3 Things to Know About Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colours Happening on March 18

Typically celebrated with coloured powder, water balloons and sweets, Holi falls on March 18 and is one of the most fun and vibrant Hindu celebrations

This Friday (March 18), Hindus around the world will celebrate Holi—one of India’s most colourful, vibrant, and joyous festivals that celebrates the beginning of spring.

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While large celebrations typically take place in India and not as much in Singapore, it is still an important and significant holiday that holds a lot of importance to Hindus everywhere.

Locally, Singaporeans tend to mark the occasion by visiting friends and family and sitting down to a meal together.

Curious about Holi? Read on to find out everything you need to know about the celebration and the symbolic activities that are carried out on this day.

1. It marks the beginning of spring

Above Photo: Unsplash

Holi is typically celebrated in March and the date is determined according to the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna. This month, the festival will be taking place on March 18.

The festival marks the beginning of spring and the end of a long winter. It is also symbolic of the triumph of good over evil after Lord Vishnu emerged victorious in his battle against Narasimha Narayana over Hiranyakashipu.

The day is one of celebration and symbolises love, forgiveness, new beginnings and more.

2. It is celebrated with coloured powder, water balloons and sweets

Above Photo: Unsplash

Celebrations for Holi typically begin one day before the actual festival. On the eve of Holi, large pyres will be lit around India to signify the burning of evil spirits, according to Time. People will often throw wood, leaves and twigs into these fires.

On the day of Holi, people will take to the streets to commemorate the occasion with coloured powder that will be thrown at friends and family, water guns and water-filled balloons.

While the colours might seem random to the uninitiated, they actually hold a lot of meaning. Red, for instance, symbolises love and fertility while green stands for new beginnings.

Families and friends will later gather for a meal and exchange sweets with each other.

3. You can celebrate it in Singapore too (though celebrations tend to be more muted)

Above Photo: Unsplash

In Singapore, Holi celebrations are not usually as elaborate, especially so now because of ongoing Covid-19 restricting events and social gatherings. However, there are still a number of restaurants that choose to commemorate the occasion.

If you are looking to celebrate Holi with a meal, you can opt for Tiffin Room’s new Holi menu that features a vibrant medley of authentic North Indian delicacies such as spicy tandoori-grilled chicken, crispy prawn fritters and pan-seared barramundi amongst other dishes.

If you are looking for something more fun and innovative, try Adda’s Holi menu; it features an imaginative menu by Michelin Starred Chef Mural. The menu includes chole kulche, dal kachori, dahi vada, palak pakodi chaat as well as colourful rainbow shooters for the occasion.

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holi hindus hindu holidays festival of colours spring what is holi

Tatler Asia

Everything You Need to Know About Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colours

1. It marks the beginning of spring

2. It is celebrated with coloured powder, water balloons and sweets

3. You can celebrate it in Singapore too (though celebrations tend to be more muted)