Holi 2023: When is it, what is it and how is the festival of colours celebrated around the world

The Hindu festival of Holi returns for celebrations once again this year. The festival is also known as the "festival of love", "festival of spring" and the "festival of colours”, and is celebrated in many communities across the world.

The festival of Holi serves as a reminder of good over evil, reflecting the Hindu belief that faith and devotion leads to salvation that can be attained by everyone who believes. Many believe the festival marks the beginning of Spring, and the end of winter.

Holi is celebrated by Hindus in Bangladesh and Pakistan, plus other countries with large diaspora populations like Suriname, South Africa, and Malaysia. The United Kingdom and the United States also hold parties, concerts, and events across the country, making it possible for many to join the festivities.

The celebrations are often separated into two days, known as Jalanewali Holi and Rangwali Holi. Jalanewali Holi is the day in which families and friends gather to celebrate together and will traditionally light a bonfire. The celebrations sometimes include throwing grains, popcorn and chickpeas into the bonfire. Rangwali Holi celebrates the beginning of spring.

So, when is Holi and how is it celebrated? Here’s everything you need to know about the festival.

When is Holi?

Rangwali Holi falls on March 8, 2023.

The story of Holi

Holi gets its name from Holika, the demoness sister of evil King Hiranyakashyap in Hindu mythology. National Geographic states that Holi comes from a story in which “the villainous king tried to forbid his son Prahlad from worshipping one of the Hindu gods, Vishnu, but Prahlad persisted despite his father”.