India is a country of many shades, which come alive even more spectacularly over the colourful festivities of Holi. Every year, India brings in the Spring with this riot of colours, intoxicating food and thumping music. The night before Holi is a time for families and friends to come together around a bonfire that marks the destruction of evil, called Holika Dahan. And the next day is a time for festivities where people take to the streets with gulal (coloured powder) and water guns in hand.
When: 9-10th March
Where: North India
What’s Special: There are many ways to celebrate Holi today, ranging from traditional temple rituals to eclectic parties with global DJs. The golden triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur especially come alive with some of the best parties in the country. For a more indigenous flavour, there’s the “Braj ki Holi” celebrated in the temple town of Vrindavan outside Delhi.