Holi, and is considered sacred. The colors were not merely decorative; each had medicinal properties recognized in Ayurveda. Applying them to the skin was considered a seasonal health ritual.
The National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of India, has published research advocating a return to natural gulal. The study points out that many commercially produced powders contain synthetic dyes, industrial pigments, mica, and even heavy metals such as lead oxide and chromium. The mixture of these can cause skin and respiratory problems.
In response, some state governments have begun to promote certified organic gulal under the Make in India and Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC) schemes.
🔵 Practical Guidance: Advice From Experienced Travelers
Some cultural notices and travel groups, here are some tips that may be useful if you plan to go to Holi this year, or in the coming years.
🟢 Do:
Wear old, white clothes: white makes the colors pop. Wear clothes you don't mind losing and won't want to keep after the festival.
To prevent the pigment from staining your skin and hair, apply plenty of coconut oil or petroleum jelly to your skin and hair before the celebration. This makes removing the color much easier.
Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and valuables. For a more authentic and historically rich experience, prioritize the celebrations in Mathura, Vrindavan, or Barsana.
Stay hydrated: the festivities often last from dawn until dusk, under the full sun.
🔴 Don’t:
Do not wear contact lenses. Synthetic colored powder can cause severe eye irritation.
Do not attend celebrations alone, especially if you are traveling solo. It is best to go with a trusted group or join an organized cultural tour.
Do not apply color to anyone without their consent. The spirit of Holi is joyful participation, not coercion.
Avoid consuming bhang (a cannabis-based drink traditionally used in Holi). It is best to understand its potency and the legal context in each state.
Do not visit very large, commercialized Holi events in major cities. If you are looking for a culturally rooted experience, smaller neighborhood celebrations are often more respectful and safer.
The Science-Backed Solution for Eyebags, Dark Spots & Wrinkles
Reduce eyebags, dark spots and wrinkles with the #1 selling anti-aging solution for men. Based on advanced clinical research, Particle Face Cream ensures you look and feel your best every day. Get 20% off now with the code BH20!
See you next time,
